It has been said that ours is a generation of managers. What we need today is leaders. Managers manage things. Leaders lead people. Managers coordinate projects, priorities, schedules, plans and budgets. Leaders motivate people to take purposeful action. They inspire people to journey together towards a worthy goal.

What can we do to effectively lead people? Let me furnish a list in the form of an acrostic: L-E-A-D.

Leading begins by LOVING. Jesus demonstrated the loving leadership of a Good Shepherd. Rather than one who sees His role as to perform a duty for hire (a hireling), He is willing to sacrifice for the sheep (John 10). The Shepherd Psalm speaks of the Lord caring for the well-being of His people. David writes, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3).

Loving involves the personal touch: "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." (John 10:3) Leaders exhibit that people matter to them personally. They offer words of encouragement that give direction, consistent affirmation of one's personhood as well as contribution. Loving leadership involves candid discussion about problems and potential pitfalls. Loving leadership involves loyalty- standing in their corner when they are cornered.

Leading involves EXAMPLING. Paul's words to Timothy were: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, modeling servanthood as an example (John 13:1-15). Good leadership inspires followship. Good followship reproduces leadership. Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1Corinthians 11:1).

While living in England I had the privilege of meeting the late Arthur Wallis, Bible teacher and author. He spoke of his experience as an officer during World War II. An officer was expected to only require of his troops what he himself was prepared to do. A regular training exercise which the officer would complete with his platoon was a ten mile march with rifle and a full pack weighing 56 pounds. After they completed the route and had returned to the barracks, the officer's first responsibility was to examine the men's feet for bursted blisters. He would send those who needed treatment to the medical officer and ensure that all the others, in true British fashion, were refreshed with a mug of tea. Only when all his men were comfortable would he himself take off his boots and enjoy tea with them.

(To be continued in next installment)