A Call to Spiritual Leadership
(Part One)
You have just been chosen or elected Sunday school superintendent of your church. Now what do you do? You are probably asking: Will people accept my leadership? What are the responsibilities of a superintendent? Am I equipped to do the job? How much time will this require?
As a Sunday school superintendent you are a spiritual leader. Scripturally the principles of spiritual leadership are best depicted in the apostle Paul. His leadership style provides an encouraging, inspiring example of what it means to press on toward maturity.
For instance, Paul’s concept of a leader in Christian work is one with a willingness for self-development on marry levels and in many areas– "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Paul considered a spiritual leader to be a guardian, one who stands before the people and leads them.
The versatility that characterizes Paul’s leadership is demonstrated in the variety of qualities he evidently possessed and utilized in dealing with the problems of differing people and churches. These qualities included spiritual wisdom, commitment, faith, vision, empathy, competence, emotional stability, group membership, ability to share leadership, zealousness, expendability, and perseverance. Throughout his life and ministry, Paul sought to develop these qualities. As lay leaders we should seek to follow his example.
Spiritual Wisdom
An important element for quality leadership within the church is wisdom. (Read Acts 6:3.) True wisdom is more than knowledge, basic accumulation of facts. It is heavenly insight.
Spiritual wisdom restrains a leader from rash or eccentric action. It involves the right application of knowledge in moral and spiritual matters and in perplexing situations and complex human relationships. As a Sunday school superintendent, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16, NIV)
Commitment
Commitment, absolute dedication to God’s work and cause, is essential to spiritual leadership. As leaders Paul exhorts us to stand firm, to let nothing move us, and to always give ourselves fully (1 Corinthians 15.58). In Luke 9:62 Jesus makes it clear that consistency and dependability are requirements for Christian service.
How does this relate to the local church and the Sunday school superintendent? A committed spiritual leader should
- be consistent dependable, faithful. and punctual;
- communicate clearly and honestly regarding plans and expectations;
- not become enthusiastic about a project then forget it or change directions suddenly without informing others; and
- keep his word and adhere to the same regulations that have been set for others.
Faith and Vision
A spiritual leader must effectively communicate his faith and vision to those he leads. Faith, which is confidence, reliance, and trust, feeds on the Word of God.
Faith is also a God-given vision which must be communicated to others. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18).
The spiritual leader, like Paul, must see opportunities where others see obstacles. The leader who sees obstacles and does not discern the possibilities will not inspire others. These possibilities must be translated into realistic goals. When you succeed, don't stop. Set higher goals.
Empathy
Empathy is essential to Christian leadership. In 2 Timothy 2:24 Paul states, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient" The superintendent who possesses this quality will be thoughtful and sensitive to the rights, needs, and feelings of others.
A spiritual leader should have the ability to conduct delicate negotiations and personal matters in a way that recognizes mutual rights, yet leads to a harmonious solution. Conflict resolution or negotiation requires effective communication, and effective communication requires effective listening. When these procedures are utilized simultaneously, the harmonious resolution of problems is possible.
Paul was scrupulous in his relationships. He handled complex situations with rare tact and consideration. He exhorts us: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:10).
As the Sunday school superintendent of a local church, you are a spiritual leader with a great mission. God has placed you in this position because He believes you can do the required job. Furthermore, He will be with you at all times. He equips those whom He calls!
The apostle Paul was an outstanding example of one whom God called, equipped, and used. The versatility that characterized his leadership was demonstrated in his dealing with the problems of differing people and churches. In part one, we looked at Paul’s wisdom, commitment, faith, and vision, and empathy as models for the leader. Other qualities the spiritual leader needs are: competence, emotional stability, the ability to be part of the group, and the ability to share leadership.
Competence
Competence, the quality of being adequate or having due qualification, is essential to leading a Sunday school successfully. “But,” you say, “there are many areas in which I need improvement.” Paul wrote a challenge for you, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
A Christian leader is able to lead others because he or she is self-disciplined and committed to improving his or her strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and potential.
To be successful in your position and purpose, you need certain skills. One is the ability to communicate effectively. If members of your staff cannot comprehend your vision for the Sunday school, the vision will no doubt be lost. When you clearly and enthusiastically communicate vision, however, much can be accomplished.
Then a leader must work hard, setting high standards personally and for those on the team. As the leader sets the example, others will desire to do great things for God.
In addition, a good superintendent should know the Word of God. Are you familiar with general biblical facts? Do you know where to find Scriptures that will be uplifting to others?
Emotional stability
An effective spiritual leader will be reasonable, confident, patient, and cheerful—emotionally stable. It is tremendously important for a superintendent to act in a reasonable and graceful manner. Instead of reacting angrily, being stubborn/willful, or becoming easily discouraged when plans do not work out or when difficulties arise, strive for a cheerful and confident spirit.
The superintendent who overreacts and is impatient with others’ weaknesses and failures is an ineffective leader. Paul states, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1). Patience is essential when we seek to lead by persuasion rather than by command.
Group membership
An effective leader is a team player. Paul seldom worked alone. The presence of friends and coworkers heightened his happiness, and he seemed to do his best work when accompanied by those he trusted.
A good leader is supportive of other parts of the Body. He or she does not perpetuate the “my ministry” philosophy and, most important, the leader is a servant. (See Ephesians 4.) Paul inevitably involved his friends in all sorts of risks for the sake of Christ. They followed cheerfully, however, because they were assured of Paul's unselfish love for them.
Ability to share leadership
A good leader has a high regard for those who lead and for those who follow. He or she respects and acknowledges the gifts and callings of others. By example, the leader encourages a team spirit among the staff, rather than individualism.
An effective leader is humble and can follow others with loyalty and respect. This is especially true of the superintendent’s relationship with the pastor. There must be an openness and responsiveness to the pastor's leadership.
The apostle Paul set an important example for us to follow. He knew the responsibilities associated with being a leader and he experienced the joys that come from serving.
Spiritual leadership and the call of the lay superintendent will be continued. Next we will look at the leader’s zeal, expendability, and perseverance.
