The Greek word translated leadership in the New International Version literally means to set or stand before. The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised provides three basic meaning for the verb form (which is used here): to preside, to govern, and to superintend. The noun form of this Greek word reflects the ideas of a protector, a champion, or a patron (one who stand in front of).
Paul includes a qualifier for the use of this gift: “if it is leadership, let him govern diligently.” This eight word English phrase is 3 Greek words: leading in diligence. The concept of diligence has a flavor of haste and quick action. It means to respond with earnestness and eagerness. I really like the NIV translation here because it picks up the ideas of governing (a nuance of the word for leadership) and diligence.
Wow, that was pretty technical stuff. But to talk about a list leadership gifts and then come a gift called leadership seems redundant and strange. Mrs. Swisher (7th grade English) always told her classes that you cannot define a word by using that word. So to say, “compassion is the action of being compassionate” does not define compassion at all. In the same way, it seems redundant when I list the spiritual leadership gifts and then call one of them leadership. So, the first two paragraphs are an attempt to clarify the meaning of this gift.
Leadership then is to preside, to govern, to superintend. Being in education, I particularly like the third concept: to superintend. Most school systems have a superintendant that oversees and governs the educational programs of the district. Keeping in mind that the biblical understanding of this term has the flavor of a protector and champion, let’s take a look at a leader who possesses the spiritual gift of superintending.
This leader is motivated toward organization. Whether it is resources, documents, people, tasks, or facilities, the superintendent desires that all things be done in decency and in order. The proper management of programs and a smooth delegation of responsibilities to others provide stability for the superintendent-leader. This leader is often driven by the desire to coordinate the various systems of an organization. He/she assumes responsibility and is extremely loyal to the institution and to co-laborers in the ministry.
The superintendent-leader is often strong willed and possesses a great ability to take a stand. This leader takes pride in the organization and is willing to sacrifice long hours and hard work in order to see the institution succeed. He/she lifts up the institutional banner and carries the flag with enthusiasm… wears the company logo and hands out the business card with zeal.
The superintendent-leader demonstrates superior decision making skills. He/she has a gift of seeing the overall picture, the capacity of dreaming of a better future, and the vision of long-range goals. The 30,000 foot vantage point is the normal flying altitude for this leader. Not only can this leader see the pieces required for success but he/she gains a sense of fulfillment when all the pieces come together to accomplish a task.
As with every gift there are some dangers to avoid and potholes to dodge. One, because of the ability to dream and the insight to delegate tasks to the strength of others, this leader might appear to be lazy. “All vision and no action” might be a criticism directed toward this leader. Two, this leader quickly takes a stand and is eager to protect the organization. Because of this, he/she may appear to be callous and inflexible. Three, the superintendent-leader “loves it when a plan comes together” (an old A-Team motto) but sometimes the plan (the project) becomes more important than the people. Four, there is a danger that the personal ambition of the leader will abrogate the mission of the organization… this leader needs to be sensitive to his calling: being a champion for the kingdom, not a patron for his/her own cause. Five, the superintendent-leader demonstrates intense loyalty and values the loyalty of others. The danger to avoided here is favoritism as the leader develops in his/her ability to remain open to ideas, suggestions and appeals from those outside the inner circle.
To preside…. to govern…. to superintend….what a high calling. To stand before an organization as a protector, a champion, and a patron requires great responsibility and diligence. If this is the role that God is asking you to fulfill, remember that he has gifted you to be effective. Rely upon the gift and not yourself. Trust in His sovereignty and not your own intellect. Strive in earnestness and haste realizing that your giftedness is desperately needed in the world today.
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