A reluctant but effective leader

Bob Russell Jan. 7, 2020

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Gideon didn’t envision himself becoming a courageous leader. In fact, when the angel of the Lord first appeared to him, this Old Testament hero was threshing grain in a clandestine pit, hiding from the Midianite barbarians who had ravaged the land and confiscated anything of value. Indeed, when the angel addressed him as a “mighty warrior,” Gideon may have considered this greeting a sarcastic putdown. 

When the angel issued his first directive—to demolish the popular altar to Baal—Gideon was reluctant to obey. Many of his own people worshipped this false god, including his own father. So Gideon carried out the deed at night, hoping no one would learn of his culpability. Not exactly a gusty call to national repentance!  

A miniscule army

Gideon’s next daunting challenge was to lead the Israelites against the Midianite army. These soldiers “had settled in the valley, thick as locusts” (Judges 7:12). When God pared Gideon’s forces down to a mere 300 men, he was a nervous wreck.

To instill confidence, God provided Gideon with several supernatural signs. Fire flared up from nowhere, consuming his sacrifice (Judges 6:21). One morning He soaked a fleece of wool with dew while the threshing floor around it remained bone dry. When Gideon requested the reverse occur, the next day God dramatically answered that prayer as well (Judges 6:36-40).

In spite of all these impressive affirmations that the Lord was with him, Gideon still felt apprehensive. That night God patiently escorted him to the fringe of the Midianite camp, where Gideon overheard a troubled enemy soldier relate a dream about a loaf of bread coming down the mountainside before crushing his tent. His tent mate shuddered, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands” (Judges 7:14).

Powerful leaders

In response, Gideon worshipped God. He realized the enemy was afraid of him! He ordered his 300 soldiers to surround the camp, blow their trumpets, flash their torches, and terrorize the enemy into fleeing for their lives. The Israelites then proclaimed Gideon to be a powerful leader.

Some people, like King Solomon and the Apostle Paul, instinctively know they are gifted to lead and are eager to begin. However, like Gideon, many effective leaders are initially reluctant to take charge. King Saul tried to hide, Moses gave a list of excuses, Esther hesitated, Jonah ran away, and Ananias protested that Saul of Tarsus was dangerous. Despite this, God used each of them in significant leadership roles.

I have known preachers who went kicking and screaming into the ministry because they were terrified of public speaking. Years later, they still toss and turn on the night before they are to speak. And yet, Christ is exalted and people are moved by their meaningful messages the next day.

Maybe reluctant leaders are effective because they are perceived as humble and people respond affirmatively to their lack of arrogance. Perhaps they are effective because fear motivates them to spend more time in preparation. Often, reluctant leaders are effective simply because they are more apt to trust in God than in their own abilities. 

God’s calling

The bottom line? If God calls you to lead, it doesn’t really matter whether you feel like doing it. Or, whether you envision yourself a dynamic leader. Just recall God’s words to Gideon in Judges 6:14: “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

Such a divine call will enable any mere human to become an effective leader, even when this leader is as outnumbered as badly as Gideon. If leaders could accomplish great feats through their own strength, they wouldn’t need God!

Photo source: istock 

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More »

• A multicultural church avoids intracultural leadership (by Bob Whitesel)
• 5 church communication resolutions (by Mark MacDonald)
• Eight unforced errors churches make (by Thom Rainer)
• Do you speak ‘guest’? Learning to speak community lingo (by Mark MacDonald)

Free eBook

Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry

Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.

Download Now