Team Leadership
Leadership and Team Development
All throughout the Bible we see examples of teams of people leading. Today we see various individuals held up as model leaders, but there is a lack of interrelated unity, function and accountability as a team. When we think of leadership development there needs to be a proper understanding of leadership roles in a team setting and a selection of people for each role. There needs to be a proper understanding of God and a proper understanding of who we are as fallen people. Leadership requires a proper reliance on God and a proper dependence on a team of others who provide Godly balance.
RESEARCH
Personal research into leadership development has shown that there is a core problem. The issue at stake is the development of Godly leaders for the local church. The question is two fold. First, How do leaders develop? Secondly, How does one go about developing these leaders? Research has made it clear that all too often potential leaders do not understand a key theological issue. The issue at stake is the sovereignty of God.
All too often much time and effort is poured into the lives of potential church leaders only to see them struggle and many times fail in ministry. The question is why? The greatest need remaining and still is for consistent and competent leaders in the church today. The difficulty in developing leaders for the church is that often there is a bias toward developing leaders that look like western leaders. In this view there is often one single leader who is responsible for the whole operation. This leadership style is based on performance and simply getting the job done. Little thought is given to the concept that leadership involves a group and consensus. There is a second bias in leadership development that places a focus on the development of external skills rather than internal characteristics that ground and provide a foundation for the leader. Research and experience point to these flaws in development as key issues found in the failure of development.
Leadership and Team Development
The struggle lies in the development of a belief and practice of the sovereignty of God. Personal Biblical theology will often hold to the position that God is sovereign but not put it into practice. When given asked to identify who has the most influence on a good leader only about 75% of the respondents chose God as the greatest influence. The question addressed the issue of theological beliefs and how they apply their beliefs to life situations. The difficulty is that one quarter of those surveyed did not see that God was the sovereign influence in life. The majority affirmed God’s sovereignty in directing life but often did not allow Him to be sovereign in their life. One elderly man honestly admitted that, “I have now realized that God must be first in life. I can no longer take full credit for what I do.” (Survey 9 MA thesis)
PERSONAL TRAITS
When beliefs and action merge then there is true life change. Sound Biblical beliefs
should guide in the production of sound Biblical action. Continuing in this line of thinking will provide guidelines that help in understanding various aspects of personal development. In an attempt to understand essential individual traits it is important to look at Scripture as the guide that provides answers for all of life. For the purpose of efficiency in study the Biblical references will be brief and yet provide the necessary theological support for these issues. There are certainly other Bible references that could be observed but will not because of the scope of this presentation. There are three areas that impact the traits of every individual. These three areas are knowing, being and doing. Knowing involves wisdom, being involves character and doing involves action.
Knowing
What is essential to know? One who seeks true knowledge seeks to discover wisdom not just information. Wisdom is the combination of experience and good judgment which can only be gained through experience. Sound decisions are based on the cognitive information and good judgment that is based on experience. Biblically this wisdom of knowing is motivated through a relationship with God and a passion for God. Ezra 7:1-10 provides a good example of this as Ezra is in the midst of leading the second return of the people to the land after being exiled. This passage provides a clear insight into the heart of this leader. In verses six and nine there is a specific reference to the hand of God on Ezra. The king provided what was needed because the hand of the LORD his God was upon him (Ezra 7:6). Again Ezra noted that the safe arrival in Jerusalem was a direct result of the gracious hand of God being on him (Ezra 7:9). Two similar phrases like this in close proximity should cause curiosity and investigation. What is the reason for the hand of God being on Ezra’s life? Simple observation reveals that Ezra devoted himself to God’s law (Ezra 7:10). This devotion that Ezra displayed involved his heart being set firmly. There was no wavering in his belief or practice.
How did Ezra accomplish this firm, unwavering, set of his heart toward God? Three practices are recorded of Ezra in Ezra 7:10. The first is study. This is learning and knowing God’s truth. Ezra realized that if he did not study he would have nothing to do and nothing to say. Secondly, Ezra observed the Law of God and practiced it in his daily life. He realized that if he did not practice what he had learned no one would listen to him. Finally, there is the continued practice of teaching or telling others the truth of God. Ezra realized that if his study did not result in teaching then in reality he did not consider the study valuable enough for others to learn and practice. Ezra realized that the truth which He knew must be passed on to others.
Being
The second personal trait is being. This aspect of life involves the development of character. Individual character is developed by God through His use of others. How are good character traits developed? Paul passed on some valuable information to Timothy, a young pastor and close ministry partner. Paul instructs Timothy to teach with great patience (2 Timothy 4:2). From this passage Paul clearly states that the content of Timothy’s teaching is to be God’s word. The application of his teaching is to correct, rebuke and encourage others. How is Timothy to carry this out? His attitude must be one of great patience all done with quality careful instruction. However previously in the same letter Paul mentions that Timothy needed to model the things that he had been taught (2 Timothy 2:2) and help others put those things into practice (2 Timothy 2:3). Teaching with patience, modeling the principles and providing the practice provides the outline for good character that is developed by God through others.
Doing
The final personal trait is doing. What is to be done? Often this involves the demand of time plus pressure to be seen as one who actually successful in the accomplishment of select tasks. Through out the Bible there numerous tasks that are accomplished, however there is an underlying theme of encouragement and exhortation to accomplish the right task. The book of Deuteronomy reviews God’s past faithfulness and God’s laws that are provided for the people to live by. God directs Moses to encourage Joshua, the next leader of the nation. God had encouraged and helped Moses now Moses was to help and encourage Joshua. As The book draws to a close Moses offers public encouragement to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7). Moses reminds Joshua of God’s continual presence and encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous.
In each instance listed there is a leader whose life illustrates by example one of the three essential personal traits of knowing, being or doing. These traits will continue to be important in the continued study of leadership and the various roles of leadership. However it is important to note that each of these leaders had these traits personally and then moved to a larger stage.
TRIPARTITE LEADERSHIP
In order to move further in this study there must be an examination of leaders and their
leadership roles from a Biblical perspective. This causes a directional shift to look at the first leaders and not pay as much attention to the present leaders. This requires an understanding of the first leadership structure. This initial model of leadership provides an accurate picture of a perfect model of leadership.
The first and best model of leadership is found in the Trinity. In the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit there is one divine essence, three co-equal persons with three complementary functions (Dr. Lanier Burns; Trinitarianism notes page 3). This perfect model provides the guidelines and description of tripartite leadership.
The word tripartite comes from the from the Latin tri meaning three and partitus meaning divided. This word defines what Trinitarian leadership is in that it is three parts that are divided and shared by three different parties. In a very remote sense this may be seen in a parliamentary governmental system where the ruling party is unable to gain enough votes to form a majority and so they are forced to form a minority government with other parties. It is clear that this system of government is a flawed imitation of the Trinitarian model provided in the Godhead.
God provided the best and perfect leadership for His people, the nation of Israel. However the nation wanted a visible leader that they could see and requested an earthly king. The people wanted a king and Samuel reprimanded the nation in 2 Samuel 12 for their decision to move to a monarchy rather than be ruled by a theocracy. The people chose to be ruled by man rather than ruled by God (2 Samuel 12:12). In the end it was God granted the request to transfer national leadership from His had to the hand of a mortal king (2 Samuel 12:13) and Samuel committed to pray for the people and continue to teach the people how to live (2 Samuel 12:23). A monarchy was not God’s original design because He knew the failures and shortcomings of mortal men. Yet the theocracy ended and the rule of the monarch began.
If the overall function of life is to bring glory to God Biblical history notes that the nation of Israel originally lived under a system of governance that was led and directed by God. Yet in the process of national growth the nation rejected God as the supreme ruler in place of a tangible king like the surrounding nations. It is interesting to note that this move by the people is precipitated by the personal spiritual failure of the priests to lead in a manner that honored God (1 Samuel 2:12-36; 8:1-9).
Within the Trinity there are three co-equal persons who act with complementary functions. God enacts His sovereign plan and creates within the functional monarchy, now started in Israel, a mortal copy of the divine model. This is a trinitarian model that shows unity in a three part coalition seen in the separate function in roles of the prophet, the priest and the king. This is not the model of perfection seen in the Trinity but is a model that is designed using the model of the Trinity.
The Prophet
The prophet was one who was directed by God and given God’s message for God’s people. The prophet was a corrector of action and attitude, ultimately a teacher pointing the way to go. The prophetic role can be summarized by the word knowing. The prophet helps the people know and understand the truth of God.
Biblically the prophet worked with the other leaders in the triad. The prophet is the one who provides counsel whether it is wanted or not because they speak as directed by God. In this role the prophet acts as the link between God and man helping to fuse the spiritual to the physical life.
The Priest
The prophet and the priest often functioned together and to bring change. The priest provided the spiritual insight and functioned as a guide or mentor in the true worship of God alone. The priestly role can be best described by the word being. The priest helps the people be godly people who are governed from their heart.
Biblically the priest was to be an example for the people to follow. The priest had the role of leading in worship, offering sacrifices and prayer.
The King
The king was influenced by the prophet and the priest to govern the nation in a way that was honoring to God. A wise king would listen to the voice of God and direction of God through the prophet and priest and take the appropriate God honoring actions as a leader to administrate and govern the nation. The kingly role can best be summarized by the word doing. The king helps the people do what is right through administrative policies and decisions that affect the whole group.
Biblically the king was the central governing leader that maintained order through his administrative office. Within this office there is seen a function of judgment and persuasion through the use of personal qualities that enable appointment to the office in the beginning.
Tripartite Model Summary
In summary, when there was an effective functioning of each of the three roles the nation of Israel operated well. The King led administratively, the Priest led spiritually and the Prophet led through wise counsel and the synthesis of the spiritual to daily life.
CONCLUSION
Leaders must have a core belief that holds too and practices the sovereignty of God. Leaders also need others around them who will balance them and form a Godly leadership team that is built upon unity and cooperative relationships. So how is your leadership? Do not go alone. Make sure God is sovereignly leading as you bring others together to serve together.
written by KG 2017 Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
All throughout the Bible we see examples of teams of people leading. Today we see various individuals held up as model leaders, but there is a lack of interrelated unity, function and accountability as a team. When we think of leadership development there needs to be a proper understanding of leadership roles in a team setting and a selection of people for each role. There needs to be a proper understanding of God and a proper understanding of who we are as fallen people. Leadership requires a proper reliance on God and a proper dependence on a team of others who provide Godly balance.
RESEARCH
Personal research into leadership development has shown that there is a core problem. The issue at stake is the development of Godly leaders for the local church. The question is two fold. First, How do leaders develop? Secondly, How does one go about developing these leaders? Research has made it clear that all too often potential leaders do not understand a key theological issue. The issue at stake is the sovereignty of God.
All too often much time and effort is poured into the lives of potential church leaders only to see them struggle and many times fail in ministry. The question is why? The greatest need remaining and still is for consistent and competent leaders in the church today. The difficulty in developing leaders for the church is that often there is a bias toward developing leaders that look like western leaders. In this view there is often one single leader who is responsible for the whole operation. This leadership style is based on performance and simply getting the job done. Little thought is given to the concept that leadership involves a group and consensus. There is a second bias in leadership development that places a focus on the development of external skills rather than internal characteristics that ground and provide a foundation for the leader. Research and experience point to these flaws in development as key issues found in the failure of development.
Leadership and Team Development
The struggle lies in the development of a belief and practice of the sovereignty of God. Personal Biblical theology will often hold to the position that God is sovereign but not put it into practice. When given asked to identify who has the most influence on a good leader only about 75% of the respondents chose God as the greatest influence. The question addressed the issue of theological beliefs and how they apply their beliefs to life situations. The difficulty is that one quarter of those surveyed did not see that God was the sovereign influence in life. The majority affirmed God’s sovereignty in directing life but often did not allow Him to be sovereign in their life. One elderly man honestly admitted that, “I have now realized that God must be first in life. I can no longer take full credit for what I do.” (Survey 9 MA thesis)
PERSONAL TRAITS
When beliefs and action merge then there is true life change. Sound Biblical beliefs
should guide in the production of sound Biblical action. Continuing in this line of thinking will provide guidelines that help in understanding various aspects of personal development. In an attempt to understand essential individual traits it is important to look at Scripture as the guide that provides answers for all of life. For the purpose of efficiency in study the Biblical references will be brief and yet provide the necessary theological support for these issues. There are certainly other Bible references that could be observed but will not because of the scope of this presentation. There are three areas that impact the traits of every individual. These three areas are knowing, being and doing. Knowing involves wisdom, being involves character and doing involves action.
Knowing
What is essential to know? One who seeks true knowledge seeks to discover wisdom not just information. Wisdom is the combination of experience and good judgment which can only be gained through experience. Sound decisions are based on the cognitive information and good judgment that is based on experience. Biblically this wisdom of knowing is motivated through a relationship with God and a passion for God. Ezra 7:1-10 provides a good example of this as Ezra is in the midst of leading the second return of the people to the land after being exiled. This passage provides a clear insight into the heart of this leader. In verses six and nine there is a specific reference to the hand of God on Ezra. The king provided what was needed because the hand of the LORD his God was upon him (Ezra 7:6). Again Ezra noted that the safe arrival in Jerusalem was a direct result of the gracious hand of God being on him (Ezra 7:9). Two similar phrases like this in close proximity should cause curiosity and investigation. What is the reason for the hand of God being on Ezra’s life? Simple observation reveals that Ezra devoted himself to God’s law (Ezra 7:10). This devotion that Ezra displayed involved his heart being set firmly. There was no wavering in his belief or practice.
How did Ezra accomplish this firm, unwavering, set of his heart toward God? Three practices are recorded of Ezra in Ezra 7:10. The first is study. This is learning and knowing God’s truth. Ezra realized that if he did not study he would have nothing to do and nothing to say. Secondly, Ezra observed the Law of God and practiced it in his daily life. He realized that if he did not practice what he had learned no one would listen to him. Finally, there is the continued practice of teaching or telling others the truth of God. Ezra realized that if his study did not result in teaching then in reality he did not consider the study valuable enough for others to learn and practice. Ezra realized that the truth which He knew must be passed on to others.
Being
The second personal trait is being. This aspect of life involves the development of character. Individual character is developed by God through His use of others. How are good character traits developed? Paul passed on some valuable information to Timothy, a young pastor and close ministry partner. Paul instructs Timothy to teach with great patience (2 Timothy 4:2). From this passage Paul clearly states that the content of Timothy’s teaching is to be God’s word. The application of his teaching is to correct, rebuke and encourage others. How is Timothy to carry this out? His attitude must be one of great patience all done with quality careful instruction. However previously in the same letter Paul mentions that Timothy needed to model the things that he had been taught (2 Timothy 2:2) and help others put those things into practice (2 Timothy 2:3). Teaching with patience, modeling the principles and providing the practice provides the outline for good character that is developed by God through others.
Doing
The final personal trait is doing. What is to be done? Often this involves the demand of time plus pressure to be seen as one who actually successful in the accomplishment of select tasks. Through out the Bible there numerous tasks that are accomplished, however there is an underlying theme of encouragement and exhortation to accomplish the right task. The book of Deuteronomy reviews God’s past faithfulness and God’s laws that are provided for the people to live by. God directs Moses to encourage Joshua, the next leader of the nation. God had encouraged and helped Moses now Moses was to help and encourage Joshua. As The book draws to a close Moses offers public encouragement to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7). Moses reminds Joshua of God’s continual presence and encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous.
In each instance listed there is a leader whose life illustrates by example one of the three essential personal traits of knowing, being or doing. These traits will continue to be important in the continued study of leadership and the various roles of leadership. However it is important to note that each of these leaders had these traits personally and then moved to a larger stage.
TRIPARTITE LEADERSHIP
In order to move further in this study there must be an examination of leaders and their
leadership roles from a Biblical perspective. This causes a directional shift to look at the first leaders and not pay as much attention to the present leaders. This requires an understanding of the first leadership structure. This initial model of leadership provides an accurate picture of a perfect model of leadership.
The first and best model of leadership is found in the Trinity. In the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit there is one divine essence, three co-equal persons with three complementary functions (Dr. Lanier Burns; Trinitarianism notes page 3). This perfect model provides the guidelines and description of tripartite leadership.
The word tripartite comes from the from the Latin tri meaning three and partitus meaning divided. This word defines what Trinitarian leadership is in that it is three parts that are divided and shared by three different parties. In a very remote sense this may be seen in a parliamentary governmental system where the ruling party is unable to gain enough votes to form a majority and so they are forced to form a minority government with other parties. It is clear that this system of government is a flawed imitation of the Trinitarian model provided in the Godhead.
God provided the best and perfect leadership for His people, the nation of Israel. However the nation wanted a visible leader that they could see and requested an earthly king. The people wanted a king and Samuel reprimanded the nation in 2 Samuel 12 for their decision to move to a monarchy rather than be ruled by a theocracy. The people chose to be ruled by man rather than ruled by God (2 Samuel 12:12). In the end it was God granted the request to transfer national leadership from His had to the hand of a mortal king (2 Samuel 12:13) and Samuel committed to pray for the people and continue to teach the people how to live (2 Samuel 12:23). A monarchy was not God’s original design because He knew the failures and shortcomings of mortal men. Yet the theocracy ended and the rule of the monarch began.
If the overall function of life is to bring glory to God Biblical history notes that the nation of Israel originally lived under a system of governance that was led and directed by God. Yet in the process of national growth the nation rejected God as the supreme ruler in place of a tangible king like the surrounding nations. It is interesting to note that this move by the people is precipitated by the personal spiritual failure of the priests to lead in a manner that honored God (1 Samuel 2:12-36; 8:1-9).
Within the Trinity there are three co-equal persons who act with complementary functions. God enacts His sovereign plan and creates within the functional monarchy, now started in Israel, a mortal copy of the divine model. This is a trinitarian model that shows unity in a three part coalition seen in the separate function in roles of the prophet, the priest and the king. This is not the model of perfection seen in the Trinity but is a model that is designed using the model of the Trinity.
The Prophet
The prophet was one who was directed by God and given God’s message for God’s people. The prophet was a corrector of action and attitude, ultimately a teacher pointing the way to go. The prophetic role can be summarized by the word knowing. The prophet helps the people know and understand the truth of God.
Biblically the prophet worked with the other leaders in the triad. The prophet is the one who provides counsel whether it is wanted or not because they speak as directed by God. In this role the prophet acts as the link between God and man helping to fuse the spiritual to the physical life.
The Priest
The prophet and the priest often functioned together and to bring change. The priest provided the spiritual insight and functioned as a guide or mentor in the true worship of God alone. The priestly role can be best described by the word being. The priest helps the people be godly people who are governed from their heart.
Biblically the priest was to be an example for the people to follow. The priest had the role of leading in worship, offering sacrifices and prayer.
The King
The king was influenced by the prophet and the priest to govern the nation in a way that was honoring to God. A wise king would listen to the voice of God and direction of God through the prophet and priest and take the appropriate God honoring actions as a leader to administrate and govern the nation. The kingly role can best be summarized by the word doing. The king helps the people do what is right through administrative policies and decisions that affect the whole group.
Biblically the king was the central governing leader that maintained order through his administrative office. Within this office there is seen a function of judgment and persuasion through the use of personal qualities that enable appointment to the office in the beginning.
Tripartite Model Summary
In summary, when there was an effective functioning of each of the three roles the nation of Israel operated well. The King led administratively, the Priest led spiritually and the Prophet led through wise counsel and the synthesis of the spiritual to daily life.
CONCLUSION
Leaders must have a core belief that holds too and practices the sovereignty of God. Leaders also need others around them who will balance them and form a Godly leadership team that is built upon unity and cooperative relationships. So how is your leadership? Do not go alone. Make sure God is sovereignly leading as you bring others together to serve together.
written by KG 2017 Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org