Legacy Leadership: Wisdom Of The Apostle PaulSample

A New Definition of Leadership – Part 1

During a recent visit to San Francisco I noticed several banners advertising a university’s entrepreneurship program hanging from downtown lamp posts. The tag line on the banners was: “The world needs a new definition of entrepreneurship.”

I think the world also needs a new definition of leadership. Many people define leadership as influence. I don’t think this simple definition of leadership is wrong, but I do believe it is incomplete. I have a more comprehensive definition of what I call Legacy Leadership. Legacy Leadership is a process of intentional influence that takes place in the context of a relationship.

In this study I want to explore that definition by examining the leadership of the Apostle Paul. We will do this by taking a close look at his first letter to the Thessalonians. We will also look at several passages from some of his other letters. Legacy Leadership is a process of intentional influence that takes place in the context of a relationship.

What comes to mind when you see the word intentional?

In the context of leadership, the word intentional indicates the purpose or over-riding mission that guides a leader’s behaviors. Paul was very explicit about his purpose: he was “exhorting, encouraging, and imploring each one of them as father would his own children so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

“So that” is one of Paul’s favorite phrases. He uses it in this verse to emphasize the intent of his leadership. His goal is to develop Christ-like followers who will walk worthy of God’s calling. He expressed this same purpose in his letter to the Colossians. He prays for them to grow in their understanding of God’s will “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1: 9-12).

Paul’s purpose is reflected in his prayer, but it is also demonstrated in his behavior: he is “admonishing and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to his power, which mightily works within me” (Colossians 1:28-29).

There is no hidden agenda here; Paul is transparent about his purpose. It is clear that Paul was very intentional about the influence he was exerting. He had an over-riding purpose – a “so that” vision for his leadership – that provided the context for every instruction, correction, or assignment he gave his followers.

Reflect and Act on these questions:
• Take a moment to list the various spheres of influence that have been entrusted to you. Your work, your church, your marriage, your family.
• Do you have an over-riding purpose that is guiding your influence in each of those arenas?
• Is your influence intentional?
• What is the “so that” of your leadership?