L. I. D. S.

1. L: "Learn"

•  The very first thing that a pastor or spiritual leader should know is that they must learn from the people around them; whether it be staff members, the congregation, or others.  We can learn valuable things from the children in the church all the way up to the assistant pastor. How well do you understand your people? Are you willing to learn from them? Successful leaders are constantly open to learning.   As leaders, we should always do this before pursuing any goal.  Otherwise,  we will only be hindering progress.  Always be a student.  Paul commanded Timothy in:
• 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..."

2. I: "Innovate"

• Creativity should be promoted and never ignored.  In the Sunday School department, the youth department, church planning meetings, etc., we should encourage those department heads and staff members to be innovative. If their ideas are not what you would do, so what! Their idea may work better than yours. By using the ideas and the creativity of your entire leadership team, you will keep everyone involved and invested in your vision.  Don't be afraid of change.  Remember, one of the first things our God did was create.
• Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created…"

3. D: Dialog

• Communication is key in keeping a healthy and growing relationship between you, your staff and your congregation.  Don't assume someone knows what you expect of them just because you have been their spiritual leader for many years.  It's ok to go back over job descriptions with your staff every now and then as a refresher and to keep your working relationship healthy.  Use every opportunity you have to reestablish your ideas, goals and visions for the church.  Let the sheep know where the shepherd plans to take them. Keep the 'big picture' in front of them at all times.
• Exodus 32:34 "Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee..."

4. S: Support

• We are all in this together.  We are the body of Christ.  We have to work together.  One of the greatest attributes we can have as leaders is to be an encourager.  Remember, everyone makes mistakes and most of the time, the person making the mistake is fully aware of the situation.  Most people do not receive the encouragement they need at home or at work, make sure your church is where they receive it. They need to hear it from the pastor. We need to be able to pick a person up, build confidence in them and help them make better choices.  As the body of Christ, we need to support and encourage each other.
• Isaiah 41:7 "So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith..."