Pastors of Growing Churches Possess the Gift of Leadership
by Wesley S. K. Daniel

Pastors of growing churches possess the gift of leadership. In Romans 12:6-8 we read, "We We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us." If a person's gift is leadership, let that person govern diligently. The Greek word for leadership is proistemi, which literally means, one who stands in-front of.

When we say the gift of leadership, what do we really mean? The gift of leadership is the special ability God gives to certain members in the church to determine the vision, to lead, and to set goals and objectives in accordance with God's purposes in such a way that they work harmoniously to accomplish those goals for the glory of God.

When one closely studies definitions of leadership. it becomes clear that it is impossible for a leader to exercise his or her gifts without a vision in accordance with God's will for the future. Visioning is a part of the gift of leadership. To put it another way, it is impossible to exercise the gift of leadership without possessing a clear-cut vision or a picture of a preferred future.

The gift of leadership requires the leader to effectively communicate his or her vision to the people so that it becomes a shared vision of all of God's people. I believe the ability to effectively articulate and communicate the vision to the people is a critical ingredient of being a gifted leader.

Therefore, pastors of growing congregations are leaders who possess the gift of leadership, which includes the ability to lift up the vision before God's people, diligently set goals and strategies to reach that vision, effectively communicate that vision so that the body of Christ will take ownership, and vigorously pursue and work harmoniously toward the fulfillment of that vision.

Wesley S. K. Daniel, former staff of the General Board of Discipleship, is now serving as a superintendent in the Des Moines District of the Iowa Annual Conference.

Posted 3-1-04.