Every organization rises or falls on the strength of its teams. When leaders intentionally build teams with synergy, people flourish and remarkable outcomes are achieved. Jesus understood this principle well and carefully and prayerfully built a team that would eventually change the world.       

 ¹³ Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴ He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵ and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶ These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), ¹⁷ James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him (Mark 3:13-19, NIV).

After calling this unlikely group of twelve Jesus spent three years to shape them into a team with remarkable synergy that would literally change the world.  Notice how He did it.

Team synergy brings flourishing by building relationships. 

Jesus “appointed twelve that they might be with him….” The first concern of Jesus was that the disciples would be in relationship—first with Him and then with each other. He understood that the only way they would be able to change the world was if they learned to know, trust, and love each other. Relationships can be difficult, messy and challenging and Jesus’ team experienced all of this. But over the course of three years, they became a strongly united team.  People are designed for relationships and effective leaders find ways to build healthy relationships with their team. They recognize that each person on the team has their own dreams, hopes and challenges. They are not simply machines to do tasks.

Some leaders build teams around tasks expecting that the common goal will result in synergy. They don’t spend time or energy building relationships. But serving leaders first build teams around shared relationships that build trust and respect. 

Team synergy brings flourishing by uniting around a mission.

“He appointed twelve…that he might send them out to preach…and drive out demons.” Jesus had a mission to be accomplished with the team that He chose—they were to go out and preach. Strong relationships were the foundation that launched them into mission. All teams exist for a purpose and Jesus made it clear from the beginning what their task would be.

Some leaders build teams that relate well together but don’t accomplish the mission! Serving leaders hold teams accountable to accomplish the mission.

Team synergy brings flourishing by encouraging diversity.

“These are the twelve he appointed.” It is hard to imagine a more diverse group of 12 than this group. Some were uneducated fisherman or tradesmen; at least one was a professional. Some were outspoken; others didn’t say anything that was recorded! Some were working with the Romans; others were committed to resist their rule. Jesus deliberately brought together a diverse team. He understood that when relationships are built and a common mission is shared, diversity strengthens the team and maximizes impact.  

Some leaders try to build diverse teams without relationships.  The result is explosive! But serving leaders deliberately build diverse teams with a foundation of healthy relationships and a clear mission focus. 

For further reflection and discussion:

Reflect on your own leadership journey in relation to the synergy of the team(s) you lead. On a scale of 1-10 (10 is perfect) how would you rate your own leadership?   Do I tend to focus on relationships or mission on my team?  What is the result in my leadership?

• How healthy are relationships on my team(s)? What is something I can do this week to strengthen relationships between myself and the team and between team members?
• How do I keep my team accountable to outcomes that advance our mission?

Is my team diverse enough in strengths, personalities, and perspectives to accomplish all they can do?   If not, what changes can I make?

In addition to the scripture used in this issue, reflect on the following verses from the life of Jesus: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 6:12-13, 9:46-48, 9:51-55, 10:1, 22:24-31; John 1:35-51; Romans 12:3-8; and 1 Corinthians 12. What additional insights do you find?         

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at the final element of a flourishing culture: Growing Leaders

*Note: This series is based on The LeadersServe Culture which is designed to help people flourish and organizations thrive. This happens when leaders serve. The LeadersServe Culture training provides an in depth look at each of these elements with practical exercises to clarify, communicate, and cultivate each one into the life of your organization. For more information about this model and other training resources visit www.LeadersServe.com

When the vision, values and mission of any organization are clarified and embedded deeply into the culture of the organization people thrive. But Paul’s vision also includes two more actions serving leaders can take to build a thriving world. 

¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:11-16). 

In this scripture, Paul describes a thriving world, one in which each person is contributing their best to the whole. In this issue, we focus on how the serving leader synchronizes the team. The Serving Leader Model® calls this “Build on Strength”.

Serving leaders synchronize the team by acknowledging strengths.  

Paul’s vision of the church body is diverse. He mentions a variety of gifts for the leaders and concludes by saying that the body will grow “as each part does its work.” Each part has a unique work. No part can do every work. Some leaders assume that if someone can do a job well, it must be a strength. But serving leaders look for areas of service that are life-giving to people. They first identify their own strengths and then work with their entire team to help each one identify areas in which they are not only good at doing but also enjoy doing.

Serving leaders synchronize the team by aligning strengths to tasks.   

When strengths are identified it is possible to begin to align assignments to those strengths. Paul would not ask the evangelist to prophesy; he would expect the evangelist to bring in new members. In the same way, serving leaders identify activities that bring life to their team members and then as much as possible align their assignments to that area. Each one will use the strengths that they have to bring their best to the team. Many leaders assign people to tasks simply based on what needs to be done and who is available. But serving leaders recognize that each person is uniquely wired to thrive at specific tasks. Wherever possible they adjust responsibilities to align with strengths.

Serving leaders synchronize the team by adjusting team roles.   

The beauty of teams is that each part needs the others. Paul implies that no leader with one of the gifts mentioned will be able to lead alone. They need the others.  Some leaders believe they should be able to do everything well. But serving leaders acknowledge that there is no such thing as a “well-rounded leader” but there can be well-rounded teams! They deliberately work to bring people around them that will help strengthen them in complimentary areas. And they work to align their teams to thrive by adjusting roles as much as possible to get people working in the areas of their strengths. Where teams are synchronized, people thrive!

For further reflection and discussion:

-Reflect on your own leadership in this area. How effectively does my leadership synchronize my team? How does my leadership in this area impact the thriving of our team?

-Are there things I am good at but do not enjoy doing? What should I do about this? What about those on my team? Do I actually know what they enjoy doing most? How can I find out? 

-When I identify strengths on my team, what can I do to shift their assignments towards areas of strengths?

-How can we talk as a team about individual strengths and make adjustments as much as possible and appropriate?

-Read again the scripture above (Ephesians 4:11-16) considering your organization in the area of teamwork and finding the right place for every person. What is one step you can take this week to improve?        

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how serving leaders create thriving by spreading their power.

Click here for a resource from Center for Serving Leadership to help you in this area:  BOS Functional Strengths Identifier.

The vision of Nehemiah to rebuild the wall required a variety of strengths to accomplish. Nehemiah recognized that he did not have all the strengths needed to accomplish the task—he needed a team. He was a great leader but Nehemiah was not capable of doing all that was needed for the building of the wall and community. This included casting vision, strategic thinking, administration, craftsmanship, technical skills, teaching, etc. Serving leaders recognize that there’s no such thing as a well-rounded leader, but there are well-rounded teams. Nehemiah models how serving leaders build teams based on strengths.   

Serving Leaders Build on Strength by acknowledging different roles    

The physical rebuilding needed people who could carry stones, those who were capable of doing masonry work, others skilled in timber and iron construction for the doors, etc. Beyond the construction of the wall, the story of his leadership also demonstrates a wide variety of tasks and roles including goldsmiths and merchants (3:31), guards (4:16), those who blew the trumpet (4:18), messengers (6:3), musicians (7:1, 12:27), keepers of the storerooms, gatekeepers (7:1; 11:21), leaders in charge of different areas (7:2, 70; 11:1, 11;  12:7-8; 15:16), teachers (8:4-8), temple servants (11:21), and priests and Levites (12:1-7). Nehemiah acknowledged all these roles as necessary for achieving the vision. The people doing menial tasks were as essential to the work as the person blowing the trumpet.  

Some leaders see their leadership role as critical but don’t appreciate the person who answers the phone or the one who cleans the floor. But serving leaders recognize that all tasks, even the menial ones, are vital to accomplishing the vision.  They verbally appreciate the role of each member of the team and acknowledge that the different strengths are all necessary.    

Serving Leaders Build on Strength by aligning work with passion  

In the building of the wall there were certainly times when people worked in areas outside of their strength. The job needed to be done! But Nehemiah also deliberately assigned tasks that would align with passion.  One example, “Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house” (Nehemiah 3:28, NIV). 

Nehemiah strategically placed people to build the wall that was close to their own homes. He knew that they would be more energized to do the work that was near to their heart! He was aligning their work with their passion. Some leaders assign tasks with little thought to whether the person will enjoy doing the work. But serving leaders look not only at ability for a task but passion. They recognize that someone may be very capable of performing a role, but not energized by doing it. Serving leaders look for ability combined with passion.  

Serving Leaders Build on Strength by applauding joint success  

Nehemiah worked hard and the wall was finally completed. Then they celebrated!  

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres (Nehemiah 12:27). The celebration included two choirs marching around the wall in different directions with sounds that were heard “far away”! Nehemiah applauded the work that the entire community had accomplished.  

Some leaders focus on the work, but never pause to celebrate. Or they focus on an individual accomplishment without acknowledging the work of the team. But serving leaders applaud success and find ways to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and the team.  

For further reflection and discussion:  

• How well do I know my own strengths and passions? Am I working to focus more of my time and energy on the things I do especially well?  
• Do I see the tasks of each person, especially the menial ones, as vital to the success of our team? What have I done this week to affirm the value that each one brings to our team? 
• When I see someone on my team doing a task well, do I assume that they have passion for that work, or do I inquire about their passion? Ask one or two of them, “If you do this all day long, do you go home energized or drained?” What do I learn from their response? How can I better align my team around passions? 
• How well does our team celebrate success? What have we done recently that should be celebrated? What do I need to do to ensure that we have the celebration?   

• Read the story of Nehemiah and reflect on other ways that he demonstrated this action, Build on Strength. Especially reflect on the story of their celebration in chapter 12. What do you observe from his life and in what way can you follow his example?     

Until next time, yours on the journey, 

Jon Byler 

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Nehemiah’s leadership empowered others and prepared for succession.  

Finally, as a free gift to you, Click Here to download one tool to help you put this action into practice in your organization.  

For more information about The Five Actions of Serving Leadership read the book, The Serving Leader, or visit www.CenterforServingLeadership.com.

Secure leaders serve those they lead by embracing differences.  Instead of being threatened by differences, they see differences as a strength.  The leadership team in Antioch was filled with five remarkably secure leaders.  

¹ Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:1-3, NIV)

This team modeled how and why serving leaders embrace differences. 

Secure leaders embrace different backgrounds because they provide perspective.

This group came together from remarkably diverse backgrounds. Barnabas came from the island of Cyprus and was a Jew but spoke Greek. Simon (a Jewish name) and Lucius (a Latin name) were Africans and likely black. Manaen was a Palestinian with Greek background who grew up in the center of the political world in Judea. Saul, who would become Paul, was a well-educated Jew from Tarsus.  The team was clearly multi-racial and multi-ethnic. Their different backgrounds gave them the diverse perspectives they needed to lead the growing church in Antioch with its mixture of Jews and Gentiles. Their different backgrounds and perspectives made them a dynamic team.  Where there was a need for someone to speak in a Jewish synagogue, Paul was prepared. Barnabas could speak Greek. Manaen could speak to the Gentile politicians and Simon and Lucius could connect with immigrants. This diversity could have caused significant conflict, but these leaders were secure enough to embrace the different perspectives each brought to the team.

Insecure leaders see different backgrounds as a threat and a distraction. They look for people who think like themselves and see the world in the same way. But secure serving leaders serve by embracing those from different backgrounds.

Secure leaders embrace different gifts because they produce strength.

There were many different gifts represented in this circle of leaders, some were prophets, some were teachers. Barnabas was an encourager, a giver and a man of faith. He recognized the need to bring Saul to Antioch to help with the young church (see Acts 11;19-26). Saul was a strategic visionary. With the others, they were a strong team because of their different gifts.

Insecure leaders don’t readily accept and affirm the gifts of others. They feel threatened when others do things better. But secure serving leaders see different gifts as a strength. They acknowledge and affirm the value that other gifts bring. They serve by embracing different gifts.  

Secure leaders embrace different callings because they propel innovation.  

As the team worshipped and fasted it became clear that two were called to go. As they released Barnabas and Saul, they launched a new age of church expansion and innovation that would go to the ends of the known world!

Insecure leaders can’t see beyond their own work or envision greatness beyond themselves and their own calling. But secure serving leaders recognize that different callings can lead to innovative expansion. They serve by embracing different callings.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How diverse is my team in terms of backgrounds? Gifts? Calling? How does this impact my success?
• In what ways can I encourage the different perspectives on my team?
• Have I tended to bring around me people with gifts that are similar or different from mine? How has that impacted my leadership capacity?
• How clearly have I recognized and affirmed the different gifts on my team? Who can I talk to today to express my appreciation for the gift they bring which is so different from mine?
• What has been my attitude towards those whose calling is quite different from mine? Have I been able to bless and release these gifts in ways that produce new initiatives? Who on my team currently may have a call to something new and different? How can I encourage them to follow that call?   

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how secure leaders accept mistakes.

One of the marks of Timothy’s great leadership was his ability to connect with people from different generations. Consider these instructions from Paul:

¹Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, ²older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity (1 Timothy 5:1–2, NIV).

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

 As Timothy followed these instructions he learned, even as a young leader, how to connect with and lead those who were older and those who were younger.

Timothy connected across generations by respecting consciously.

As Paul talked to Timothy about how to relate to other generations he used the analogy of a family. He challenged Timothy to treat the older generation like fathers and mothers, and younger persons like sisters and brothers. Healthy families treat parents with respect and care tenderly for those who are younger. Good families show conscious respect for the different generations.

Some leaders focus on the task that is to be done with no consideration of the person doing the task. They expect production and treat everyone by the same standard. Serving leaders learn to consciously respect and value those who are from other generations. They listen to and gain wisdom from those who are older and have more experience. They treat younger persons with gentleness as they learn and grow.

Timothy connected across generations by talking carefully.

Paul tells Timothy, “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.” Correction is one of the most difficult tasks in leadership and doing it with those who are from another generation adds complexity! Timothy learns to talk carefully by thinking of the older man as a father and reflecting on how he would address a problem with his father.

Leaders often rebuke or correct with little thought about the person receiving the correction. They see themselves as the boss and assume that others should change when they bring correction no matter how it is delivered. But serving leaders focus on the person as a human being with their own need to be valued and respected. They carefully adjust their correction by considering the age and specific needs of that individual.  

Timothy connected across generations by loving completely.

Paul challenged the young leader Timothy to be an example in many areas including love. Generational differences require greater effort to understand and appreciate. A heart of love is fundamental to bridge these gaps.  

Some leaders view love as a ‘soft’ leadership trait that has little value. But at the heart of serving leaders is a genuine care for others, a desire to see them succeed and thrive. Because they love, serving leaders seek to understand and appreciate those from different generations, both those who are older and those who are younger. They listen and ask questions to gain understanding and then adjust their leadership to meet the needs of those they serve. As they exercise effective leadership they build strong, multi-generational teams.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How would I describe my leadership towards those who are older? Younger? Do I find it easier to connect with those who are older or those who are younger? Why? How can I develop stronger connections with persons from other generations that I lead?
• Reflect on those you lead. What can I do to encourage them to develop greater inter-generational understanding?       
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following: 2 Timothy 2:22-26 and 3:2. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy understood and lead with the unique challenges of different generations?  

For further learning on this topic, I highly recommend Tim Elmore’s book, A New Kind of Diversity, which focuses on the broad spectrum of generations currently in the workforce and the value each brings to the team.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler In the next issue, we’ll examine how Timothy learned to teach.

Barnabas was an influential leader in the early church, but he didn’t serve alone. Barnabas served with a team. Nearly every reference to Barnabas includes him with at least one other person. This can be seen most clearly at the church in Antioch where Barnabas was sent to provide leadership after a small church was launched there. He first encouraged the believers. But right away he went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him to Antioch. Together they worked to strengthen this church and built a team of leaders that eventually sent Barnabas and Saul on what would become the first missionary journey.  

¹Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:1-3, NIV).

Barnabas served others by serving with others. He models how serving leaders build teams around them that help to carry out the vision and mission of the organization.

Serving with a team affirms diversity.

Barnabas knew he needed Saul; he also recognized that he needed the others on that team to help build this church. The team at Antioch was very diverse. There were different gifts, different races and nationalities and certainly different personalities. Each of these brought their own unique strengths and perspectives to the team.

Some leaders try to build teams of people just like them, people who will see from their perspective and not offer different views. But serving leaders recognize the strength that comes from diversity. They acknowledge that they will never be a well-rounded leader, but they can develop a well-rounded team. They affirm the different gifts and perspectives that others bring to their teams and deliberately seek to build teams around strengths.  

Serving with a team achieves direction.  

Together the team heard God’s direction and were able to begin the first intentional outward expansion of the church. Their decision would take the church to the entire known world. There was strength in the direction they took because they were not working alone. They discerned together and could then move together.

Many leaders find that it’s easier to make decisions alone and set the direction of the organization alone. It seems quicker and less complicated to set direction this way. But serving leaders acknowledge that a team provides greater wisdom.  Serving leaders work through teams to accomplish the mission of the organization. They recognize that they cannot do as well or as much alone. Their teams provide needed wisdom and perspective that help them make good decisions that align with God’s purpose for their existence. 

Serving with a team avoids disruption.  

Following this team decision, the two key leaders left the church but the church continued thriving! Not only were the gifts and callings of Barnabas and Saul released to the world, but the leaders that remained at Antioch were also raised up to new levels of authority and responsibility. This was only possible because they were working as a team.  Where there is no team when a leader is gone, the work often collapses. But serving leaders know that long term success only comes when they build teams that can carry on after their departure. They acknowledge that where there is no teamwork, there will be no ongoing work. So they choose to serve by building teams.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How does the way Barnabas served with a team challenge me as a leader? What action can I take this week to be more like him?
• Reflect on your current team. How diverse is my team? Do we have all the perspectives and strengths that are currently needed? What strengths, if any, are missing from the team?  
• Do I tend to make strategic decisions on my own or with my team? In what way does this impact my leadership? What can I do to strengthen the ability of my team to make wise decisions?
• What would happen to my organization today if I was suddenly gone? Is my team equipped to carry on the vision without me? If not, what steps do I need to take to help them be ready?
• Barnabas built a team that ultimately released him to a greater and higher calling. Am I preparing my team to release me? What might next steps look like for me?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Barnabas served with worship.  

A second ingredient in a world that flourishes is that diversity is affirmed. God created a world that was beautiful and flourishing…and diverse!

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

From the beginning God created all people in His image giving them immense worth. All were created in God’s image; but not all were created identical. “Male and female he created them.”  God’s creation was built with diversity and in His design flourishing happens when this diversity is affirmed.  

Affirming diversity accelerates flourishing by acknowledging the intent.

God created them “male and female.” What was His intent? Why didn’t God simply duplicate the man? Why did He instead create a different person and at the same time, a distinct gender? Take a moment to imagine a world filled with only men. Now imagine a world with only women. What would these worlds be like? It doesn’t take an advanced degree to realize that either option would not lead to flourishing! God built differences into His design to help us realize that we are not complete as individuals. The unique value of each individual could not be fully expressed if every person were the same. Diversity is needed. God built diversity into His universe so that we recognize our need for others. This is part of the reason that all humans long for community and relationships with others. When we enter into relationships with others we more fully reflect God’s image and our diversity produces a flourishing world. Serving leaders affirm God’s design for diversity and acknowledge that they will not be complete alone.

 Affirming diversity accelerates flourishing by anticipating the impact.

Our world is filled with diversity, but we often let differences divide rather than complement. We allow differences to become points of tension and conflict instead of strengths. Wars are fought between different tribes and nations. People more often fight over their differences than celebrate them. Different groups fight for their rights. Different personalities stir up division and separation instead of cooperation and unity. But serving leaders look to God’s design and imagine a world in which diversity is affirmed. They dream of homes where both men and women are equally valued and appreciated. They envision organizations where healthy teams bring their diversity to the table and join hands to work together to accomplish much more, much better and much more quickly than individual efforts could produce. And serving leaders dream of this flourishing cascading from one family to the next, from one church to the next and from one business to the next.

Affirming diversity accelerates flourishing by accepting the implications.

Serving leaders recognize that action is needed for diversity to be affirmed. They don’t simply tolerate diversity; they welcome it! They first acknowledge their own need for others. They understand that there are no well rounded leaders, but there are well rounded teams. So they invite others to their team who are complementary but very different. They work hard to affirm and appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of each individual. They focus on the unique strengths each person brings to their team and serve by helping them find the right place for those gifts to be expressed. Serving leaders create a flourishing world around them by affirming diversity.

For further reflection and discussion:

How has the intent of affirming diversity been distorted in your context? Reflect specifically about the thinking in this area in your culture, your family, and in the organization where you lead. What impact has this thinking had on you as a leader? In what ways do you need to adjust your thinking to align with God’s intent?

Reflect on what the impact would be if everyone in your organization would fully grasp and live out what it means to affirm diversity. Write at least three reflections.

What action steps will you take as a leader to affirm diversity in your home, organization or community? Choose which of these areas you will focus on and then list 2 or 3 specific steps you will take and dates for when you will take the actions.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at another ingredient of a flourishing world: Work is Purposeful

Nehemiah’s vision was large but it was not general. Notice the first words he speaks to anyone else about his call. The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it” (Nehemiah 2:4-5). Nehemiah’s vision focused on one specific action, rebuilding the wall. What can we learn from him about specific visions?

Specific visions provide focus.

The specific nature of Nehemiah’s vision enabled him to focus on the specific steps needed to accomplish the vision. We will look more closely at his plan in the next issue but for now, recognize that Nehemiah was not sidetracked to other worthy callings. He did not attempt to do many things, only one thing. Like Paul, he could say, “One thing I do…” (Phil. 3:13) Leaders whose vision is too broad run in many directions and their effort is scattered. Servant leaders seek to focus only on the specific task God has called them to do. This singular focus allows them to accomplish the task.

Specific visions develop with time.

We don’t know exactly how long it took Nehemiah to clarify his specific vision but it at least took several days of prayer and fasting. Often it takes significant time for a vision to become specific. Sometimes servant leaders start in one direction which is generally correct but over time the vision becomes more and more specific. For years I was called to develop as a leader and training others. I developed training materials on a wide range of topics from finances to family. Over time, God directed me to focus specifically on training leaders. The vision of servant leaders becomes more specific as they respond to God’s direction.

Specific visions shape the ‘not to do list.’

Because Nehemiah was specific about his vision, other things, by default, were not included. He was not called at this point to deal with the economics of the city, social challenges or the spiritual environment. His ‘not to do list’ was much longer than his ‘to do’ list. Most leaders enjoy what they are called to do but struggle to say ‘no’ to the things they are not called to do. Servant leaders perhaps struggle with this to a larger extent because their desire is to serve. God does call leaders to have the heart of a servant, but He does not call them to serve all people in every way. He provides specific areas in which He has uniquely called and gifted each leader to bless others. As God called me to work with leaders I needed to say ‘no’ to invitations not related to leadership.

Specific visions are easily communicated.

Nehemiah didn’t have any trouble articulating to the king what God had called him to do. It took only a moment and was not a confusing statement. Visions which are clear and specific can easily be articulated in a simple sentence. Servant leaders find ways to clearly express what God has called them to do.

Specific visions encourage diversity.

Leaders often look at the big picture and assume that to accomplish the goal they need to do many things. Instead, God sees the big picture and gives every leader a specific portion of the task. When everyone does their specific part, many things are accomplished together and God’s work is completed. Ezra was a contemporary of Nehemiah but he had a different vision, to restore the temple. When he and Nehemiah both did their part, the nation prospered. Servant leaders don’t compete for the prime positions or the most attractive visions. They realize that they are a part of all that God wants to do and they work with diligence to carry out their God-given vision. They are free to bless, encourage, and support others who have been given different visions. They see their role as complementary, not competitive.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Is my vision clear and specific so that there is no doubt in my mind exactly what God has called me to do? Is it becoming more specific with time?
• To what things does my vision cause me to say ‘no’? Have I been consistent in avoiding things that are not a part of God’s vision for my life? What makes it hard to say ‘no’ to these things?
• Can I communicate my vision clearly? Is it written down? Does it need to be revised or written in a different way? Does it stir passion in me?
• How does my vision fit into God’s larger plan? How can I bless and encourage others who are called to a very different part of His plan?

The vision to build the wall in Jerusalem was a specific vision that God gave Nehemiah and for that season of his life this vision was his personal calling. God had uniquely shaped his character and placed him in a position of influence to meet the critical need in Jerusalem. By the time he approached the King, he had prayed and was convinced that he was the one to build a wall. “…I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it’” (Nehemiah 2:5). He was ready for action! He teaches us as servant leaders that visions from God are deeply personal.

Personal visions honor individual uniqueness.

God created Nehemiah with a unique set of gifts and abilities. He lived at the right time for the need in Jerusalem and was in the right position to influence the process. The vision was a perfect fit for him. God created each of us uniquely and will guide us to visions that fit who we are, the gifts and abilities He has entrusted to us and the time and place in which we live. You will not be called to accomplish what God has given me and I am not responsible for your vision. God has a unique plan for you!

Does this mean that I cannot follow someone else's vision? Of course not! It would be chaos if each of us were moving in completely different directions. God will often call us to support a vision He has given to someone else. I am doing so now. But I follow that vision with the confidence that this is the vision to which God has called me personally. So the vision becomes mine.

For reflection: What has God uniquely created you to accomplish for His kingdom purpose?

Personal visions produce passion.

At this point, Nehemiah was ready to leave his privileged position as the cupbearer to the King and undertake a dangerous and difficult journey to an insecure location. Why? Because his vision stirred a deep passion in his heart. This passion gave him courage to talk to the King. His passion would keep him going through the difficult moments and keep him focused on serving the residents of Jerusalem. A vision that is intensely personal will always stir passion in a leader. They share the vision with everyone they meet and can't imagine why anyone would not want to be a part of what God is doing! Sadly, many people have not discovered God's vision for their life. They live aimlessly and without the fulfillment that comes when passion is stirred.

For reflection: What stirs your passion?

Personal visions accomplish variety.

Because God provides personal visions to different servant leaders, much different work is accomplished. Nehemiah built the wall while Ezra met the need to rebuild the temple. The needs of our world are diverse and God works through individual servant leaders to meet those needs. One will have a vision to transform the marketplace; another is called to rescue street children. Another has a vision for community development while someone else impacts the world of education. God gives personal visions to servant leaders to accomplish all that He desires throughout the world. As we recognize this, we will be able to honor and respect the unique visions God gives to others while we accomplish the personal part He has given to us.

For reflection: In what way does your vision contribute to God’s larger plan?

For further reflection and discussion:

• Take at least 30 minutes to identify your own personal strengths, experiences and opportunities. In what way might God use these to shape His vision for your life?
• If you are following the vision of someone else, can you identify the ways in which this vision has become a personal part of your life? Can you say with confidence that God has called you to participate in this vision?
• Evaluate your level of passion for the primary work you are now doing. Does it stir you deeply in ways that produce passion in you? Would others describe you as a passionate person? Why or why not? If passion is lacking in your life what needs to change?
• How clearly do I see what I am doing as a significant contribution to the larger work of God in the world? Am I able to honor and respect those who are called to a different vision?

Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #3

Leaders recognize and often seek power. Paul, in Eph. 3:14-21, prayed for power, but a very different kind of power than we often look for in leadership. He recognized that servant leaders operate with knee power. He opened his prayer with these words, “For this reason I kneel before the Father” and then mentions power three times in this short prayer. These occurrences reveal significant insights for servant leaders.

Knee power recognizes Christ’s presence.

Paul asks first of all that we would be strengthened with power so that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Prayer fills us with the indwelling presence of Christ. Servant leaders need to take time daily in God’s presence until they are aware that He is dwelling in their hearts.

God’s presence throughout the day provides guidance and wisdom to the servant leader. When faced with a difficult leadership issue, the servant leader can whisper a quick prayer to Christ for guidance. Christ’s presence provides inner peace in the midst of chaotic situations. His presence provides perspective on the future that enables the servant leader to see beyond the immediate discouragement. His presence makes the leader exercise caution in a decision that looks very simple on the surface. His presence makes the servant leader more aware of opportunities to use their position of influence to bring others into a relationship with Christ.

Knee power reveals Christ’s love.

Paul asks that we would “have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Recognizing Christ’s love enables servant leaders to be secure in who they are which produces the confidence they need to lead well. Further, it frees them to extend love and compassion to those they lead. Leaders who do not recognize and embrace God’s love are often insecure, demanding, and more likely to insult and abuse those under their authority.

Servant leaders recognize that this is not something they do alone. It is “together with all the saints” that the breadth of God’s love is recognized. Servant leaders see differences in personality, gifting, abilities and preferences as opportunities to more fully understand God’s incredible love. They celebrate different perspectives on their leadership teams. They know that the personnel department is a great place to reflect on God’s amazing love!

Knee power releases Christ’s power/action.

Lastly, Paul describes the “power that is at work within us.” He boldly asserts that because of this power God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!” This is good news for results oriented servant leaders. Ordinary leadership vision can help move an organization forward, but knee power produces results far beyond the leaders’ imagination! Notice that these results come only after experiencing Christ’s presence and love.

All these actions flow out of the servant leader’s knee power. Does your leadership flow out of prayer or is it dependent on your own wisdom and ability? Business leaders, professionals, homemakers, pastors and all other servant leaders can learn to lead with knee power. Take a moment now to strengthen your leadership with a time on your knees. Praying Ephesians 3:14-21 for yourself and those you lead is a good place to start.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How much time do you spend on your knees? What would it look like for you to cultivate a daily discipline of spending enough time in prayer to lead with an awareness of Christ’s presence?
• Can I point to times in my leadership where I sensed that Christ’s presence was clearly guiding a decision I made? What can I do to experience this more frequently?
• Do I have a personal sense of the greatness of God’s love for me? Can I easily extend love to others?
• In what ways does the diversity on my leadership team help me understand the breadth of God’s love?