Thriving as a Leader Part 2

In last month’s eNews, I wrote, “I don’t think any great leader hopes to just survive in ministry, to just make it by. Great Christian leaders desire to thrive in ministry and in Life.” In order to thrive as a leader, you must develop and master certain good habits. In my previous article, I mentioned five leadership habits to form in order to thrive as a Christian leader and then revealed the first two: Control your Time and Have a Winning Attitude.
Here are the three remaining habits to form in order to thrive as a Christian leader:
Habit #3 - Always Keep Growing.
Jude 20, “But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit.”
Thriving leaders are teachable leaders. It takes effort for healthy growth to happen, it’s not natural. So as leaders, we must make a plan to grow and be willing to change. This is where a trusted mentor or Life Coach can really help.
If a leader is unwilling to grow, he will be unable to thrive as a leader.
Habit #4 - Live an Above-Reproach Lifestyle.
1 Timothy 3:1-2, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach...”
If you’re going to thrive as a leader, you must live above reproach. You must live an honorable and exemplifying life, one that doesn’t disqualify you as a leader. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:27, puts it this way, “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I havepreached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Thriving leaders live above reproach in their minds, ministry, marriage, money and motives.
Habit #5 - Love People.

Matthew 22:39, “Love others as much as you love yourself.”
As Christian leaders, our ministry is people, NOT programs, planning, preparation or even preaching. As a leader, I’ve personally been known to struggle with this habit. If not careful, I can walk right by a needy person in order to get my preparation done. Thriving leaders learn to put people first.
Now you have all five habits to thrive as a Christian leader.
Which of the five habits do you need to focus on most?
What action steps will you take to form this habit in your life?