A Plan to Grow

Written by Laura Chamberlain

This is Part 3 in a three-part series: “Growing as a Spiritual Leader”

Every good an every great leader is a perpetual learner. If you are not learning, then you are not growing-you’re standing still. If you’re standing still, how can you lead anyone else?

I found it a lot more difficult 10 or 12 years ago to avail myself of opportunities to learn about leadership–particularly leading women in the church. So I really had to dig. Thankfully, nowadays, a lot more information is readily available.

Let’s just say that the area you want to develop more in is that of leadership specifically.

First of all, analyze what you are presently doing to learn more about leadership. Be honest…if you aren’t doing anything, admit it. If you are doing a lot, map it out. Write down what you are doing.

Next, set a daily plan for reading and growth.

A possible plan, based on five hours per week, would be:

• Monday: Read leadership book; take notes
• Tuesday: Listen to leadership tape; take notes
• Wednesday: Review and file notes from above
• Thursday and Friday: Spend one hour each day in your own personal Bible study on a biblical leader or a particular characteristic of leaders.

Then, plan for some mountaintop experiences for growth. Attending a leadership seminar or conference is essential for your continued growth because of the challenge and inspiration it provides. Keep your eyes open and ask questions about upcoming conferences. You won’t be able to go to everything, but try to go to something at least once a year. Vary the opportunities if you can.

Another option is to enroll in some form of continuing education, whether it is a taking Bible school correspondence course, attending a public seminar or debate, or enrolling in a university degree program-whatever fits you. The key is continuing to learn.

Applying what you learn

But the bottom line is that we must apply what we learn. Take notes and then file them. That way you’ll be able to find information quickly. Looking for articles and illustrations that didn’t file has been one of the biggest time wasters of my life.

Apply what you learn to everyday situations. For example, we have challenged our kids with this question for dinner table talk every night: “What one new thing did you learn today? Where can I use this info? Who needs to know this?” The information you share will increase the depth and richness of your life immensely. It is important for you to share your knowledge. Grow with someone. And from time to time, review your growth. For example, if you keep a daily journal with your quiet time, set a date every six months to review your journal. See where you have grown and establish where you still need to improve.

Expose yourself to significant people

Many years ago I received a challenge from Howard Hendricks. He was speaking at a conference on pastoral leadership. He made a point that has stayed with me, and probably always will. It was this: Everyone (including every spiritual leader) needs to have three significant people in their lives.

1. A Paul- a mentor, a hero that you look up to, but not idolize. Someone you can learn from. It doesn’t have to be someone you know personally, but it sure helps if you do. For a guide to mentoring, I refer you to John Maxwell’s book, Developing the Leaders Around You.
2. A Barnabas- an encourager. This person needs to be a hands-on person. A person who is more your equal, who is willing to understand you, ask you tough questions, hold you accountable and love you unconditionally. I believe that a leader without a Barnabas-without the accountability this person provides-is an accident waiting to happen.
3. A Timothy- a disciple. This is a younger person you are discipling and pouring your life into.

Start by identifying these three kinds of people in your life and then you can work at the particular roles more effectively. Keep in mind that it may be hardest to find a Barnabas-but it’s well worth the effort of looking.

Never be satisfied with the status quo

Don’t ever become satisfied with who you are as a leader or where you are going with your leadership. Thinking that you have arrived is a poor mindset. But don’t hear me incorrectly. I am not condoning discontentment!

Status quo is a term that I interpret as “the mess we are in.” Dissatisfaction with the status quo does not mean having a negative attitude or grumbling. It has to do with willingness to be different and to take risks.

Sacrifice to grow up

Finally, for everything you gain, you must give up something. Our biggest growth spurts in life revolve around times of pain, suffering and sacrifice.

I wouldn’t trade the growth curves of my life for anything, even though the pain wasn’t very pleasant at the moment. But is the end result that is precious and worthwhile.