M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Leadership for Saints, Part 4: With Love and Faith Come Commitment
by Rodger Dean Duncan and Ed J. Pinegar

Perhaps the best-known statement on effective leadership in the Church came from the Prophet Joseph himself: "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves."

Contained here are at least three basic elements: 1. There are correct principles. 2. The leader is teacher and servant. 3. People are capable of self-government.

Faith in and love for the Lord Jesus Christ are the first and most important guiding principles. They are necessary ingredients in all practices and all programs pertaining to our stewardship.

With faith and love come commitment. The Savior Himself is our model. Everything He has ever said and everything He has ever done modeled perfect leadership principles. His gospel is the foundation of every good thought we should have, every good motive we should act upon and every good deed we should offer in the service to others.

Essential to our success is that we operate under the direction of the living prophets, with personal guidance from the Holy Ghost.

Note this from D&C 12:

Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desire to bring forth and establish this work.

And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.

Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen. (D&C 12:5-9)

As a leader in the Lord's Church, can you, will you-

• See yourself as a teacher to your people?
  
  
• Change from seeing your people as your helpers in getting your assignment done, to seeing yourself as a servant to help them in their stewardships?
  
  
• Resist managing by fear and threats (implicit or explicit)?
  
  
• Give people a job, with a specific time to return and report, and then allow them the freedom to succeed?
  
  
• Wait for the Holy Ghost before reproving?
  
  
• Correct with clarity and charity, not anger?
  
  
• Love those you serve, especially after correcting?
  
  
• Include persuasion, long suffering, gentleness, meekness and love unfeigned, kindness and pure knowledge with your management skills?

All of this requires that leaders serve with "the heart and a willing mind" (see D&C 64:34) and that we listen constantly for the promptings of the Spirit.

But does that preclude an understanding of and the ability to benefit from specific leadership skills?

Of course not. In fact, for generations of saints the general authorities of the Church have emphasized the need for more skilled leadership in the kingdom.

It is true that success in Church leadership is measured in terms of souls saved and strengthened, not in profit and loss. The Lord's work must be done by faith, prayer and by the Spirit.

But just as the Savior reminded Oliver Cowdery (D&C 9:7-9), we are expected to do our part, too.

Our part is the focus of this book. It is designed to help Latter-day Saint leaders in stakes, wards, branches and families increase the effectiveness of their service.

The authors do not profess to cover everything there is to know about effective service in the Church. But this book does attempt to view such leadership through a wide-angle lens. Treatment is given to the importance of personal worthiness and self-mastery. Being a model, not a critic. Relying on influence rather than on authority. Listening with empathy. Ministering versus administering. Becoming a partner with those you serve. Nurturing through focused teaching and interviewing. Managing meetings in ways that excite and motivate the participants. Delegating tasks-and accepting tasks-in ways that build people and inspire performance.

In short, bringing others, and ourselves, to Christ.

In all these things, continuous improvement should be our goal. After all, does the Lord-the leader of us all-deserve any less? Does he desire any less for us?

Applying the Principles

1. Make a list of about a half dozen of your roles in life. The list should include your obvious leadership roles like Church callings as well as roles you may not always associate with leadership, such as parent, friend, neighbor, community volunteer.
   
   
2. Under each role, write the word "Linkage." Then jot down two or three things in that role that you do (or should do) to invite others to Christ. These may not be obvious and overt "missionary activities." For example, under the role of "Young Men counselor" you might write something like "Stay positive and upbeat in working with the Aaronic Priesthood." Under "community volunteer" you might write something like "Avoid criticizing, always look for the good and how to make it even better."
   
   
3. Make three specific commitments to yourself regarding your own leadership development. Take responsibility. Follow through.

You Can Do It!

You realize that everyone is a leader-at home, school, work and in the Church. You are a leader by example, within your role, or by an assignment or calling. Sometimes you can feel overwhelmed. There is no need to fear, for the Lord will not only provide a way, but will also give you the strength to do the work. You should be of good cheer. You are His child, doing His work. You are empowered by your God. He will bless you and you shall have glory and joy in the work. You are filled with the Spirit that will show you what to do and how to do it. Just do your best, and your best will constantly improve. Enjoy the journey. The role of a leader can be a blessing to you and those you serve.

You can do it! . . . in the strength of the Lord.