Leaders Embrace Change

Leaders embrace change. This year I have learned this principle more than any other. Leaders take the initiative to confront and conquer any issues that diminish the well-being of their followers or interfere with their appropriate quality of life. By their words and actions, leaders help others change their world, and they help to preserve order amid change. This past year I watched so many leaders operate from fear. Leadership is understanding that dependence on God gives us the ability to function during uncertainty. Early on we decided to move forward with carefulness even in a crisis but without fear. The ministry appreciated firm forward looking faith instead of the wringing of our hands. As a result, while many other ministries failed or had extreme losses in momentum, our ministry moved forward and served others. Fear cripples in the crisis, but we learned that faith and rest in God and a steady hand as leaders reaps great benefits.

The influence that leaders have on a ministry is based largely on a willingness to have faith and courage in a crisis. Leaders are not afraid to go into the unknown and say, as Caleb, the Old Testament leader, “… give me this mountain …” (Joshua 14:12, NKJV). Leaders see the giants in the land as an opportunity, not as a threat.

How do we embrace and understand change? In Leading Change, John Kotter identifies several characteristics of effective leadership. Among these are: 

• Necessity – Leaders must embrace and see that leadership is needed in the crisis

• Urgency – Leaders must view the crisis with a sense of urgency action

• Vision – Leaders must develop a vision for the crisis

• Communication – Leaders must communicate the vision to the ministry

• Teamwork – Leaders must build a team for the crisis

Since biblical leaders know that the foundation is sure in the Word of God, they must think more clearly, work smarter, dream bigger, and reach higher to know him and to make him known.

On an individual basis we must ask:

• In what ways am I operating from a fearful point of view?

• How does this limit my ability to influence the ministry in a positive way?

• If I am to lead effectively, how, and what must I change to operate in faith and with courage?

Key Quotation

The influence that leaders have on a ministry is based largely on a willingness to have faith and courage in a crisis.

Dr. Mark A. Smith, Columbia International University