Being a Leader - Part 4

Think About It

1) Plot a time-line that shows Robert Clinton's first three leader emergence steps. Include the situations (boundary conditions) that tested and secured each of the three steps.

2) From your own experience (both as a leader and a follower) describe in detail the leadership conflict of balancing being differentiated enough to lead but together with the group enough to be considered part of it. In what ways was the group's anxiety expressed? How did (could) the leader remain a "non-anxious" presence?

3) How does God speak to you (pray, journaling, mediation, scripture, worship, through other people...)? Which is the most predominant? Start arranging your devotional life such that there is an emphasis in the predominant methods of communication.

4) When is the last time you spent 3 to 4 hours alone with God simply to be with Him? Begin to schedule your spiritual discipline. Write out a daily schedule for the next week that includes bible devotional reading and a time of quietness before God (preferably when you are awake ). Write a weekly schedule that will include tithing, ministry, fasting and a time of personal bible study that is not preparation for any ministry. Write a monthly schedule that includes a least one time where you will spend at least 3 hours secluded away from everything around you to be in God presence only. Finally jot on your annual calendar at least 4 times where you dedicate a full day of being with the Lord alone and away from everything else. Start keeping a record of what God speaks to you and the ways you discern His voice.

(1) Clinton, Robert, The Making of a Leader, NavPress, Colorado Springs © 1988. p. 44-45, summarized by John White
(2)Friedman, Edwin. Reinventing Leadership VHS video, Guilford Publications, NY
(3)Friedman, Edwin. Generation-to-Generation, Family Process in Church and Synagogue. Guilford Press, NT. 1985, p. 229
(4)Clinton, Robert. The Making of a Leader. NavPress, Colorado Springs, 1988. p. 121 - summarized by John White
(5)Clinton, Robert. The Making of a Leader. NavPress, Colorado Springs, 1988. p. 46-48