I was in a pastors training some years ago where one of the speakers made a shocking revelation. He told us that in the first year of their church work, they had a moral crisis; their pianist impregnated their choir leader. Of course, they were able to clean up the mess and move on. But I learnt a lesson I would never forget.
Friend, effective leadership rests on at least three (3) legs, among others; character, competence, and chemistry. These 3Cs of leadership must be well understood if we would lead successfully and without reproach in these dangerous times. There is a need to maintain the right balance for our leadership to thrive and last (1 Timothy 4:12).
Leadership is first based on character. Where there is no character, there is no leadership. People who put competence ahead of character are greatly mistaken. Competence is good, but the good that competence built for years can be destroyed by character flaws in just a matter of seconds (Judges 16:20).
It has been said that leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy. We need men of integrity, not just men of ideas. We need leaders who are dependable and followable (Hebrews 13:7, 17). We need leaders who have no cupboard at all, let alone have a skeleton in their cupboard. Moral uprightness is a key element in leadership choice (Psalms 78:70-72, Micah 6:8).
Next to character is competence; the ability to skillfully discharge your duties (2 Timothy 2:15). Especially in church, sometimes, we downplay on competence while looking out for character. A man who has character but cannot do the job would lead us nowhere. Men of character should acquire skill. Your competence is also a reflection of your character.
Finally, chemistry is important. Leadership is a people business. A leader must develop the right chemistry with people. He must be able to get along well with others. A leader does not have to know it all. He only needs to know how to put the right people in the right places for the benefit of the organisation. As a leader, you are a people manager and a broker of gifts and abilities (1 Samuel 22:1-2, 1 Chronicles 12:1-32).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria