Healthy Leader – Really?
“You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”
Over the last number of years in the ABNWT District, we have repeatedly heard the phrase, “healthy leaders lead healthy ministries.” It’s hard to question the soundness of this quote. But for anyone who desires to live and lead with integrity, that simple phrase begs a very personal, follow-up question. “Am I a healthy leader – really?” How do I know?
What does a healthy leader look like? Please consider the following five essential qualities of leader health as they pertain to vocational and Kingdom ministry.
Healthy leaders focus on current steps in the ‘leadership journey’ rather than on some ethereal, future ‘destination.’ Paul, near the end of his multifaceted ministry, makes the self-disclosing statement that he does not consider himself to have attained any noteworthy position, but rather continues to press forward, finding contentment in whatever condition he encounters. Healthy Leaders have learned to lead fully in the moment, resting in the present will and purpose of God for their life and rejecting discontent that arises from the ‘myth of the greener grass’. (Philippians 3:12, 4:1)
Healthy leaders are candid in their self-appraisal: neither boastful nor critical, simply honest. They are not afraid of in-depth self-assessment. This practice is not meant to engender self-condemnation but rather to be used as a measurement for personal growth. They recognize that ‘cures and remedies’ can only benefit those who know and accept the reality of their current condition. Healthy leaders do not lie to themselves about their emotional, physical or spiritual health. (Proverbs 23:7)
Note: In the ABNWT District, we have adopted a self-assessment and follow-up tool to help us measure our health. Learn more about the Thriving Leaders Assessment.
Healthy leaders recognize the need to work within the parameters of the gifts and skills they have been given by God. They accept the role God has called them to fill and are not envious of others who lead in different roles. They rest comfortably in the knowledge that they have leadership limitations, and those limitations actually increase their usefulness for God’s purpose. When that truth is owned and accepted, they no longer feel the need to fabricate strengths they do not possess. Recognizing and learning to function within these boundaries cancels the power of ‘having to perform for approval.’ Acceptance of personal limitations becomes the first step in releasing the limitless power of God through the leader’s weaknesses. (Romans 12:3)
Healthy leaders ask for help. They reject the notion that they can carry the full weight and responsibility of their position alone. Even a notable leader like Moses learned, while fighting a strategic battle against the Amalekites, that he could not succeed on his own. Fortunately, he was wise enough to accept Aaron and Hur’s help. That help secured the victory. Healthy leaders are decisive but never independent. They surround themselves with others who can counsel, encourage and protect them. They form accountability partnerships, employ life coaches, and seek the help of counsellors. Independence invariably leads to calamity. (Exodus 17)
Healthy leaders grasp and accept that they cannot lead effectively in their own strength. Success is assured by surrender and not by performance. It is the Holy Spirit who works in us to will and do God’s good pleasure. Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, depended entirely on the anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out God the Father’s leadership plan for His life. He declared that ‘by Himself, He could do nothing’. Healthy leaders understand that they are simply providing an imperfect conduit through which the limitless power of God, the Holy Spirit, can flow. Stress in ministry is greatly reduced when leaders understand that the responsibility for results rests, not on them, but on Jesus, who has invited them to participate in the eternal plan God has already drafted and endorsed. (2 Corinthians 12:10, Philippians 2:13)
Adopting these principles and engaging with them regularly helps ensure long-term health in ministry
Al is an experienced pastor and counselor who works out of our ABNWT District Resource Centre in Edmonton as the Pastoral Care Coordinator. A pastor to the pastors, Al is a friend, mentor, and confidante to all.