Matters of Faith: Weekly Column.

“Follow the Leader!”

By Reverend J. Loren Russell

 

Judges 5:2 HCSB

“When the leaders lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, praise the Lord.”

 

The fifth chapter of Judges contains the Song of Deborah, which is one of the oldest songs in the Bible. This song was written to celebrate the victory of the Israelites over the wicked Sisera and the Canaanite people. Some victories are won by collaborating leaders. The leadership collaborative between Deborah and Barak led to the victory.

Godly leadership, like the leadership of Deborah and Barak are willing to trust and follow the direction of God. Followers of such leadership requires followers who are willing to obey their directive. Equally as important is the fact that leaders are not discouraged because some do not follow their leadership. The story of Deborah and Barack’s leadership suggests that followers have a willingness to fight.

Some leaders think that the way to lead is through fear and intimidation. Effective leaders understand that coercion of any kind is not true leadership. Raising people’s expectations of what they can do, encouraging personal growth and development, helping people to discover and stepping into their greatest potential, is real leadership. Effective leadership is all about empowerment.

Effective leaders are first servants of the Lord, then servants to the people. They love and care about those they lead, and they take responsibility for equipping those they lead to be leaders themselves. They also help their followers identify their gifts, talents, and skills. Leaders affirm, encourage, and help their followers to develop and use their new-found gifts to become leaders themselves.

The text expresses in one sentence the essence of effective leadership; leaders led, the people volunteered, and the Lord was praised.

Whether you are at a Godly-based leadership level or in a development stage, real Christian leadership should foster tangible change. That kind of change deepens the commitment to glorify the Lord. Follow the leader!

Be Blessed!

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of both LaGree Baptist Church and the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on YouTube and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smash words.com/books/view/993177.