Leadership Tips From Paul

Read 2 Corinthians for more background information.

Have you ever heard a dynamic speaker or observed a charismatic leader win the hearts of people and maybe even attracted you to their leadership? Let's be honest. We gravitate to leaders that have the ability to eloquently motivate us, inspire us, or even make us laugh. We sometimes validate people's position, power, and authority by the "hype".

Paul, one of the greatest men of God, was challenged by the church of Corinth who began to question his authority, integrity, and even began to criticize his lack in skilled oratory. He wasn't a philosopher that could "wow" them. His approach to ministry was all about the Good News, humbling himself, and moving as far away from the spotlight as possible. He didn't want people to affiliate with Paul but with Christ.

Though he didn't have some of the hype that attracts people today, he had something more important. He had the knowledge to back up his ministry. Faithfully, he served even after being stoned, beaten, imprisoned, and shipwrecked. He received direct revelation from God and wasn't just wise in his own understanding. At the end of the day, the fruits show that he was a leader that was called.

Here are a few of the many things we can learn from Paul's life of leadership...

1. Be leaders and follow leaders that grow in knowledge (2 Cor. 11:5-6)

Paul knew that he is not inferior to the false prophets or the genuine apostles of that day. He knew that he had as much or more truth and knowledge then the most "eminent" apostles around. Are you lacking confidence in your calling? Seek out knowledge.

2. Be leaders and follow leaders of calling and not just capability (2 Cor. 11:22-27)

When your called, your heart, mind, level of faith, and discernment is built for a particular position. Your capabilities are the hands and feet that help do the job. Calling is given while capabilities can be learned. Of the two, calling is most important. Only a true calling of grace enabled Paul to fulfill his mission in the midst of extreme hardship. If your called, your far ahead of those that seem to be better equipped.


3. Be leaders and follow leaders that have the right focus (2 Cor. 11:28)

Too many ministers and progressive Christians fall into the trap of building a focus around themselves. Support leaders that have the right focus and intentions. What is your daily focus? Is it how you can better yourself or is it how your life can better others?

We can all learn from Paul's life of leadership. May God confirm your calling, increase your knowledge, and protect your focus.

Pop the Culture,

B.A.P