“When leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves. Bless the LORD!” - Judges 5:2

It all begins with leaders leading. Everything rises or falls on leadership. Growth in six areas is needed to keep yourself on the leading edge:

1. Ability to turn negative situations around
We must be like thermostats not thermometers. We can set the spiritual temperature by speaking positive faith filled words into negative situations and correcting bad behavior. Prov. 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression. But a good word makes it glad.” Prov. 9:8 “Do not rebuke a scorner, lest he hate you: Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” 
 
2. Ability to motivate people
We must be able to feed, pray for, encourage and motivate ourselves in the Lord. (1 Sam 30:6)
There will be times when there will be no one to encourage us. If we do not learn to encourage ourselves like David did, we will be knocked out of the race. Encouraged people encourage people. Discouraged people discourage people. Acts 4:36-37 “Joses, who was named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement.)” Encouragement was the outstanding characteristic of the nature of Barnabas.
 
3. Ability to attract the right people
We tend to attract, not who we want, but who we are. People of like spirit and faith - not necessarily perfect people, but growing people who are advancing and maturing. People of purpose want to identify with people who are moving in the same direction.
 
4. Ability to think strategically
Purpose, vision, goals, plans. Where are we going and how are we going to get there?
Hab. 2:2 “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it”
A leader must not only have a vision of a better future, but a credible plan of how to get there. We set S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific-Measurable-Achievable-Realistic-Timely!
 
5. Ability to be able to create something out of nothing
Leaders must be willing to be pioneers – to lead the way into uncharted territory when needed. To develop new roles, tackle new challenges, and seek new horizons. God’s creative power and provision always follows God’s purpose. Read Luke 10:1-9.
 
6.  Ability to see the funny side of life
A good sense of humor will help you get through a lot of difficult situations. Don’t lose your joy in doing what God has called you to do. Acts 20:23-24. “That I may finish my race with joy.” A buoyant attitude will help lift the morale of your whole team.
 
Yours for a new generation of creative, leading leaders!

Dr. George Hill
Apostolic Founder and President of Victory Churches International