At what stage of leadership development am I?

Reflecting on Session 1...

Time to Reflect on Who God has made me; these are the areas I have had little or no control over (Providential Beginnings)...

1. How is God’s providence evident in my personal history?
2. How has this made me different and special?
3. What might this point to in regard to my potential and purpose?

Time to Reflect on the next 2 stages: Character Formation, Service and Application...

1. Where in my life have I focused on doing before being?
2. What negative patterns have resulted from that?
3. How can I reverse those patterns and allow God to shape WHO I AM?
4. What is God’s view of maturity?
5. Am I willing to go that far?
6. What phase am I in?
7. What is hindering my growth right now?
8. What do I have to do to get to the next step?

These questions are quite personal but maybe there are some ideas that could be shared with others here. Think about some general concepts that you learned from our discussion but be sure to take time to really answer these questions for yourself. 

I have updated the link to the session recording (Dec). Click the link, install the web browser plugin (if needed) and you can view the session without downloading to your computer: session1.wrf

What is a Leader?

What is a leader? There are many definitions but really a leader is someone who has influence over others because of their position or their responsibility. This can be positive influence or negative influence. Their effectiveness as a leader depends both on who they are and how the interact with others. For most people, their effectiveness as a leader must be developed over the course of many years - there are very few 'natural leaders'. Though we may not be good leaders today or have much influence, God is calling each of us to be leaders who represent God's standards and accomplish His purposes in our families, schools, churches, communities and even sometimes in very important business or political settings.

In order to become a leader, you must develop in three areas:

1. Character - who am I?
2. Skills - what do I do and how do I work?
3. Vision - how do I know what God wants from me and from those whom I lead?

This is a process that we will discuss over the next months.

Before our first class, please take time to read and think through these things before we meet...

1. Read this article on "What makes a Great Leader". Is this the type of leader you want to be? Or do you want to be something else? What is a great leader? Then identify 2 great leaders and think about how they have influenced your life.

2. Think about how God is shaping you in these areas (we will discuss together):

• Your Personality
• Your Testimony
• Your Teachability
• Your Moral Character
• Your attitude and emotions (how you respond in different situations)