What makes a great leader? Perhaps a better way of asking that question is, What kind of person do you want to follow?

In Cadre’s Leadership Genius of Hezekiah, we talk about three foundational components of leadership: competence, connection, and character. Without any of those, you’re not a leader at all. The bigger problem is that many leaders are great in one or two areas but fail miserably in another. And so their full leadership potential is never realized.

Psalm 78:72 describes King David’s leadership in this way: “And David shepherded [connection] them with integrity of heart [character]; with skillful hands [competence] he led them.”

Over the next three months, we’re going to spend some time looking at each of these foundations of leadership.

The first component (and probably the one that gets the most attention) is competence. Are you equipped with the skills to lead people? Do you know your abilities, and are you continuing to develop them to be the best you can be?

Leadership is the ability to influence others, so every Christian is called to be a leader in some form, whether you have a charismatic up-front personality with the gift of teaching, or a quiet, behind-the-scenes personality with the gift of mercy. But it’s essential that you know the way God has wired you so that you can lead from your strengths.

No one is good at everything… that’s why we have the Church! Each of us has different strengths and giftings, and when we work as a team, our ministry can be good at everything, even though individually we aren’t. On the other hand, if we try to lead in areas where we’re not skilled, we leave everyone frustrated. (Imagine someone who can’t sing a note trying to lead the choir… that’s about what it’s like!)

If this is a new idea for you, take some time to reflect on these questions:

1. •What has God uniquely gifted you to do well? (What do others compliment you on regularly? How has God used you to influence others? Check out Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 for some ideas.)
   

2. •Are you using these strengths in ministry? How? Are there ways you can better use the skills God has given you to serve others?
   

3. •Are you continuing to sharpen your skills to be the best you can be?
   

4. •What are your weaknesses? (What things do you find difficult to do well? What do you really hate doing?)
   

5. •Who in your ministry is good at and enjoys those things? How can you partner more with him or her so that you are both maximizing your strengths and delegating your weaknesses?
   

God has given you a unique combination of personality, skills, and experiences that no one else in this world has. Make it your goal to learn your giftings, grow your skills, and serve from your strengths so that God can shine more brightly in your ministry.

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using your gifts for God