Theology and Leadership

After reading A Theological Primer on Leadership by Mark Lamport, I thought I would write down a few of the main ideas of leadership described, if only to help me organize my thoughts about the ideas.

Throughout the Bible, God searches for leaders with the following criteria:

• Who seek after his heart (I Sam 13)
• Who deal honestly, and seek truth (Jeremiah 5:1)
• Who embrace their roles as stewards (Luke 16:1-15; I Cor 4:14)
• Who are servants, and not overpowering (Acts 19:16,27; I Thess 2:1-16)
• Who aspire leadership, but not for self gain (1 Tim 3:1; Jer 45:5)

Lamport asks and suggests answers to four primary questions:

1. How shall we describe leadership: Any person who influences people to accomplish a purpose. I am a worship leader at church -- attempting to influence others to worship -- specifically through singing. I am a leader in the classroom, attempting to influence my students think in a particular way. I am not actively trying to be a leader among my colleagues.
2. Who qualifies as a leader? An person who influences people to accomplish a purpose.  
3. How are godly leaders developed?  Potential leaders are developed over a lifetime of seeking God's will throughout many positive and negative life experiences which shape and mold you.
4. What are some of the qualities of an effective leader?  
• Vision - seeing how things could be
• Diligence - Doing the necessary work
• Determination - persevering in spite of unfavorable circumstances
• Sacrifice - giving oneself in selfless and loving service to others
• Reliance - Consistently depending on God for strength