What Can The Apostle Paul Teach Us?
While leading the church at Thessalonica, Paul gives us 4 Metaphors that can be used to gain a clearer perspective of what Leadership should look like and its impact upon the Leadership vacuum that is exists.
STEWARD – 1 Thessalonians 2:4; “But just as we have been approvedby God to be entrusted with the Gospel so we speak not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” Paul suggests that leadership is born from something that is bigger than ourselves and our immediate gratification. This Stewarding concept is more of an infinite-minded approach to leadership. This would imply the end goal is not winners and losers. Rather it is about the perpetuation of our work beyond the scope of our life. The metrics are not what we have done and how much we have made. Rather what decisions have been made that will allow our idea and initiatives to live well past my life span. For this to even have a chance, you must focus on people and their success.
MOTHER – 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8; “But we were gentle among you like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So being affectionatelydesirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own selves because you had become very dear to us.” Do you hear the words of endearment in Paul’s expression? What we can learn about leadership from the metaphor of motherhood is that leadership carries a basic instinct of care for others first. It is not about the words of endearment so much as it is demonstrating the care for others by means of our actions. More now than ever, people are asking 3 key questions from their leaders: Do you know me? Can you help me? Can I trust you? A negative response to any of these 3 questions will result in the departure of that team member. If leadership does not reveal a tender concern for others, that environment becomes toxic and unproductive.
FATHER – 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; “For you know how like a Father with his children we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” Paul instructs more from a fatherly metaphor at this point. Fathers are to be the care-takers of the family name and family industry that marks the family signet. Through the fatherhood role we learn work ethic and discipline. It is not about getting just a paycheck but about building, creating something of value and worth for others. There is discipline and encouragement wrapped up the life work we choose. Do your work with integrity and honor for the family name.
Herald – 1 Thessalonians 2:13; “And we also thank God constantly for this that when you received the word of God that you received from us you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God which is at work in you believers.” The Herald metaphor of Paul at this point is more about accuracy of speech and reporting. If there was ever a day that accuracy of speech and reporting was needed it is NOW! Unfortunately, what we are witnessing in far too many places of leadership is manipulation of the narratives to persuade in a different manner and outcome. Truth is stubborn – it always surfaces so the public can see clearly. If our message as leaders is massaged in a manner to convince people of our products and purpose that cannot support its own weight, we become hucksters and shysters. Our mission must be pure, and our products must be accurately presented. History is filled with leaders that attempted to manipulate the masses. Historical outcomes have not been kind to these leaders.
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