WHAT IS EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP?

Gebru Abraha was born in 1968 in the northern part of Ethiopia, in the town of Axum. He is a graduate of Addis Ababa University where he earned a BSc degree in Chemistry. Mr. Abraha then worked as a secondary school teacher for several years. Some years ago he left teaching and took a leadership task and is now working in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia as government employee. Three years ago Mr. Abraha earned a Masters degree in Christian Leadership from United Graduate College and Seminary International.

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Even though leadership as a field of study has evolved recently, we find quite a lot of definitions of the term leadership in literature. Plainly these descriptions are more or less similar in connotation or spirit.  

Leadership is a process of influencing a group of people to accomplish a certain task. Leadership shows the direction towards the attainment of pre-destined goals. By its very nature leadership is influencing the behavior of others while fully respecting the liberty and dignity for each individual. This is so because individuality is sacred.

When it comes to effective leadership, it is the ability of moving a group of people or a society towards a vision by changing the way of thinking of the people about the future possibility. Effective leadership begins with having internally the compassion or love of the human kind. Love and concern are the most fundamental or imperative elements of effective leadership. Without love or compassion effective leadership is unthinkable. Thus the sole and everlasting foundation of effective leadership is Love of those we lead. Without love neither the physical nor the spiritual powers will develop.

There are also other issues that add value to leadership effectiveness. Characters such as enthusiasm, credibility, honesty, staying power, vision and courage do have contribution to effective leadership. Leadership success starts with creating vision. For a leader to be a direction indicator, he has to have a clear vision. Therefore a true leader is visionary. Honesty is also an integral component of a true leader because it invites others to follow your path. Courage is also important to utilize fully one’s own potential. An individual realizes his full potential in the absence of fear of making mistakes and fear of risk.  Thus effective leaders are not susceptible to criticism and admit their mistakes. This makes an effective leader always a learner.

Since effective leadership is all about stimulating people, it shows others that anything is possible. Effective leadership is capable of showing its followers a distant image of good health, prosperity, and a bright future soon to be reached.

The principle ‘‘lead by doing’’ is also another fundamental aspect of effective leadership. True leaders do not give command, nevertheless they lead by doing and this invites followers to shoulder their responsibility and others to come along and join the group.

In all levels of human relations, leaderships prevail. There is leadership in a family circle at a small scale. And leadership at larger scales are group or team leadership, organizational leadership, religious leadership, leadership at society level, etc. They all in common require the skill of leadership, even though the deal differs. Many of the leaderships in family circles are effective. The secret of leadership effectiveness at the household level is love and concern of leaders (parents) for their family members.

Leadership determines the success of an organization. An organization is exactly the mirror image of the leader. This means that a group, a team or an organization takes on the personality of its leader. That is why it is said that ‘‘the pace of a team is the pace of a leader’’.

Leaders are few and followers are many. Unfortunately we humans are followers. So we need someone to show us the way forward to reach our destinations. In periods when there is no leadership society stands still. Good leadership encourages people to go forward and that is why we say good leadership is the fuel of progress. This makes developing leaders of future times (legacy) an essential part of wise leadership.

                                                Let God be with all of us!!

A NEW GENERATION LEADERSHIP - HOW TO LEAD THE NEXT GENERATION

Currently, Dr. Daniel Munsami is the Senior Pastor of New Life Ministries, South Africa and two other churches in Richards Bay, South Africa. In the International arena he gives oversight as the President of New Life Ministries International Network to six churches in Swaziland and seven in India, with 21 Pastors and Evangelists just in India. Dr. Munsami studied at the University of Pretoria for Advanced Leadership. In April 2009 he received an Honorary Doctorate from United Graduate College & Seminary International. Dr. Munsami has a passion to impact individuals and develop leaders. He travels extensively to countries such as Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, USA, Mexico, Canada, Mauritius and India. Dr. Munsami has been married to Shirley Munsami for 25 years and has two sons: Eugene 21 and Shaun 17.

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As we look back into the corridors of time and catch a glimpse of some of the major changes that have taken place within our globe, one can only stand in awe of where we are right now. Whatever the area of focus may be; be it politics, economy, religion, technology, mode of transport or anything that affects mankind; there certainly have been great strides of advancements. In all this, effective leadership becomes the key to success. Poor leadership is the greatest contributor to the collapse of many countries and organizations. It is in this respect that I would like to share some thoughts that will assist current and emerging leaders to lead the next generation effectively.

Currently there is a sense of leadership crisis throughout the world and this is not the case only in the cooperate world but also within the church circle. Even though various mechanisms such as gender equality, seminars, conferences, social media and various other means are used as tools to develop leaders, we are still far from where we ought to be in proportion to the advancement of the entire world. In my opinion this has much to do with easy access to readily available material which does not demand much effort. The internet has become the primary source of information and many of the 21^st century leaders are totally dependent on it. Whenever there is a need for information or a question to be answered, the world at large turns to the internet. It is quick, easy and no real effort required. This could be a great tool for a follower who is constantly guided or following someone else’s thought pattern and achievements. They seldom think for themselves, or even create new ideas.  This prevents such people from developing the champion or the hero that is within them. Untapped potential of great leaders and path creators lay dormant within such people.  The very same method is used within the church circle whereby the internet becomes the primary source instead of the Bible and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Many leaders and Pastors are so program driven that time is never enough. Waiting upon the Lord for new and fresh ideas and thoughts becomes virtually impossible. The internet has made leadership sound so simple that with a click of a button on the computer, information on anything or any subject can be made available. This information that has been uploaded by some people that have made the sacrifice and also could have paid the price as a leader. Yet those who just depend only on such information will remain followers and never aspire to become effective leaders. I am not advocating that leaders should not research or even read the material of other leaders but if that is all that one does to develop him or herself, then they will always remain as followers rather than becoming effective leaders. God has given each of us a measure of ability to think and create. In order to become a new generation leader and lead the next generation effectively, consider the following:

1.     LEAD WITH THE FEAR OF GOD

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom: This fear comes by learning and understanding through the Bible who God really is. As we constantly read the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our lives, we will soon learn about His grace, mercy, His requirements and also how He deals with sin and rebellion. A leader who knows and understands the heart of God will lead the people of God accordingly. There will be difficulties and challenges and there will be times when leaders themselves will be tempted under pressure to disobey God’s word and apply worldly systems to achieve results. This could be detrimental, not only to the leader but also the people who he leads. In the past and to this day the cost of rebellion, sin and disobedience is great and the God that we serve never changes. His ways of love, grace, mercy and punishment never change. It is for that reason that leaders must lead with the fear of God and in so doing they transfer that spirit and energy to the people they lead.    

2.     LEAD WITH THE WISDOM OF GOD

There is a distinct difference between intelligence and wisdom. Leaders might possess the intellect to plan, to build, and accumulate but if they don’t have the wisdom to use and maintain that which they have, it will all be in vain. Having the wisdom of God enables one to walk in the will of God and he will also understand and know the thoughts and plans of God. Leaders that possess the wisdom of God lead in an extraordinary manner.  The natural and carnal man will not understand or even comprehend that which will be accomplished by the one that has the wisdom of God. Leaders will constantly be faced with challenges and also be required to resolve conflicts, therefore in order to achieve the best result or outcome, the wisdom of God must prevail.

3.     LEAD WITH INTERGRITY

There is a vast difference between character and integrity of a person. Character is what everyone sees and this sometimes could be very misleading but integrity is what happens in secret, which does not go unseen by God. I am amazed by the uprightness of Daniel’s integrity when faced with challenges and yet the governors found no fault or error in him.

4.     LEAD WITH A PASSION

Passion is a fuel that drives a leader from an ordinary to extraordinary person. It is also an energy that refuses to be obstructed by challenges and circumstances. A person with a deep passion to lead will never sleep until dreams are transformed to reality. They are leaders that will look beyond the now and call into being that which is not as though they are. It will be in their nature to turn every obstacle into opportunities and every negative into positive.

BIBLICAL EDUCATION

Ivan Chihale is the Chairman of UGCSI Chancellor's Advisory Council. Ivan lives is Mozambique, Africa and is a graduate of United Graduate College and Seminary International. 

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Introduction

Education is undoubtedly a priority in any society. One of the main roles assigned to education is to give humanity the ability to promote their own development. When one hears the word ‘education’ today, probably most common thoughts that come to mind have to do with school buildings, hired teachers, text books and tests.  While these are certainly key components of modern education, such was not always the case. In colonial days for example, education was more commonly understood to mean: having possession of truth; mental and moral development to prepare one for their station in life; mastery of ability to speak, read, and write, and well grounded in religious belief. Webster argues education as:

·      The bringing up as a child; instruction, formation, manners;

·      Comprehension of all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations;

·      To give to children a good education in manners, arts, and science is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable.

Education is generally seen as the foundation of society which brings economic wealth, social prosperity, political stability, ripeness and growth and both spiritual and physical embodiment. One of the education essential tasks is to enable people to understand themselves. Education has a vital role to play in assisting students to understand their identity.

1.     What is Biblical Education?

Agreeing with Timmy Tezeno, it is a constant diligent search of what God has to say on every subject. It is the heart beat of God. Biblical education is a heavenly education that changes lives forever. It converts prostitutes to women of virtue; pimps to men of honor. It sobers up drunkards; delivers drug addicts from addictions; heals broken hearts and mends marriages. It is the only education that produces victorious living. The Bible says, “But be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (KJV, Romans 12.2). According to this verse I understand biblical education as a mind transformation process, character building, spirit embodiment and growth, Holy Spirit guidance and dependence, and a production of knowledge and followers.

2.     Purposes Of Biblical Education

·      To know who God is. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my strength, my buckler, the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (KJV, Psalm 18.2);

·      To know man’s need of being restored to a right relationship with God. “...Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (KJV, John 3.3);

·      To know the blessings of God achieved through living in agreement with His Word (KJV, Deuteronomy 28);

·      To know the history of God in His providential dealings with mankind (individuals and nations). “...And hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (KJV, Acts 17.26);

·      To master academic disciplines necessary for serving God and their fellow man.  Included in these disciplines are: language, arts, natural sciences, social sciences, geography, government, economics, astronomy, biology, medicine, etc. “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” (KJV, 1 Chronicles 12.32);

·      To develop a Biblical worldview such that all learning is framed and understood in a manner consistent with a Scriptural view of life.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (KJV, 2 Timothy 3.16);

·      To restore the truth of mankind’s identity and goal. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. Then God blessed them, and God said to them ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (KJV, Genesis 1.26, 28).

3.     Importance of Biblical Education

While secular education is certainly important being educated biblically is far more important because biblical principles teach us how to properly relate to God as well as to our fellowman (KJV, Matthew 22:37-40; Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 30:6).  I believe that Biblical education begins in the home (KJV, Ephesians 6:4; Genesis 18:18-19; Deuteronomy 6; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14-15). The teaching of spiritual and moral values to children is the backbone of any nation and provides nations with moral stability. King Solomon stated “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (KJV, Proverbs 22.6), thus biblical education is important because it is the right information which produces righteous thoughts, that produces right actions, which brings about the right kind of harvest. One of the goals of biblical education is to restore the truth of mankind’s identity, because man was created in the image and likeness of God - In order that he could objectively see the glory of God in all things of creation - That man might subjectively glorify God in whatever he does in thought, word, and deed.  (KJV, Revelation 4:11). Furthermore it is also important because it is the only kind of education which is designed with relevance and practicality, enabling and stimulating a practical learning process, for producing thinkers which aim to produce knowledge and followers.

Obtaining a Biblical education is obtaining the mind of God. Our mind is limited, but God's mind is unlimited. “Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite” (KJV, Psalms 147.5). God wants us to use His wisdom and His knowledge because it is so vast.  We must know how He thinks so that we can align our thinking accordingly. We must learn His ways so that we can walk in agreement with Him and therefore walk in His favor, having the blessing on our lives. Biblical education is the all around successful life which is embodied in the fear of the Lord, for the Bible says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (ESV, Proverbs 9.10). Without it, life is unfruitful, empty, and void. We must endlessly continue to receive biblical training, because the more training we receive and apply, the more we become like Him. Biblical education is an awesome thing, it has no ending. The knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of God are infinite.

Conclusion
Education begins with the reality of God’s existence and the fact that He has communicated to us through creation, His Word, and His Son. As we learn more of God’s creation, our understanding of God’s wisdom and power deepens. As we study God’s Word, we become more equipped for God’s work (KJV, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we grow in our knowledge of God’s Son (KJV, 2 Peter 3:18), our love for Him increases and our service for Him intensifies. “Education is useless without the Bible" (Noah Webster). 

Works Cited

Webster, Noah. American Dictionary of the English Language (ADEL). 1828.

Tezeno, T. (2012). The Importance of Biblical Education. Oval Bible College. 2012: 34. Print.

Building Hope In The Next Generation - Kingdom Character

Prof. Donella Pitzl has an International Professorship through Kayiwa International University and is an International Certified Master Life Coach. Prof. Donella’s doctorate work is in Biblical Counseling with an emphasis on Kingdom Character Building through United Graduate College and Seminary International. She has over 40 years of Christian education and ministry experience and has written several training materials and curriculum for children, youth, seminary students and ministry volunteers.

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Our future is held in the lives of our youth and our children. It is embodied in their training, mindsets, hopes and desires. Every generation faces challenges and needs encouragement to become all that God has created them to be. Good biblical principles built into the understanding of our young will allow them the ability to tap into the life God has to give them.

From Psalm 119, I have captured and paraphrased “22 Principles for Life”. When God’s Truth is applied to daily living with a practical application, it will bring hope by creating a lasting foundation. The way one looks at life will shape that life. What is understood about God - His love and care - will help one live in wholeness fulfilling God’s intentions for each generation on the Earth giving them a future and a hope.

The 22 Principles of Life – From Psalm 119

1. I am blessed when I live according to God’s principles; I will not suffer shame – Ps. 119:1, 6
2. The Lord keeps my heart pure when I live according to His Word and seek Him with all my heart – Ps. 119:9-11
3. My eyes are kept open that I can continue to see the path; God’s principles are my counselor – Ps. 119:18,24
4. Even when my heart is tired and sad,  I am strengthened by His principles; on this path I find freedom – Ps. 119:28, 32
5. I know I can ask the Lord to direct my thoughts and to keep my eyes on Him; His ways preserve my life in righteousness – Ps. 199:33, 35, 40
6. My hope in God brings freedom and puts strength in my words – Ps. 119:45, 46
7. I find comfort in hard times because I know God promises to keep me because I keep His principles – Ps. 119:50,56
8. I know if I turn my face towards God and stay diligent, I will find strength – Ps. 119:59, 61
9. I am thankful for hard times because they help me learn about God – Ps. 119:71
10. God made me and I can trust Him to teach me; I can trust His love to comfort me – Ps. 119:73,76
11. I know I can trust God’s commands  even in the face of hardship – Ps. 119:86
12. I realize although there is nothing perfect in life, I am unlimited as God’s principles are without limits – Ps. 119:96
13. I believe God’s principles rather than my enemies make me wiser – Ps. 119:98
14. I know God directs my path and even if others would try and trap me, I will happily stay on God’s path for my future – Ps. 119:105,110,111
15. I will stay singularly focused on God’s principles because they keep me and bring me life – Ps. 119:113,116
16. Loving and knowing God’s principles helps me hate every wrong path – Ps. 119:127,128
17. I realize God always shows mercy to those that love His name and He will not let any sin rule over me – Ps. 119:132,133
18. I can live because I trust in God’s principles which are true  – Ps. 119:138,144
19. I understand God has established His words to last forever and if I stay focused on them, I do not have to be afraid – Ps. 119:148,149,152
20. I believe God defends me and saves my life because of His compassion – Ps. 119:154,156
21. I see it is good to praise God and be thankful because He keeps me, knows all about me and gives me peace – Ps. 119:165,168
22.  If I stray off the right path and yet not forget His principles, God will find me. Lord let me live that I might praise You – Ps. 119:175,176

Note: All Scripture verses are paraphrased from the New International Version of the Bible.
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Active engagement is important. If the young people of today were to engage in the following activities, God would bring hope to the areas in life that are troubling and create a strong foundation in God for success in life.

• Write a statement about how you see yourself.
• Identify your area(s) of distress or hopelessness. Apply at least one of the 22 Principles of Life and on a daily basis declare it loudly over yourself.
• Identify an area where you can act upon daily to put your thinking on a right path.
• If you do not believe in God, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  (NIV, Luke 11.9) You must ask for help from God.

Applying the Truth from God’s Word to the belief system of a young life will form that life to walk in God’s Kingdom with stability and bring change to their world and reality. Scripture confirms we can experience life – as in Heaven, so on Earth when we see through God’s eyes and believe His Word.