3 Things Every Leader Needs to Know

In Romans 1:1 Apostle Paul shares important keys that I believe are foundational to the life of a leader or those in ministry.

3 Keys for Effective Leadership

1. Servant First, Apostle Second

When we study the life of Paul, we see that he was a servant before he was an apostle. The servant heart came before his calling and his title. I believe that prior to us being effective in our leadership, we first have to learn to pick up a towel. Whether you’re an apostle, leader, teacher, pastor, evangelist, or whatever that title is, the title itself should always remain second.

When we don’t embrace the mindset and attitude of a servant, we won’t embrace the motive that is meant to push our service, which is service to the Lord. If you go into ministry to find your validation, identity, or affirmation, you will quickly notice that it will turn sour. Ministry will expose everything that is within you and put pressure on it. This will only lead to further problems if your motives are not pure from the start.

You and I are first a servant, then a leader. The moment you become a pastor first, problems begin.

2. Serve the Lord Before People

I believe that one of the reasons for the lack of interest toward ministry in many people is their motives. When our motives to do ministry arise from a place of superiority or arrogance, it becomes problematic. The first role is as a servant, not to people, but to the Lord through our calling, our mission, our strategy, the prophetic words, and the dreams. A servant of the Lord Jesus Christ means serving at the pleasure of the Savior, the wishes and desires of the King, and His agenda and will.

This always overflows into helping, serving, preaching, teaching, healing, guiding, counseling, encouraging, strengthening, rebuking, and correcting people. When someone has this attitude it is easy to grab a towel and serve because the foundation of what it means to be a servant of Christ is clear to them.

3. Separated to the Gospel

Lastly, towards the end of the verse, Paul says the following important words, “Paul, a servant of the Lord, called to be an apostle and separated to the gospel of God.” In this passage we see that as leaders, we have to be sold out for the Gospel.

We must recognize that we are sinners and that Jesus took our place on the cross, giving us the gift of salvation and righteousness. By believing in the gospel we are trusting in Jesus as our Savior and entering the kingdom of God. In this kingdom of heaven, the King’s word is the constitution and He chooses His citizens, not the other way around.

The kingdom of God provides for its citizens, with Jesus ensuring their welfare. The gospel of the kingdom includes miracles, provision, protection, the life of God, and the Holy Spirit. And, we can enter into this glorious kingdom of God only through a second birth by trusting in Jesus.

This is powerful truth that we must choose to live by and separate our lives to continue to proclaim.

Conclusion

As leaders, ministers, or servants in the church of God, live conscious of this kingdom, regardless of your physical location or circumstances. Share the kingdom and never be ashamed of it. One day, all earthly kingdoms will pass away, but the kingdom of Jesus will remain and fill the earth.

Read: When Ministry Becomes a Distraction