Not in Charge … Anymore
by
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INTRODUCTION
Leadership is a simple concept, whether it’s in a church or in a large corporation. The simplicity of it lies in the fact that leadership is the ability to influence human behavior. All leaders have different styles, approaches, and abilities.
Secular Leadership is the ability to lead; a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task or goal; to guide and direct in person or through others.
Spiritual Leadership is the ability to lead others and to serve others not by their will, but by the will of God with the ability to influence others by example and direction through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The two can and must coexist in our daily lives, and we must understand the importance and relevance the two can bring to today’s leaders.
There are many types and characteristics of what we would presume to be a leader. Characteristics and traits are just one portion of the requirements that define leadership qualities. Leaders come in many shapes, sizes, colors, genders, ages, and abilities. Leaders are perceived differently by each individual and are judged as leaders by the outcome of their efforts to achieve a desired goal. This book is not only about what makes up a great leader but also what we all need to have in ourselves to become great leaders and what obstacles we need to overcome to achieve these goals.
In this book you will follow the development of defining what leadership is and the importance of incorporating our spiritual leadership into our common practice as leaders.
Too often people assume that along with the role of leader comes the responsibility of determining what should be done and who is in charge. They develop aggressive goals. They dream and cast their visions. Then they pray and ask God to join them in their agenda and bless their efforts. That might be what some leaders do, but it’s not what the spiritual leaders do. They seek God’s will and then lead their people to pursue God’s will.
There have been many questions and debates in deciding whether leadership is an innate talent and gift or learned through our life’s experiences. Do all leaders wake up and decide, “Today I am going to be a leader,” and it just happens? Are we all made up of qualities and characteristics to be great leaders? Do all of us see the same leadership qualities in our leaders, or are our perceptions and personal definitions so different that one of us can see a great leader and another can see a great detriment? Can the spectrum be so wide, or are there commonalities to what each of us can equate to the qualifications and character traits that make up a great leader? Both the secular and the spiritual can learn from each other and prosper in today’s business climate.
The biggest questions you will be faced with as you continue through this book are:
What are the characteristics and traits of a great leader?
As a leader, are you the one in charge?
What are the true aspirations of each leader?
Do you rely on God to get you through the day as a leader?
Who are the leaders in your life?
Are leaders available to lead or serve?
Who is the ultimate greatest leader of all?
Am I leading for the right reason or the right agenda?
Who will I be impacting?
Are my goals and aspirations just about me?
You will find throughout this book discussions relating to these questions, but the biggest questions each of us must answer are, “What are the leadership qualities in each of us?” and “Are we leading for the right reason?” We all, in theory, have leadership qualities and potential. Our life experiences define what makes us tick and what our contributions to others will be. All leaders are called upon to do works of service. As a Christian, I am called on to be humble, gentle and patient and called on to minister and to serve (Eph. 4:12)
This same calling can be used in the support and leadership of all areas of the secular world. It is really about what we are called on to do for others and for the right reasons.
Spiritual leaders can influence all people, not just God’s people. God’s agenda applies to the business arena as well as the church arena; it is our calling to take our leadership to the next level and incorporate our spiritual influence and obedience into our secular environment.
According to Max DePree, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is to be a servant.” 1
My goal for the reader is to finish the book with the understanding that leadership is not just about results or profit margins. Leadership is about servitude and making a difference in others’ lives. It took a while for me to realize it, but hopefully after reading this book, the reader will come away with the comprehension that leading is about serving others and bringing our spiritual core values into the same fold as our secular intentions.
We have lost some of the spiritual aptitude in leadership. Some scholars have commented that we have lost our faith or the belief in a spiritual being has disappeared, but I would disagree. Our leaders in the secular world still go to church, still pray, and still hold their spiritual beliefs very dear to them. A major problem is that the concept of our forefathers’ vision of separation of church and state has migrated into the leadership world and has taken our spiritual leadership significance out of the equation.
My hopes are that as you read through this book, you will follow the paradox of bringing faith and spiritual leadership back into the mainstream of the secular world, specifically into our business world and you will come to understand how easy it really is to lead through spiritual leadership as long as you know who to follow.
As you finish reading this book, you will realize the importance of the following concept: When we take the ‘me’ out of leadership and lean more on our spiritual guidance we will, as leaders, truly make a difference in others’ lives.
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About the Book
Do you find yourself in a battle, trying to be the leader that you’re “supposed to be”? Do you find yourself stressed searching for ways to make a difference in your work? Are you tired of trying so hard yet never getting any closer to career advancement?
Not in Charge … Anymore shares how leadership and walking in Christ can be done collectively. The book describes how to get fulfillment through God’s leadership. Faith and trust in God enlightens us to the simplicity of leading.
The author’s goal is to share relevant leadership examples and his personal experiences on how God can work in a leader’s life and give a sense of peace. The key as leaders is to surrender to God and to stop trying to do it ourselves. After reading this book, the reader can gain a sense of assurance that to surrender through humility and trust, all aspects of leadership will become more impactful and meaningful.
About the Author
Jim Wetton has studied leadership both through extensive educational studies and hands on leadership development throughout his forty years of experience in the retail food industry. He holds a master’s in counseling psychology and a leadership certificate from USC.
Through life’s challenges, his faith increased, and he found by the grace of God where his true road was paved. It brought both a sense of peace and purpose. With his trust in the Lord, he was able to turn his physical disabilities into endless hope.
Jim’s goal for this book is to serve others by sharing how leadership and walking with Christ make the impossible a reality through prayer and the simplicity of faith.
Jim is married to the light of his life, Darlene. He is blessed with his children, Melanie and Dustin, and Dustin’s wife, Nikki. He has three grandchildren, Sophia, Taylor, and Tristan.