Leadership: How to make a splash
8th November 2011 by Claire Hill
Are you excited about the work that Jesus is doing in your life?
Do you feel called to leadership in your church?
Do you want to be used by God to make a difference in your congregation and community?
I think some of us answer “yes” to all three of these and then wait (sometimes with growing frustration) for someone to offer us a leadership role or title.
Young people: God can use you powerfully to influence your church. You don’t need to wait for anything formal to happen to get started. You can have a huge impact – starting today.
Here are just 5 things you can do to start with …
1. Be the first to pray
When your corps officer or worship leader says: “Would someone from the congregation like to pray?” go for it. Lift your voice and pray passionately on behalf of the congregation.
Model passionate prayer and intercede on behalf of your congregation. Prayer is powerful!
2. Share your testimony
If your church has open testimony times, embrace that opportunity to share about the good things Jesus has been doing in your life recently.
If you don’t have these regularly at your church – ask your corps officer if you can have 5 minutes one Sunday morning to share your story with the church.
Oh – and you don’t need to save your testimony for the in-church-service moments either. Share your testimony with people through conversation!
Your story and/or your eagerness to share about Jesus is likely to inspire and challenge.
3. Be a speaker-of-life
Make a decision to be someone who always speaks words of hope, life, possibility and encouragement. Go out of your way – finding creative ways to do this. And choose not to join in with conversations where people are being critical of your corps officers or anyone else within the church.
Your words can help shape people’s faith and affect the culture of your church.
4. Get to know someone old
Is there an older person in your church that you’ve never had a conversation with?
If not – congratulations!
If so – go out of your way this Sunday to meet them and have a good chat with them. Ask them questions about their life, their family, how long they’ve been coming to the church for, etc. If you’re game – spend time praying with them at the end of your conversation.
This action is likely to help promote unity in your church. It just might help lead towards stronger, richer relationships between different generations
5. Volunteer
If some group within your church (e.g. the children’s ministry, old people’s group or mother’s group) asks for volunteers and you are available – sign up! Go along and serve enthusiastically.
You’ll be a blessing to the leader of that group and will help promote a culture where people love to serve.
In 1 Timothy 4:12 we read the words that Paul said to Timothy when he was a young guy:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. But set an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12).
He’s saying have an influence; lead – and do it through the way you live your life.
If you’re an introvert like me (or even if you’re an extrovert) some of the above suggestions might seem a little scary.
But remember you don’t need to do it in your own strength!
Spend some time asking God which one he wants you to do first, and then trust him as you step out in faith.
save. grow. serve.
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serve - nadine sorensen
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Got your own story to share? Write to us today!
Comments
"Be the first to pray" - love that advice! It amazes me how often we want to lead the 'big' things but do everything we can to avoid having to lead the small things. Great article Claire!
LOVE this article! Don't need to wait for a position- great habits started well before having a title make an incredible leader. A leader that will inspire others to follow.
Great article! You don't need a title people! Jesus loves you!! If you love Jesus it shows - do what you know and let the rest go. Be open to learn and in God's timing he will have his way in your life. ;)