Leading in crisis

Dan Hall Dec. 16, 2020

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But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. ~ 2 Timothy 4:5

2020 is a great year to evaluate leadership and what it means to lead. Especially during a crisis.

Our nation has experienced a vicious political season, a raging pandemic that refused to subside, disruptive and, in some cases, destructive social upheaval, and volatile financial undulations. I grow weary of the word "unprecedented."

History is replete with similar seasons that provided leaders the opportunity to demonstrate great skill. Time nor space allow me even a brief overview of my lifetime, much less the 20^th century, much more less the last two millennia. But does anyone remember 2008 or 9/11?

And while we could have interesting and spirited debate around national or even local leaders and their decisions, many of us face the daily reality that there are some watching and listening to us as leaders, whether in our role as parents, pastors, business owners or managers, small group leaders, or any other kind of leader. If "all politics is local," there's nothing more local than my family, neighborhood, business, or church.

In Paul's message to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5, the old man instructs the young man how to lead through crisis with four basic principles.

#1. Keep your head in all situations—Stay calm and lead on

Leaders possess two important tools: a steady hand and steady voice. Both come from a steady heart and mind. Regardless of the hurricane I feel inside, composure breeds confidence in those looking at us. I have never looked back on a time I lost control in frustration as a father, husband or leader and thought, "Great job, Dan!" I can't un-say something, but I cansay later what I've had time to consider. That's why Paul challenges us in Philippians 4:6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

#2. Endure hardship—Suck it up, Buttercup

I do quite a bit of personal and relational ministry. I have a pretty deep empathy strain that can sometimes make me too "soft" with people. When there are deep wounds and fears, we find great comfort in the Holy Spirit's ministry to us.

There are times, however, we must rise above our self-pity, myopic egocentricity, and our demand for comfort, and just draw on Jesus for strength to lead… because our people need us.

#3. Do the work of an evangelist—Lead people to focus on Christ

Regardless of the challenge people may be facing, their ultimate source of life, hope, and wisdom is Jesus. Two of my favorite verses are John 1:4: "In Him was life and that life was the light of all mankind," and James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

There are two prayers I regularly pray when asked for counsel. First, "God, I know You love them more than I do, so help me both represent You and lead them to You." Second, "Father, you know what they need so give me wisdom on what to say." I would humbly recommend both prayers to anyone in a leadership role.

#4. Discharge all the duties of your ministry—Take care of those entrusted to us

When all is said and done, we can't let the chaos swirling around us or foaming within us prevent us from doing what we need to do to care for those looking to us. When we lay down at the end of the day, our sense of fulfillment is more often greater when we invest life into others, thanking God for the privilege to care for His kids.

Again, Paul helps us as he reflects on God's response to his own prayer during his own stressful season:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

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Dan Hall served as senior pastor in three churches for more than 25 years, from a church plant right out of college to a multiethnic fellowship of 5000 with over 40 nationalities. Over the last 10 years, he has served as a coach and consultant to senior pastors and executive teams in the areas of generosity, strategic alignment and leadership development. After an accident left him a quadriplegic in 2016, Dan has expanded his ministry to include “Emerging from the Shadow,” sharing his journey from near death to a new beginning. Learn More »

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