Billy Graham, The Evangelist and the CEO Essay

Lewis Haynes, a Catholic surgeon for the USS Indianapolis from the nonfiction novel In Harm’s Way, is another grand example of a strong leader. After the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, Dr. Haynes took many of the stranded, wounded and dying men under his wing. Taking care of the men while trying to survive himself, he displays great courage and fortitude in such demanding times. Swimming around and checking on all of the boys who seemed to be on their last leg was Dr. Haynes new job. When the sad news was announced over one of the crew member’s death, Dr. Haynes would refuse put the boy to rest without saying a quick prayer - “Still, he was determined not let any corpse rest without praying over them” (Stanton 201).

The prompt of this assignment is to discuss, in detail, a person we consider to be a leader and explain how and why he or she is. The leader that I chose is Reverend Dr. Johnnie Mae Cooper. She is the leader of quite of few things. For example, she is the leader of several organizations, which consist of being the founder and overseer of her own church (St. Esther Temple Bible Church), various religious and spiritual conferences, workshops, bible study courses, as well as metaphysical classes. She’s the type of woman who will tell you exactly what the spirit of God says. I know because I have been witness to it and seen her work. She is the type of person who does not have much patience for those that are un-attentive; however, she pays close attention and dedicates herself to helping those who desire to help themselves.

At the end of the day being a great spiritual leader encompasses many aspects of a person as a leader an in order to become a great leader and accomplish the “Great Commission” we must continue to develop ourselves as leaders in order to become the leader God intended us to be. McNeal states “greatness is earned. It is not a gift; it is a reward. It is not accidental; it is cultivated.”

When I think about leadership, Matthew 26:36-45 always comes to my mind. In this passage, Jesus unpacked the roles and responsibilities of a true leader. A true leader leads by sample without looking back. The scripture states, “…My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little further, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed…. Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell

Throughout recent history, the definition of leadership has been the subject of a vast number books, articles, and essays. Countless authors have attempted define the ability to lead in a tangible way. They have scrutinized on how one becomes a leader and how one successfully leads. Because the ability to lead is so ambiguous and no one can follow a definable set of steps to become a leader, many authors have use examples of leaders to illustrate their views on the subject. And even in the limited scope of time that is the history of the United States, dozens of men and women have lead Americans through their words, beliefs, and actions. Whether they are appointed leaders such as President George Washington or Thomas Jefferson, or leaders of worthwhile cause such as Susan B. Anthony or Martin Luther King Jr., these leaders provide a blueprint that if examined carefully, can provide useful advice for those aspiring to become great leaders. And for Donald T. Phillips, the American leader whose life “still inspires and moves people from all walks of life” and provides an example of leadership that is without equal is Abraham Lincoln (Phillips). In his book Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times Phillips provides 15 overarching leadership qualities that Lincoln followed all throughout his life. By describing how Lincoln exhibited each of these qualities thoroughly, Phillips then relates how potential leaders today can duplicate those same qualities in their

Billy Graham is an exceptional character to look up to. He lead the world’s leaders and yet he still had a very humble personality while most would let it blow up their heads. Billy knew the power of control, and that is someone I’d look up to any day.

A sentiment common to almost any organization is that the one fact that remains constant is change. As society changes, and human understanding grows, any organization that maintains a static posture, assures its demise. Churches and Christian organizations are no exception. The gospel may remain the same, but the method for communicating it must speak to the audience to assure understanding. The Christian leader must be prepared to meet this challenge by incorporating an effective model for change into his theology of leadership in order to keep the ministry relevant and effective. Searching for such a change agent can prove to be challenging as well. To aid in this search, four

James MacGregor Burns said it best, “Leadership is leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations-the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations-of both leaders and followers. And the genius of leadership lies in the manner in which leaders see and act on their own and their fellow 's values and motivations”. As one reads this statement, one naturally reflects on personal leader experiences or ones learned through academic or professional studies. Abraham Lincoln, especially during his presidency, exemplified Burns definition of a leader.

From Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela’s charisma, to Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King’s intelligence and Steve Jobs’ analytical nature, there can be as numerous ways to lead as there are leaders (Crossman, 2010). Leadership is a hot debate both in the business world and other areas of the society. Throughout the world's, there have been as many leadership models as there have been their commentators (Burns & Peltason, 1966). Fortunately, psychologists and businesspersons have established useful frameworks that refer to the main ways of leadership.

Maxwell states that true leaders are not solo act leaders but team leaders, as he gets his point across with quotes from different people. He also gives plenty of examples of great leaders form past to present in all various types of fields, from coaches to corporation leaders. As Maxwell puts it, a good leader seeks to accomplish goals as a team, while equipping team members for leadership.

Countries disintegrate, place of worship and corporation fail, people become dysfunctional, descendants lose their direction, and mankind drift from God on behalf of one distracting reason; insufficiency of leadership. These disappointments are often for the reason that of the deficiency of instruction, appropriate leadership, and misperception on what Christian leadership subsists and exactly how that leadership is pertinent to every component of professional and personal life. From a Christian worldview perspective, Psalm 112:5 explains, “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion” (NKJ). A Christian manager should always keep in mind that bounteousness and admiration for God, demonstrates that one has placed trust in Him, and not our material possessions.

“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” John Maxwell. Not everyone is equipped to be a leader. Great leaders have the ability to establish a set direction and principles to guide their companies in an efficient way. It is believed that certain people possess traits that make them good leaders and researcher focus in personality, social, physical, or intellectual qualities that would identify them as leaders from the rest of the people. A few ideas have been developed over the years in the effort of define leadership. One of this is the Fiedler contingency model and Hersey and Blanchard’s Situation Theory. One of the situations that comes to mind is the story found in the Bible about Joshua when he was selected to spy the land of Canaan, and return to report on what was found, the land flowed with milk and honey. While others may only see problems before it true leaders can see possibilities and endure the opposition until they see an open door.

The leader must inspire engage employees, prescribe a common vision, choose a direction to take and encourage them to follow him. The whole team needs to continue and share the same goals and objectives. One could say that this style of leadership is the most effective of all, especially in large organizations. Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders in history, great freedom fighter and

Effective leadership approaches from a biblical perspective consist of God’s nature in his manifested character. Christian leaders are willing to pay the price to lead in Christ’s affliction. Paul said there is a price to pay in order to lead and Jesus reminded us, “Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master. ' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:20, New International Version). Christian leaders need core attributes of God’s styles and approaches, support and linkage from scriptures, and knowledge of his leadership models of truth for effective leadership. However, these perspectives will gave me a better appreciation and insight of who God is and who I can be with his guidance.