Issue #143, November 26, 2014
When Goliath challenged Saul’s army there were no soldiers in the kingdom able to kill a giant until David led the way to victory. Later, as king, he developed a whole team of giant killers! 2 Samuel 8:15-18 lists some of David’s key team leaders. Later, over 30 of David’s “mighty men” are named. Their exploits include overcoming odds of 800 to one, killing a ‘huge’ Egyptian and even killing a lion in the snow! (Read 2 Samuel 23:8-39). David understood that it was great to kill a giant but better to build a team of giant killers. What did David do to build his amazing team?
Show them.
David modeled the way for his team. He was a great warrior and became famous for his valor. “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:14). His victory over Goliath showed the entire nation that it was possible to overcome great obstacles. David’s team of giant killers was a reflection of his own leadership ability. Servant leaders realize that leadership means modeling the way, and they raise the standard of what is possible by their example. This does not mean leaders can’t equip a team to do things they are not able to do; however, it does mean that they will never build a successful team to do things they are not willing to do. Servant leaders don’t just give orders; they show their team how to succeed.
Call them.
David worked to build a team around himself by calling those he choose to serve in different areas. He called Joab to be over the army, Jehoshaphat to be the recorder, others to be priests, the secretary and advisors (2 Samuel 8:15-18). He called thirty for their special skills and among them three who were particularly strategic for his team. Servant leaders see potential in others and verbally call it forth. They are willing to share their power with others, recognizing that the leader alone will never accomplish a God-sized vision. Servant leaders are called to call.
Inspire them.
David inspired amazing devotion from his team. On one occasion David simply longed for some good water from the well (See 2 Sam. 23:13-17). His desire produced heroic action from “the three” mighty men who risked their lives to bring him water. What did David do? He poured it on the ground! While his action might seem strange to us, he explained that he couldn’t drink water that represented their lives. This showed his heart for them. He cared more about their lives than for his own physical desires. Imagine how this mutual love deepened their commitment to be on his team! Servant leaders inspire their team by showing that they care for the team more than their own vision and goals. They see team members as people, not simply producers.
Release them.
Notice that David’s team had specific areas of responsibility and they had authority to work in that area. Joab, for example, was “over the army” (2 Samuel 8:16). Early in his leadership, the account often reads that David and “his men” defeated his enemies. Over time, the story changes to “Joab and his troops” and David was often not even included in the action. David called a team and then released them do their work! Release does not imply a lack of accountability. A balance is needed. Perhaps David erred on the side of not enough accountability since on his deathbed he asked Solomon to hold Joab accountable for his mistakes (See 1 Kings 2:2). Although servant leaders struggle with this balance, they realize that God has entrusted responsibility to them which is to be passed on to others. They freely release the work to their team.
Let’s learn from David…and build a team of giant killers!
For further reflection and discussion:
- Is there anything you have asked of your team which you were not willing to do? What was the result and what can you do this week to model the way?
- David had names for his team leaders; some were positions like the army commander while others were unofficial teams like the thirty. David and his team knew their position and their roles. What about your team(s)? What can you do to clarify roles for those you have called to serve with you?
- David inspired his team in many ways. What have you done recently to inspire your team? Are there ways that they know that you value them more deeply as individuals than what they do for your team?
- Why is it often difficult to release others to complete their responsibilities? What does it show about a leaders’ heart? Are there places in your own leadership where you have not been able to release others and how is God inviting you to change?
- Read 2 Samuel 24 for the account of David taking a census against the advice of Joab. What happened and what warning does it provide to servant leaders?