“You’ve Got a Friend” sang James Taylor in the popular song of a few years ago. The reality is that those of us who are ministry leaders are in desperate need of a friend—and preferably more than one!
In an article at his website, Eric Geiger tells us about the friends every ministry leader needs. He writes, “Wise leaders reject the temptation to remove themselves from others. Great leaders know they need others for both encouragement and wisdom. Here are three types of friends that every leader needs:
A Been-There Friend
A been-there friend is someone who is more experienced than you, someone who has walked the road longer than you have. A been-there friend is someone you can seek input from and who offers you insight. You need a friend you respect enough to listen to and who loves you enough to tell you the truth. A true been-there friend offers you constructive feedback so you can grow and mature. Without a friend you can rely on for wisdom, your growth will be stunted.
A Join-Me Friend
A join-me friend is someone you invite along for the journey, someone you invest in, someone you develop. Leaders are responsible for future leadership, so leaders must invite others to join them. Not only are new leaders developed, but the leader is also impacted. Leadership development develops both the leader and the person being developed. When leaders distill their knowledge and transfer it to others, they always gain greater clarity and understanding. If you are not inviting others to join you, you are leading in isolation and not serving well.
A No-Matter-What Friend
A no-matter-what friend is the person who will stick with you through seasons of pain and seasons of joy. A no-matter-what friend always has your back. A constant friend increases your courage.
Put another way, every leader needs a Paul, a Timothy and a Barnabas. The apostle Paul invited Timothy to join him as he traveled preaching the gospel and planting churches. Paul had been there before Timothy; thus, Timothy was able to learn from Paul, to take the things he heard Paul say and entrust them to others. Timothy became like Paul to others in that he invited others to join him. Barnabas (the son of encouragement) and Paul were friends and partnered together in the mission of making disciples.
Leaders who lead in isolation lead foolishly. (Read the full article.)
Blessings!
Michael Duduit
MDuduit@SalemPublishing.com
www.MichaelDuduit.com
Follow on Twitter @MichaelDuduit