Values Based Leadership Principles
A leadership value is an underlying assumption that impacts how a leader perceives and practices leadership. This is true in the home, in business, and in church. In other words, our operative values impact who we become, how we make decisions, and why we lead. Effective leaders are aware of and can articulate their values. We’re not talking about the ability to speak of ideals, but of values that shape hearts and minds so they’re practiced in daily life. The 13 characteristics of church leaders noted in I Timothy and Titus are character traits that reflect biblical values.
What are the operative principles/values that shape you and your ministry? This is a pretty good question to ponder ourselves, and to ask pastor and leader candidates.
Warren Wiersbe (1929–2019) was a highly respected pastor and author. While he may be best known for his ‘To Be’ Bible commentary series, he could be best known for the integrity of his life and ministry. Here are seven of his values-based principles adapted and recorded by Dr. Robert Clinton (The Making of a Leader, Navpress, 2012, p.170):
Character — A leader must recognize that God’s work of developing character is fundamental, for effective ministry flows out of being (who we are).
Purpose — A leader knows that the ultimate life purpose is to glorify God, and that God is to receive the glory in the leader’s life and work.
Motivation — Ministry must be fundamentally motivated by love for those being ministered to, and not by gain, duty, or giftedness.
Authority — A leader learns submission to authority in order to properly exercise authority.
Spirit/Truth — Ministry must be empowered by the Spirit of God and rooted in the Word of God.
Model — A leader recognizes that Jesus is the supreme model for ministry.
Ministry — A leader must serve, for the nature of effective ministry is sacrificial service—first of all to the Lord and then to those we lead.
If you are clarifying or refreshing your values-based principles, it’s probably okay to reference Pastor Wiersbe. It’s more than okay to adopt some of his insights in order to live them, by God’s grace and for His glory. Values impact how leaders perceive and practice leadership.
