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Leadership has been defined as "moving people from where they are to where we want them to be." While this statement has some truth to it, a large dimension of an effective leader's task is empowering those we lead to make decisions and even become leaders themselves.
Part of the disciple-making process leaders are charged with includes leadership development. As we empower those around us to grow in Christ, supply them with tools and resources to complete assigned tasks, and give them permission to dream big and even make mistakes, we assist them in becoming the disciples and leaders God desires.
When leading to empower, there are three tasks the leader is to personally undertake for the growth of those he is leading. Geiger and Peck (Designed to Lead, 171) understand that to empower others means providing knowledge, experience, and coaching.
1. Knowledge begins in the head, moves to the heart, and is lived out in the hands. What do those we are leading need to know, value, and do to grow? When we provide head knowledge, we help those we lead to have an intellectual understanding.
When we provide heart knowledge, we help those we lead to see the value of an idea or action and to then own that value for themselves. When we provide hand knowledge, we give skills to accomplish the task at hand.
The transfer of knowledge does not only need to come from formal meetings, but from informal conversations over coffee, or informal situations such as big wins or hurtful tragedies.
2. Leading to empower also means the leader seeks to provide experiences for his people to grow. The leader who does not allow his people to speak up, be in charge, and make decisions will see his people either leave for better opportunities or shrink in their positions, only meeting the minimum expectations.
Give your people opportunities to serve. Challenge them to step out of their comfort zones; encourage them to jump into something new. For some this may be teaching a Sunday school class, for others it may be serving on the nursery rotation, and for others it may be serving as a greeter.
Whatever the activity, empower your people by providing them experiences to learn and grow.
The leader who does not allow his people to speak up, be in charge, and make decisions will see his people either leave for better opportunities or shrink in their positions, only meeting the minimum expectations.
3. Leading to empower also involves coaching those we are leading. A coach is wise in his instruction and intentional in his application.
As a coach, seek to apply the truth of Scripture to various situations. Ask questions and get your people to think through difficult issues instead of providing answers yourself.
It is tempting to swoop in and solve every issue, but doing this will stifle the growth of your people. Coaching also includes appropriate praise. Take time to praise your team and your church. Make a big deal even about small wins. Avoid exaggerating as well as flattery, and be specific in your praise and encouragement.
A leader who practices providing knowledge, experience, and coaching will continue to see his team and his church grow.
Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck,Designed to Lead(Nashville, B&H, 2016).
 | Brad Delaughter serves as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church De Soto, MO. Brad is married to his bride, Kristin, and together they have 4 crazy kids (Jackson, Michaela, Jase, and Jacob). In addition to serving as Lead Pastor, Brad also serves as a hospital chaplain, is the Director for National Sustainability and Missouri Team Lead for Prison Seminaries Foundation and is an adjunct professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn More » |
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