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Leadership Development

Mobilizing Women to Leadership

A Leader Must be Willing

To Lead

Being a leader requires that a person be willing to lead—to take the initiative, to be out front, to blaze a trail for those who will follow. Leadership demands more and has higher standards than those required of a follower.

To Hear From God

A godly leader must be willing to hear from God. Inconsistent living, wrong attitudes and selfish ambition will be dealt with when a person is called to lead. A repentant heart hears God more clearly. Taking time to hear from Him gives the leader vision, and helps her set goals for the work. Before Moses could lead the people "out of the camp to meet with God," he went up to God on more than one occasion. The people saw him enter a special tent and saw the glory of God on his face when he emerged (Exodus 19:17; 33:7-9; 34:34, 35).

To Speak

A leader must be willing to speak what she hears from God. Verbally sharing ideas and convictions with those who follow brings understanding and sets the course for effective ministry. "If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:8). A leader must not straddle the fence, but must clearly verbalize her personal convictions and the vision God has given her.

To Separate Herself

A leader must be willing to separate herself from the details in order to see the overview. She must ask, "How is the schedule or the program affecting the whole group? Is the Body being edified?" Personal agendas must be laid aside as she listens to what the Spirit is saying to the whole. "All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church" (1 Corinthians 14:26).

To Accept Extra Responsibility

A leader must be willing to accept extra responsibility: arriving earlier, staying later, grinding out a message or plans while others play, working harder, making decisions or just being available when someone needs help (James 3:1).

To Delegate

The rule of thumb is if a person can do thejob 80 percent as well as you can do it, then give them the job. Trying to do everything yourself will lead to burnout. Learn to give responsibility to others and you will begin to cultivate new leaders.