Words of The Day

Two Fundamental Characteristics of an Effective Leader

( Written by Angel Casiano)

In this article we will be able to see that being a leader goes beyond telling people what do. We will be able to see that just having people following you is not enough. Many followers are satisfied with this concept of just following somebody, because it takes away the responsibility that they also have to do their part in God's Kingdom. This mentality seems to also satisfy many of our current leaders as they are comfortable with the idea of members over disciples. All seems to be about the number of members and the size of the building. It is perhaps the reason why in our churches we have so many brothers and sisters doing absolutely nothing with their God-given talents.

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him." (Matthew 4:18-20)

Let's consider the following points:

1. An effective leader is able to see in people the potential that nobody else is able to see.

Jesus reached out to a completely disqualified group of folks according to the world's standards. Why? Because Jesus was able to see beyond their current condition.

2. An effective leader invests in the process of building up people to the realization of their call in life.

Many leaders feel that all they need to prove in order to show that they are leaders is to have people following them. As we look closely at these kinds of leaders we quickly notice that they have a new group of people following them by the month, as others leave them by the week. They are unable to keep followers for too long. Why? Because these leaders are emphasizing in the "Follow Me Mentality;" the "Serve Me Mentality," the, "It's all About Me Mentality" and the "I tell you what to do Mentality." Jesus did not only say, "Follow me." Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus invested in these men and out of twelve disciples He kept eleven, who were faithful to Him until the very end. Even through the many persecutions and hatred from the world, they stood faithful until the end.

We conclude then, that the greatest evidence of an effective leader is found in the productivity of his/her spiritual children; not in the number of followers and the size of your building. If you are a leader reading this article today, asks yourself this question: If you die today, who is ready to take your place? Jesus' disciples shined the brightest after Jesus was gone; but they shined with God's glory; the only glory that counts. You can't be an effective leader if you are intimidated by your disciples; you can't be an effective leader if you are jealous of your spiritual sons and daughters; if you are afraid of letting them go. A mature leader understands that all glory belongs to our God. Jesus understood these principles and was not afraid of saying "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12)

The author holds a B.A in Sociology with a Minor in Education. Over eighteen years experience in the Social Work field and over ten years experience in Various Ministries. E-mail Angel at angelcasiano@aol.com or write at PO Box 3506 Jacksonville, Fl. 32206

God Bless