Effective Leadership Characterize by Vision
Apostles – Effective Leaders Commitment to Follow Jesus
Apostles are effective leaders who lead by following the vision and direction of Jesus Christ.
Acts 6 starts with a test of the effective leaders, Apostles, commitment to follow Jesus as they pastor the First Century Mega Church. As the First Century Church, experienced phenomenal growth problems surfaced internally. An excellent criterion to assess the effectiveness of a leader is to gauge the effectiveness of him taking critical decisions in solving problems.
One internal problem the First Century Church experienced was a complaint made by the Grecians against the Hebrews or Jews, Acts 6:1.
At that time, the Church consisted mainly of Hebrews but, nevertheless, contained many diverse nations, the Grecians being one of them. The Grecians complained their widows were neglected during the daily serving of meals, Acts 6:1 – 2.
The Jews believed it is a sin to eat with none Jews, Acts 10:28. However, this is the Church of Jesus Christ that practice does not apply here. In the Church, we are all alike to Christ and equal in his eyes.
Maybe the Jews served the Hebrews women first, and then serve the Grecians later or not at all. Obviously, this situation persisted for a while, until it became a problem and before the Twelve Apostles knew of its existence. This situation served as a test of the Apostles’ effective leadership for if not handled properly it could affect the church negatively.
Effective Leaders Delegate Responsibilities
The Twelve Apostles demonstrated they were effective leaders by the manner in which they solved this problem. I think, one major trademark of effective leaders, or Apostles, is taking appropriate and crucial decisions in a timely manner. The Apostles solved this problem by delegation.
The Twelve instructed the complement of disciples to choose seven deacons from among themselves. The Apostles promised the church they “may appoint over this business,” the deacons the congregation chose, Acts 6:3. With capable deacons dealing with this situation or any other, the Twelve Apostles can focus on core duties and responsibilities.
Deacons, today, while they should possess similar qualification do not function as these early deacons did.
I wrote about Deacons, their roles and qualification in the Church. Extra reading is available on this topic through the link provided.
It is apparent the Twelve Apostles were aware of their core role as leader of this First Century Mega Church for they remained focused and not distracted from their responsibility. Acts 6:4 summarizes the chief responsibility of the Twelve Apostles:
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
If effective leadership principles are applied consistently, a small congregation is just as easily managed as a large one. The first principle being, effective leaders remained focused on their main objectives and do not attempt to do everything by themselves. Effective leaders remain focused on their vision because they delegate responsibility to chosen people. Effective leadership explains criteria for qualification for their delegates. These leaders are not chosen randomly but by defined standards for their job functions are important to the success of the Apostles. They work as a team.
Effective Leaders Give Themselves Continually to Core Tasks
The Twelve Apostles understood to be effective leaders meant they have to remain effective in following Jesus Christ. This they maintained by building prayerful relationship with Christ then minister the Word they received through prayer and the Old Testament to the Church.
The Apostles devoted themselves “continually to prayer”. This lifestyle does not describe an infrequent or haphazard prayer life but a focused and prayerful life. The Twelve Apostles followed Christ by being in frequent and constant communication with him through prayer. This is one reason their prayers were very effective, powerful and answered quickly because they knew the mind of the Holy Ghost. Effective leaders pray effective prayers.
The Twelve Apostles being Hebrews had several daily prayer sessions. They had an hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour, Acts 3:1. Additional readings are available via the link provided on this aspect of the topic.
Effective Leaders Give Themselves Continually to Vision
Many of us, as Believers, and unbelievers do not see greater success in various areas of our lives because we do not give ourselves “continually” to what we do. We experience a burst of energy and we work at our jobs. However, after that initial burst of zeal diminishes we are irregular and inconsistent at our tasks. However, our overwhelming success is locked in our continual efforts.
The Ministry of the Word involves learning the Word of God and sharing its applications with the Church. However, this ministry also includes, healing the sick, signs, wonders and miracles. The Ministry of the Word affects every area of our lives, social, physical, emotional and spiritual. It is the Ministry of the Word of God through preaching and teaching which evidence the power of God in our lives.
The congregation chose seven deacons and the Apostles laid their hands on their heads and prayed for them.
Finally, by being focused and true to core responsibilities the Twelve Apostle demonstrated they are effective leaders who lead by following Christ. For, “the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith, “ Acts 6:7.
As Apostles, or leaders, whom you follow define how effective you function as a leader. Like the Apostles, effective leaders are people who lead by following the directions of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Get Exclusive Updates. Enter Your Email Address.
{ 3 trackbacks }