The Baptist Digest

Influence Through Self-Definition

May 2007

Leadership is not about competency and productivity, as we have been led to believe. Our culture values action over contemplation, individualism over community, speed over endurance, fame over humility and success over the satisfied soul. – Bill Hull

A fundamental assumption in most literature on leadership is that a few will need to control the many. Throughout history the subtle belief that someone must tell the masses how to live has remained. This assumption leads to a search for power that encompasses an either/or mindset and results in anxious organizations (and churches) and limits the ability to learn and change.

Most common definitions of leadership begin with statements such as that made by popular writer John Maxwell, “Look around and see if someone is following… if they are, then you are a leader.”

Many consider leadership a position to seek rather than a role to fulfill. When viewed through the lens of power, position, and privilege, leadership is a scarce resource that should be protected. However, when viewed through a different lens, leadership is a responsibility… a necessary role that must emerge from each individual regardless of his or her education, experience, or position in the church. For sustainable change to take root, this personal responsibility approach to leadership needs to exist at every level in our churches.

The alternative view of leadership that I recommend is primarily an effort to understand and align yourself and others with the undeniable and already stated purposes of God. Our challenge as leaders is not to struggle with the difficulties of change but to help align hearts with the desires of God. This offers the greatest point of leverage in any organization, churches included. Are you using the leverage God has provided?

God bless you as you serve and lead in His name.

It is common knowledge that over 80% of churches in the United States operate in a state of maintenance rather than mission.

The KNCSB ReFocusing process can assist your church break out of the maintenance mode, align itself with the stated purposes of God, and break-through to His intended harvest.

If you would like to know more about how to break out of the maintenance mode and receive a free copy of The ABC’s of ReFocusing contact me at or call (316) 204-5632.

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I thought you might like this column I read at baptistdigest.com. "Influence Through Self-Definition" Leadership is not about competency and productivity, as we have been led to believe. Our culture values action over contemplation, individualism over community, speed over endurance, fame over humility and success over the satisfied soul. – Bill Hull A fundamental assumption in most literature on leadership is that a few will need to control the many. Throughout history the subtle belief that someone must tell the masses how to live has remained. This assumption leads to a search for power that encompasses an either/or mindset and results in anxious organizations (and churches) and limits the ability to learn and change.  You can read the rest here: http://www.baptistdigest.com/archive/column/influence_through_self_definition/