In our previous post we looked at roles and responsibilities of a leader. Leadership is not about position. You do not need a title or a position to be a leader. Many leaders throughout history were men and women living in the ranks of common everyday people. In fact this is where great leaders come from, not from positions with titles.
In the book of Acts we see a great example of this. “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” Acts 18:24-28
Aquilla and Priscilla, tent makers by trade, were Jews who had been expelled from Rome, had met and spent time with the Apostle Paul in Corinth and later traveled with Paul to Ephesus.
Apollos, a very learned man with thorough knowledge of the scriptures came to Ephesus and was speaking/teaching in the synagogue. Aquilla and Priscilla recognized a need and put to use their God-given experience and understanding of scriptures. They, tent makers, invited Apollos, a leading teacher and scholar, into their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
Aquilla and Priscilla, working class tent makers, realized something was missing in Apollos’ teaching, baptism by the Holy Spirit. Having spent nearly two years with Paul, they knew well the full gospel and the importance of baptism of the Holy Spirit. They saw a need. They had the knowledge and experience to meet the need. They became leaders to the leader.
Reading of Aquilla and Priscilla, you realize they were missionaries, and Paul mentions them several times because they were willing to apply their God-given talents, knowledge, and experience with others – leaders without a title, missionaries.
Leadership is highly reliant on influence. Perhaps you can think of more biblical examples of ordinary people influencing others in ways to accomplish God’s purposes furthering His Kingdom. What about people in your life. Men and women who have had an influence on you, spreading knowledge, wisdom, and stimulus for your well-being.
The word lead is derived from an old English word, Laed, which means to guide or bring along with. Leadership is influencing others through educating and inspiring them to make right decisions and accomplish their God-given purpose in life. Leadership is not a title.
No matter your position in life, how are you using your roles and responsibilities to influence and guide others? How will you begin today to improve your leadership?
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.