Charisma Leader | Serving and empowering church leaders

Police badge
(Flickr)

As we have witnessed the decay of moral fiber in America, it's not hard to also notice a simultaneous withering away of respect for authority. Ask a schoolteacher, a police officer or any manager about the degeneration of respect for authority.

Authority is questioned, ignored and even mocked.

We can recall that the leadership of Jesus was questioned as well.

"They came again to Jerusalem, and as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority to do them?" (Mark 11:27, 28).

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

This reminds me of hearing a five-year-old wailing at a store clerk who took away a toy from the little darling, "You can't take that from me! You aren't the boss of me. Give it back!"

Even the "boss of him" struggled to recover the toy.

Servant leaders walk a slippery slope in making claim to the ownership of authority. While organization charts can define how authority SHOULD flow, we have all observed how the influence of an informal organization can whittle away at formal authority.

The goal of a strong leader is to align the informal and formal flow of authority. Alignment is likely the strongest test of leadership.

Consider an analogy of a sheriff who upholds the law without the use of a gun. Maybe it only worked on The Andy Griffith Show, but Andy showed that good leadership made it easier to submit to authority.

Here are four ways to help with authority alignment:

1.  Make fewer statements, ask more questions. Jesus answered the questions about His authority by asking questions.

2.  Be more inclusive. When we treat our team like mushrooms, the light may never reach them. People in the dark tend to reject authority. Light leads to understanding and compliance.

3.  Over communicate. Write it. Speak it. Repeat it. Draw on the walls if necessary.

4.  Celebrate team wins. When teams win, leadership tends to have an easier time with authority. Sports teams love their coaches as long as the team is winning. Authority dwindles in losses.

Leaders help people love authority.

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders