Counsel #5 — Finding Leaders

Picture: Counsel #5 — Finding LeadersCCL 7.1

People admire leaders for their positions, but they don’t think about the small tasks that also require leaders’ attention. Good leadership is built on faithfulness to unnoticed tasks - like paperwork, phone calls, organization, and cleaning up after everyone is gone. When choosing a leader, look for someone dedicated, as well as a person with ability. Invite them to assist with background tasks. Being reliable and faithful without seeking recognition shows potential. A 2 to 3-month trial period could help ensure a good fit. Implementing this process may prevent the awkwardness of electing someone unsuited for a 1 or 2-year role.^{[5]https://gnycyouth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/AY_Youth_Ministry_Handbook_06.pdf}CCL 7.2

"It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth." Lamentations 3:27CCL 7.3

“There are those who, if they feel they are not rightly used, become sour, ungenerous, crabbed, [and] uncourteous in their words and deportment. They sink down discouraged, hateful and hating others. But Joseph was a Christian. No sooner did he enter upon prison life than he brought all the brightness of his Christian principles into active exercise.... He learned to bear the yoke in his youth. He learned to govern by first learning obedience himself. He humbled himself and the Lord exalted him to special honor.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 3, Letter 58, 1880, par. 18CCL 7.4

Reflect: Whether you see yourself as a leader or someone who supports from the background, how can you bring a higher level of excellence and faithfulness to your actions?CCL 7.5