Calling All Leaders
What makes a good leader? What makes a great leader?
Certainly critical aspects would be someone who possesses compassion and understanding. If they can’t understand you, then how can they lead you? Sure, one can lead without understanding and little to no compassion, but I am talking about great leaders, not ones that people follow out of fear or without a choice.
Years ago, when my husband first started as the children’s pastor at our very large church, one of his first responsibilities was to lead the annual Vacation Bible School program. The number of children and volunteers went way beyond anything we had experienced in the past.
The first night of the program Murphy’s Law ensued and madness seemed rampant. He was doing a great job, considering he had only started weeks before, but even so, he was very discouraged. His boss was there, watching the insanity, and it seemed to build as the night barreled on, along with the unending stream of problems…or should I say “opportunities.” Well, the opportunities were endless.
What happened next I will never forget, I can see it clearly even now. As I overlooked from the lobby, among all the chaos, his boss approached him calling over one of my husband’s friends. They got into a circle with their arms on each of his shoulders and they prayed for him. I stood in shock. Along with the extreme number of children and volunteers, this too was something we had not experienced previously. As tears streamed down my face, I knew we were in the right place. I had fully expected him to be reprimanded; and I am sure he feared the same as well.
Fast-forward ten years, and to say that my husband has done a great job would be a gross understatement. Biased, I know, but it is true. What Pastor Tim Winters poured in ten years ago, which took only minutes, has had far reaching results.
Whoever you are leading—whether it be your own children, a team at work, or a ministry—remember to be an understanding, compassionate leader. It will go a long way. It may even span across ten years time.
Amen!!! I couldn’t agree with u more, Lu!!! Coming from your hubby’s #2 fan!!!! 😉 I will “let” u b the #1…. Lol but I’m a super close 2nd! 😉 He definitely is a BLESSIN 2 not only all of the children who attend SOTH, but the parents ~ even more so!!!! We sooooo APPRECIATE the wonderful Man of God that he is!!! We praise God that y’all have continued to stay at SOTH, as I know soooooo many lives/families have been blessed thru ur family!!! <3 U already know I think your husband is 1 of THEE greatest leaders!!! So, no! I would have to disagree! You aren't being biased… He IS all that!!!! And MORE ;))) love you guys!!!! And great post-as always, Lu!!!!! 2 thumbs up!!! 🙂
Carol, thank you so much!
Lu … it has been exciting being a part of your families journey. Love your hubby and his love for our children.
Thank you, Tim! And thank you for being a compassionate and understanding leader! We appreciate you!
Love Pastor Tim! One of my favorite quotes is, “If you’re leading and no one’s following, you’re just out for a walk!” The one book on management I often refer to is Lead Like Jesus. Whether Christian or not, it’s just the best book on leadership I’ve read.
Thanks, Fawn! Love that quote! Thank you for reading and for your comment. I’ll have to check out that book. And yes, Pastor Tim is pretty special!
Love this! As a pastor’s wife as well, I am very familiar with what chaos can seem to happen during ministry, especially children’s ministry, lol!
But I can also attest to God’s faithfulness, just as you did, when we gather and pray for our ministry and those who are ministering alongside us as well as those we are ministering too. God always comes through in a big way.
Unfortunately, sometimes you DO see some who have forgotten to take it up with the Lord instead of the leader, and forget to look at it through God’s eyes and not their own.
Thanks so much for linking up last week and just wanted to say that the “Making Your Home Sing Monday” linky party is live and ready for your posts! 🙂
Thank you Nan!