LEADERSHIP

Learner – Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord! (James 1:7) The opportunity for learning comes from reading the scripture, listening to the Holy Spirit, investing in education, and acquiring a good mentor. To be a good leader we must be willing to immerse ourselves in learning.

Enthusiast – Be enthusiastic even when it seems impossible. The scripture says, “joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV) Many times, we as leaders may weep, struggle with circumstances, ponder the question: “How will I make it another day?” but we must live out God’s Word: JOY will be our strength and help us arise in the morning with a song in our hearts.

Attitude – Our attitude about every situation sets the tone for those we are serving. I have often asked God to help me process a situation so that I could project the right attitude. As a single adult leader, I adopted the phrase: I’m single and it’s okay because I am never, ever alone. Joshua 1:9 states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua’s attitude about becoming a leader after his predecessor Moses was an enormous task. But God was with him just as he was with Moses. I have the upmost confidence that promise will help us have a positive attitude regarding the many situations we will encounter.

Decisive – Let your yes be yes and your no be no! (Matthew 5:37 KJV) No matter the age of any group; a leader learns the importance of this phrase: Let your yes be yes and your no be no. A personal example I will share is when I first became director at the SpiritCare Center, many of the retired seniors had questions about things they wanted to do or change. The first time I was asked about something I immediately responded yes to the individual only to go home that evening and think: “What have I done?” I learned from that first experience to reply: Give me 24 hours to think and pray about this and then I will get back to you. That response has been a great benefit to me because everyone at the SpiritCare Center knows that Dr. Overbey will spend time in prayer about the question before giving an immediate answer.

Energized – How we all need extra energy to face the needs, the problems, the everyday decisions of the twenty-first century. Sometimes we may feel exhausted because the problems of this season are difficult. The scripture encourages us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 NIV). There is no better way to be energized than to put our trust in the Lord and to lean totally on His Word. Secondly, a good healthy diet and exercise will also enhance our energy. Sometimes we may feel like a hamster on the spinning wheel, but if we take a moment, stop the wheel, get some fresh air and a good walk, we can return to the situation feeling energized. (I know this works because I do it often!)

Renewal – Romans 12: 1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). This scripture says it all – to obtain restoration – especially restoration of thoughts – we all need to take time out for ourselves and do that which brings renewal to our heart, our health, our wellbeing, and our mindset.

Steadfast – “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” (I Corinthians 15:58 Amplified) Trust the Lord, trust His process, trust His Word.

Hopeful – There’s no better explanation of this word than stated in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NKJ)

Inspiring – Be an inspiration to the audience God has assigned you to serve. Use this motto: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (I Corinthians 13: 4-7 NIV).

Purpose – Romans 8:28, NIV states: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  We must never forget that God is ultimately the One who has called us. Man may make the leadership assignment – but it is God who designs our every step. Trust Him. Trust His plan. Trust yourself.

Dr. Pamela Kay Overbey

Thrive Church of God

Sevierville, TN