12 Qualities of a Leader - MOPS

[Pages:4]12 Qualities of a Leader

MOPS International values personal and spiritual growth -- as a woman and MOPS leader. Let's consider 12 qualities of a leader, with the goal of identifying and developing them in ourselves and in others. As we develop these qualities, we can lead others in the same direction. A good leader recognizes this is a process and that we are learning every day. God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called. You are called and God wants to equip you.

Being Christian and Christ-like are the most important characteristics. It's what sets MOPS apart from other leadership development programs ? we're about Christian leadership development. At the heart of our mission, at the core of what we do, is a commitment to Jesus Christ and to want others to know him and follow him, too.

Christian -- A MOPS leader has faith in Jesus Christ and follows him in all areas of her life.

Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

MOPS is for every mom wherever she is, but a leader must be a Christian. Everything we do in our meetings we do with a Lifestyle Evangelism mindset. That means that we are meeting the needs of moms and building relationships with them, so that we have earned the right to speak about how God has changed our lives and can change theirs.

Christ-like -- A MOPS leader is intentional about growing godly character as expressed in scripture and evidenced by behavior and attitudes.

Galatians 5:22?23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

These should be the characteristics that we strive for everyday, every hour.

We will divide the next five characteristics and have each table (or group of 3 or 4) take about 8 minutes to discuss an assigned characteristic and answer two questions about it.

? How do I develop this characteristic? How can I support it in those who have it and encourage its development in those that may not be as strong in it?

? How do I identify this characteristic in someone else? What does it look like when it's lived out? How will I know it when I see it?

Each group will then have about 3 minutes to share your best thoughts on each characteristic ? so pick a spokesperson. Focus on the first question and I'll tell you when it's time to switch to the second question.

(Assign each group one of the following characteristic handouts, time 4 minutes and announce "Switch to question 2", then time another 4 minutes and end discussion. Repeat until all characteristics have been discussed.)

Called -- A MOPS leader recognizes God has summoned her to a position of influence, and submits herself to that call.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "Those who would be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit ? fruit that will last.

Ephesians 4:11-12 says that we have each been given gifts and are called to use them "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

We are each called and gifted to do certain things. What does that look like and how do we develop it?

*Called group reports.*

Courageous -- A MOPS leader chooses to persevere even in the face of challenges.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Some leaders don't see themselves as courageous ? and would actually describe themselves as fearful. Seeing them step out and try new things and being willing to move forward in spite of their fear ? that's courage.

*Courageous group reports*

Accountable -- A MOPS leader accepts she is responsible to God, others and herself.

Romans 14:12 So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God.

*Accountable group reports*

Servant -- A MOPS leader serves those she leads.

Matthew 20: 26 ? 28 Not so with you, instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave ? just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

*Servant group reports*

Growing -- A MOPS leader has a teachable spirit and takes responsibility for growing toward personal and spiritual maturity.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. She works towards her own development. She doesn't necessarily wait for someone to come to her. *Growing group reports*

Hopeful -- A MOPS leader knows Jesus as her source of hope and points others to him. 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

*Hopeful group reports*

Gracious -- A MOPS leader receives others willingly with a generous spirit. Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise

*Gracious group reports* Some leaders can be too gracious ? there must be a line between gracious and accountable.

Authentic -- A MOPS leader knows and accepts herself and is honest about her strengths and weaknesses in her relationships with others.

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. *Authentic group reports*

Adaptable -- A MOPS leader embraces and manages change. 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

*Adaptable group reports*

Humble -- A MOPS leader recognizes her dependence upon God and others.

1 Peter 5:5-6 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

*Humble group reports*

There are days when I look at this list and think, "okay ? I've got some of those! I'm doing okay." But there are other days when I look at the list and think, "The only one I know I have is Christian." I am so lacking in all the others. The thing about this list is they aren't just a long list of characteristics we need to come up with, they are promises from God. He wants us to have these things and he wants to develop these things in us. I can be courageous because I'm not alone, I can be authentic because I've been forgiven, I can be gracious because I've received grace.

Psalm 139:13-16 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

The God who knit us together, doesn't stop at creating us. He wants to develop these characteristics in us -- not just so others can be impressed by our leadership, but so that the body of Christ may be built up and God is glorified. He wants you to recognize who you are, develop yourself and impact others.

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