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Leadership
Definition: The capacity to see the big picture, set goals, and organize people and systems to achieve them efficiently.
What it means
The spiritual gift of leadership is a divine ability God gives to some to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others. Those with the motivational gift of leadership are the “head” of the body. They see the overall picture and set long-term goals; they are good organizers and find efficient ways of getting work done. Although they may not seek leadership, they will assume it when no leader is available. They receive fulfillment when others come together to complete a task.
Purpose in the Body
To guide the administration and stewardship of the gospel of Christ
To get all gifts and ministries working together with God-given potential
To serve the body by initiating and coordinating Spirit-directed tasks
To exercise God-ordained authority in ministries within their sphere of responsibility
Practical Example
A workday was called for a larger congregation. It involved many repair, maintenance, and minor construction projects. Many volunteers were needed. A man who also led a large business was engaged to organize the service day. Behind the scenes he labored to enlist volunteers, cast vision for the day of service, procure the tools and supplies appropriate to each project. On the workday, he simply walked around from project to project with his clipboard and notes. He didn’t do any work except that of walking among the volunteers to commend them and to see if they had any needs. While it looked like he was not doing anything that day, he had done much work to prepare for that day. He earned the right to enjoy watching the fulfillment of the work he had done behind the scenes. He also gave the credit to the volunteers from the position of faith that God would work through them.
I also observed him being part of a group that he was not leading. It was very frustrating to him to observe and experience the leadership of someone who was laisse fair, spontaneous, and unorganized. Several times he stepped in to provide leadership in the vacuum of leadership that was most evident. This was a test for him to grow in patience and to respond to the leadership of another.
Profile of Motivational Gifts
"…we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…" - Romans 12:6
Speaking Gifts (I Peter 4:11)
Serving Gifts (I Peter 4:11)
Living Out Your Gift
Understanding your motivational gift is only the beginning. The functions, qualities, and actions below paint a picture of how this gift naturally shows up in your life, and where grace can sharpen it further. Read through each section prayerfully and consider how these patterns reflect your own experience.
Functions of the Gift
- Gives leadership to aid others
- Comes alongside and imparts strength (Neh.)
- Able to exercise faith in projects (Neh 2:20)
- Able to motivate and organize others (New 3)
- Supernaturally able to motivate others to use natural abilities (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
- Aware of resources available to complete a task (Nehemiah 2:7-8)
- Knows what can and cannot be delegated (Nehemiah 7:1-3)
- Fulfilled in seeing others come together and complete a task
- Moves on to a new challenge when a task is completed (Nehemiah 7:1)
Personal Qualities
- Desires to complete tasks as quickly as possible but with quality (Nehemiah 6:15)
- Willing to endure reactions from others in order to meet the goal (Psalm 112:7)
- Assumes leadership if no leadership exists (Nehemiah 2:11-16)
- Grieved when purposes of God are not being realized (Nehemiah 1:3-4; 2:3)
- Gives credit to workers rather than self (Nehemiah 4:6)
- Able to lead steadfastly in the face of criticism (Nehemiah 4:23)
- May contribute funds to aid success of projects; does not want to burden people (Nehemiah 5:14-19)
Positive Actions
- Delegate responsibilities as an expression of diligence for the task, not to avoid work (Nehemiah 4:23)
- Maintain a prayerful and persevering spirit in the face of criticism (Nehemiah 4:4)
- Be careful to explain the why as well as the what of tasks so other workers sense the value of their contribution to the overall goal
- Commend people in their roles and services as gifted persons, not merely resources to be used for the project
- Maintain sensitivity to schedules, priorities, and stamina of others when motivating swift action to the common goal
How to Use This in Your Small Group
Small Group Questions
Motivational Gift Discussion & Application Guide
Meeting #1
Action:
Have everyone has complete the assessment. Now have group members share their three highest motivations. With each motivation they should share a practical example of how they see this motivation appearing in their lives.
Prayer Point:
Pray for each other appreciating how God has made each one and for the maximizing of the gifts that are the highest for them.
Meeting #2
Action:
This meeting have group members share their three lowest motivations. Get ready to laugh. With each motivation they should share an example from their life that demonstrates a deficit in each area.
Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking God to add people around them that are strong in the areas they exhibit weakness.
Meeting #3
Action:
The motivational gifts are often compared to parts of the human body as follows:
- Prophecy – eyes
- Service – hands
- Teaching – mind
- Giving – arms
- Exhortation – mouth
- Administration – head
- Mercy – heart
Question One: Have the group members pick one of these comparisons and describe how it is true or maybe not a good comparison.
Question Two: Have the group members describe how a person who is motivated by one gift (the eye) could easily misunderstand a person who is motivated by another gift (the heart). They can use any two motivations.
Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking for God’s help us to appreciate others who do not have like motivations as our own. Perhaps people could give specific names for prayer.
Meeting #4
Action:
Pick a particular scenario like for example visiting someone in the hospital and have group members each pick and describe how a person with one motivation might behave in this scenario. The group should cover all seven motivations. Other possible scenarios might be coming upon a traffic accident or helping someone prepare for an exam.
Prayer Point:
For this time just take prayer requests that might or might not be related to the motivational gifts.
Meeting #5 (allow extra time)
Action:
We want to demonstrate the strengths of each gift. Have everyone pick a motivation in which they are high and come prepared to demonstrate it in 5-7 minutes. Some suggestions follow:
- Prophesy – share something that is prophetic for some individuals or the whole group.
- Teacher – do a short teaching
- Exhortation – share an encouragement for some individuals or the whole group.
- Leadership – lead the group through a brief team building exercise.
- Serving – do something to serve the group (bring food or wash feet, etc.)
- Giving – bring a gift along for everyone.
- Mercy – pray for each person to be lifted out of any hardship they are experiencing.
Prayer Point:
To close this study, have each individual sit in the middle of the room and all pray for blessing on them as they go forth and use the spiritual gifts they have been given. Specific scriptures can be prepared ahead of time and shared as well with each group member.
Your Next Step Starts Here
One assessment is a great start. Use the resources below to go deeper into your God-given design, discover additional gifts, and begin living with greater purpose and clarity.
Discover Your Fivefold Ministry Gifts
Take this FREE fivefold ministry assessment to discover your ministry gifts. As you become aware of your spiritual gifts you will be more fulfilled as you grow and function in the areas where God has gifted you.
DOVE Global Leadership & Ministry School
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