Leadership as Fatherhood
I want to follow up on the last post on leadership with some quotes from an article given to me by Mike Steele (Dawn Ministries). I must confess that Mike may (or may not) be the author of the article (I will be checking with him to find out). --NOTE: I AM ADDING THIS TO THE POST ONE DAY LATER-- MIKE STEELE IS THE AUTHOR. This article offers one important perspective on leadership: Leadership as Fatherhood.
This article first looks at the business model of leadership:
Based on the success-oriented model of the business world, the "bottom line" is the motivation in this form of leadership and strategies and measurable outcomes are the rule... Everyone's activity is measured against the bottom line and their promotion and acknowledgement is based on meeting or exceeding the goals. Great ideas and large organizations come forth but run the risk of missing the mark of focusing our efforts on people and their growth and relationships.
The author then takes a look at team leadership which he calls a step in the right direction because of the multiple leadership. However, the organizational goals are still the focus:
Team members are rewarded for their contributions to the effort. Outcome is the bottom line and relationships are built on the ability of each team member to perform. Acceptance and recognition is based on your proficiency in adding to the outcome of the team effort. While this has merit, it does not exemplify the type of mutual love and benefit derived from a commitment to people over task.
Finally, this article looks at "the heart of the Father":
From my understanding of the Scripture, this ideal can be expressed in the concept of "The apostle who is a father." I believe the answer can be found in the heart of Father God. It is embodied in the saying "A weeping father crying out for his sons to overtake him." It is the blessing of a father that is irreplaceable in the life of those who will lead the church in the next move of God. I pray this would become the heart of leadership in the Church in America.
It is exemplified by fathers who mentor, empower and release their sons. These fathers are not controlling, but with wise counsel and wisdom "that comes with age" they impart to their heirs the way of the Kingdom. Continuously willing to resource and support the emerging generation and their call from the Holy Spirit, they encourage them to step out further into the vast arena of those seeking to have an intimate relationship with the Father.
You can download the entire article here:
