Becoming a Strategic Christian Leader
Scanning the environment, we can see a need to change. Change not only in the organizations that we lead but also in ourselves as leaders. For example, as Christian leaders, how do we approach complex problems with the kingdom lens? Below are some suggestions to consider as we approach a post-COVID world—a need to shift our mindset and become more strategic in our leadership style.
Sometimes we implement kingdom insight spiritually or break new ground naturally. The challenge is how we respond, forcing us to look at systems, processes, and mindsets to understand how strategic and operational thinking differ.
Success in the church or marketplace typically depends on a compelling vision, focused strategies, and detailed execution. More importantly, strategic leadership is required to navigate our churches and organizations in this networked world.
Strategic leadership evolves thinking, acting, and influencing as described in Becoming a Strategic Leader: Your Role in Your Organization’s Enduring Success. As we pivot, we consider these concepts with a kingdom lens.
Think strategically. We must implement it within the earthly realm as we think in the heavenly realm.
Act strategically. Take decisive action aligned with the kingdom and the strategic direction of your organization regardless of the chaos.
Influence strategically. First, know yourself as a strategic leader, and next, apply learned influencing skills for the nations.
Strategic Christian leadership involves leading yourself, your team, and your organization. Becoming this type of leader is not a one-time event instead, it is a relationship between you, God, and your organization. Downloading heavenly insights into your organization takes effective leadership, followership, and decision-making that can be guided by strategic thinking, acting, and influencing.
We will cover each—think, act, and influence—in the upcoming blogs.
Samuel Hayes, Jr.