Leadership Qualities
by Diana Goldy, Ministry Engagement Project Coordinator

As a MOPS leader I hid behind a mask of perfectionism. I didn’t trust God, my peers or myself enough to let my true character show. Instead of being authentic and real with the other leaders in my group I portrayed an image of “I have it altogether.” By deciding to embrace my strengths and acknowledge my weaknesses, I became vulnerable and opened myself to authentic, true relationships.

We all have different strengths, weaknesses and character traits. Thank the Lord! And we are all loved by him. We serve a God that judges by faith and character. He looks at our heart, not our outward appearance. Samuel experienced this first hand when God sent him to Jerusalem to anoint the new king of Israel. Samuel met with Jesse and his seven sons and waited for God to show him which son to anoint.

When Samuel saw Jesse’s first son who was tall and strong and handsome he thought to himself, “Surely this is who God will choose.” But he did not. The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearances, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

This year, my children’s elementary school has been teaching about different character qualities each month. My daughter has received 2 recognitions from her teachers for exhibiting the qualities of fairness and responsibility at school. These short notes of affirmation have helped her identify her God-given characteristics. She can also use these words to identify and encourage herself. "I am fair. I am responsible."

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.

Questions

1. How does this story contrast with perfectionism?
2. Where have you seen perfectionism get in the way of building relationships?
3. What practical ways can we let perfectionism go as we look at our lives?
4. How does the Lord view my heart?
5. Which of the 12 Qualities of a MOPS Leader (below) do I see in myself?
6. Which one or two do I want to work on?

12 QUALITIES OF A MOPS LEADER

• Christian - has faith in Jesus Christ, and follows him in all areas of her life. Romans 10:9
• Called - recognizes that God has summoned her to a position of influence and submits herself to that call. Luke 9:23
• Christ-like - is intentional about growing godly character as expressed in Scripture and evidenced by behavior and attitudes. Galatians 5:22-23
• Courageous - chooses to persevere even in the face of challenges. Psalm31:24
• Accountable - is willing to accept responsibility to God, to others and to herself. Romans 14:12
• Servant - serves that she leads.Matthew20: 26-28
• Growing - has a teachable spirit and takes responsibility for growing toward personal and spiritual. Philippians 1:6
• Hopeful - knows Jesus as her source of hope and points others to him. 1 Peter 3:15
• Gracious - receives others willingly with a generous spirit. Romans 15:7
• Authentic - knows and accepts herself and is honest about her strengths and weaknesses in her relationships with others. Romans 12:3
• Adaptable - embraces and manages change.1 Corinthians 9:22
• Humble - recognizes her dependence upon God and others.1 Peter 5:5-6

For more Qualities of a Good Leader click here

Make a list of the leaders you serve with. Write down 1 or 2 characteristics you see in them. Take time this week to let them know how you see their heart, and how much you appreciate these qualities in them.

Pray
LORD, thank you for creating me to be the person I am. Thank you for my strengths and for my weaknesses. I pray that you would give me eyes to see my heart and my true character. Also LORD, help me to see the God-given characteristics of the leaders I work with.