A Leader Grows In His Influence

The Art of Leadership

 

It is a blessing to have our leaders grow in their influence all around. A leader increases his scope of influence as he grows in the art of leadership. Jesus had influence over a large number of people. The Bible tells us that the whole world went after Jesus. The Pharisees were very disturbed over this. 

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing?

BEHOLD, THE WORLD IS GONE AFTER HIM.

John 12:19

The key to growing in your influence is to grow in your influence over smaller sub-groups of people. The cumulative effect of your influence and control over these sub-groups will give you a larger sphere of influence. When a person is a leader at heart, people who are even senior to the leader will follow him. The Apostle Paul taught Timothy to establish his influence over sub-groups within his church. 

Groups of People a Leader Must Influence

1. A leader must influence older men.

REBUKE NOT AN ELDER, BUT INTREAT HIM AS A FATHER; and the younger men as brethren;

1 Timothy 5:1

2. A leader must influence younger men.

Rebuke not an elder, but INTREAT him as a father; and THE YOUNGER MEN AS BRETHREN;

1 Timothy 5:1

 

3. A leader must influence older women.

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

1 Timothy 5:2

 

4. A leader must influence younger women

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

1 Timothy 5:2

5. A leader must influence servants

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

1 Timothy 6:1

6. A leader must influence people who are needy.

Honour widows that are widows indeed.

1 Timothy 5:3

7. A leader must influence other leaders.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:17

Timothy grew in his ministry until all sorts of people were part of his church. Apostle Paul had to show him how to handle all the different types of people who were responding to his gift of leadership.

Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

1 Timothy 5:1, 2 

Keys to Influencing Different Groups of People

1. Study the peculiarities of different groups

There are vast differences between men and women. These must be appreciated by anyone who wants to minister to them. There are also vast differences between older and younger women. The vision of younger women is marriage, husbands and children. The disillusionment of older women is often marriage, husbands and sometimes children.

I have found that older women have fewer delusions about what marriage and husbands can offer. They are more inclined to the service of God than younger women. That is why the Bible says that older women should teach younger women.

2. Respect the differences that exist between different groups of people

Do not despise the peculiarities or weaknesses of each group. Very generally speaking, women are more interested in things like chatting, shopping and clothes whilst men are more interested in their jobs, money, cars, sex, etc. You cannot have a successful women’s ministry if you despise women’s God-given traits. You must respect them and celebrate womanhood.

3. Develop teachings that are specific to each group.

A minister may show a lot of understanding for women’s needs so he becomes a successful women’s minister. He has developed teachings and written books specifically for women.

4. Develop a strong influence over leaders

Every pastor must develop a strong teaching ministry towards leaders. There are pastors who do not know what to tell their leaders. A leader enjoys teaching his leaders. The more you teach leaders, the more influence you have because each leader has a sphere of authority.

5. Show respect to those that particularly deserve it

Elderly people for instance, deserve more respect due to their age and experience. Do not expect the same output of energy that you would receive from younger ones. Regard the honourable citizens that God brings into your midst. The fact that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were mentioned in the Bible tells us that their support for Jesus was unusual and therefore given special recognition. This does not mean you must be prejudiced and biased towards the rich and powerful. What it means is that you must give honour to whom honour is due.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Romans 13:7

May you develop in the art of leadership until all sorts of people respond to your influence!

theaol@ymail.com

By Dag Heward-Mills