BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

Insights on leadership relevant today

Effective leadership is critical in the life of a church and cannot be neglected or ignored.

While serving in Florida, Dr. Harold Bennett, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1967 to 1979, addressed the importance of leadership. Having served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention for eight years when Dr. Bennett served as president and chief executive officer of the Executive Committee, I found his leadership to be capable during a critical time in Southern Baptist life.

In my article this week and next, I will share with you his insights on leadership. I think you will agree this article is as viable today as when Dr. Bennett wrote it.

Personal Assets for Church Leaders  

Personal leadership development for Christian workers is of primary importance if we are to carry out the Great Commission effectively. Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone, everywhere. How we go is the subject of this article.

I would like to share with you some working concepts on developing a leadership style that exhibits care and affirmation for persons. I have gleaned these concepts from experience and observation and believe that the following ideas can be helpful for all leaders in Sunday school.

1. Recognize the true value of persons.—Jesus taught that a person is more important than the Sabbath (Mark 2:27), or a sparrow (Matthew 10:31), or a sheep (Matthew 12:12). Jesus graphically illustrated the value of a person’s life when he said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

In the busyness of life, the worth of a soul may be overlooked. People are not stepping-stones; they are God’s creation, to whom God’s people are to minister.

2. Exercise the power of concentration.—A leader forces his mind to focus on the task at hand and thereby concentrates his powers, efforts and attention on the assignment God has given him.

A leader may make the excuse that he does not have time to read. Thus he will not know the details of his assignment. A leader must make time to read and study because there is no excuse for being uninformed.

3. Develop a sense of humor.—A sense of humor may not be required for church leaders, but it helps! The admonition don’t take yourself too seriously is important. A leader should develop the ability to stand outside himself and smile at the way he is acting or at what he is saying.

4. Plant the faith seed.—The Bible teaches that it is impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6).

God has placed the seed of faith in the lives of church leaders. The prophet Haggai penned a question which deserves contemplation. He wrote, “Is the seed yet in the barn?” (Hag. 2:19). If the seed is still in the barn, it cannot have been planted and, therefore, will not bring forth fruit. A leader must plant his life—this faith seed—in order that there might be fruit.

5. Seek excitement in preparation.—Leaders must prepare to lead. Preparation is not a humdrum assignment but an exciting opportunity. Unless there is excitement in preparation there cannot be excitement in presentation. Sharing the good news about Christ is an exciting assignment.

During next week’s article I will share with you Dr. Bennett’s thoughts on five additional assets of effective church leaders.

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You may contact Dr. John Sullivan at 1-800-226-8584, ext. 3015, or by e-mail.