The world is changing at a rapid pace as technology and the shrinking global village brings people’s lives closer and closer together. (Bennis, 1999, p. 71) For leaders, it is increasingly challenging to lead people in the right direction, primarily because the right direction has become insurmountably subjective. The right direction is not a set point on the horizon any longer, so, in order to determine the ‘right direction’ for a leader, or group of people, it is necessary to understand what is valued and important to the leader and group.
As Christian leaders, the focus must be on advancing the Kingdom of God through discipleship of individuals, commissioned by Jesus Christ himself. (Mat. 28:18-20) Everything else in Christian leadership and ministry is just details, but it is in the details that Christian leaders get lost. How should Christian leaders go about fulfilling this commission?
Ian Wilson (1996) recommends any leader in any context can take advantage of five distinct compasses that assist in keeping leaders going in the ‘right direction’ regardless of what that direction is determined to be. For Christian leaders, utilizing these five compasses allows Christian leaders to fulfill the Great Commission in their own unique way that resonates with their followers and the mission God has specifically given them. The five compasses are:
- Strategic Compass: developing an intentional path to fulfill the Great Commission
- Action Compass: movement is required in order to fulfill the strategic plan
- Culture Compass: design culture around strategic thinking, learning and action
- Socio-Political Compass: navigating, not avoiding, the surrounding world is vital
- Moral Compass: setting a tone of obedience to Christ’s principles should be foundational for any Christian leader
Which compass seems most vital for local church leadership?
References
Bennis, W. (1999). The End of Leadership: Exemplary Leadership Is Impossible Without Full Inclusion, Initiatives, and Cooperation of Followers. Organizational Dynamics, 28(1), 71–79.
Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: study Bible: English standard version (ESV text ed). Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles.
Ian H. Wilson. (1996). The 5 compasses of strategic leadership. Strategy & Leadership, 24(4), 26–31.
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Thank you for the support and repost, Jack!