20231207 Leadership Development Plan DKuhl

Leadership Development Plan Douglas A Kuhl LEAD-510: Biblical Foundations of Leadership December 8, 2023

Contents Leadership Development Plan ...................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 Theology .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Philosophy ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Trust God With All Your Heart ........................................................................................... 6 Leadership that Influences Change ...................................................................................... 7 We are to Rule ..................................................................................................................... 9 Methods and Models .................................................................................................................... 11 Servant Leadership ............................................................................................................ 11 Affirmatory Leadership ..................................................................................................... 12 Culture .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Missional Connection .................................................................................................................. 14 Testimony .......................................................................................................................... 16 My Mission ........................................................................................................................ 16 Vision ................................................................................................................................. 16 Action Plan ........................................................................................................................ 17 Counseling/Coaching ......................................................................................................... 17 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 20 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 22 ii

2 Within these hallowed walls and beyond their confines rests the sacred duty to lead, encourage, and advise. In this spirit, I lay the groundwork for a comprehensive leadership development plan, one that will serve both as as a roadmap and a testament to my commitment to growth, service, and the fulfillment of God's purpose. In the pages that follow, this plan shall unfold, embodying my devotion to cultivating leaders—nurturing them, shaping them, and empowering them to carry forth the light of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to God's word. Theology Scripture is full of lessons for leaders. The leaders celebrated within the Old Testament are often revered as the "servants of the Lord," 1 a title that echoes with profound honor, signifying a deep-seated commitment to embracing the divine will with unreserved joy. Among these exemplary figures, two luminaries, Moses, and David, stand as towering embodiments of the ideals of servant leadership. Moses, the humble and obedient servant, was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, facing unimaginable challenges and trials. Moses exemplified affirmatory leadership through several qualities and actions. Firstly, he demonstrated unwavering belief in the potential of his people, constantly encouraging and affirming their capabilities, even during challenging times. His ability to inspire confidence and trust in his followers was evident when he empowered and delegated responsibilities to capable individuals, recognizing and affirming their skills and contributions. Additionally, Moses displayed genuine care and concern for the well-being of his people. He listened attentively to their concerns and acted as an advocate, addressing their needs, and 1 Don N. Howell Jr., Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003), 7.

3 striving to uplift and support them. His leadership was marked by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to nurturing the growth and development of those under his guidance. Through selfless service and a resolute surrender to God's will, Moses paved the way for the liberation and guidance of a nation. Moses demonstrated affirmatory leadership by highlighting the positive attributes of his followers, acknowledging their efforts, and affirming their value within the community. Through his affirming approach, he cultivated a spirit of unity, resilience, and collective purpose among the Israelites, paving the way for their journey towards their promised land. David, a shepherd destined for kingship, epitomized the essence of a servant-hearted leader. His unwavering faith, coupled with a heart inclined towards God, guided his actions as a king. Despite his flaws, David's humility, courage, and commitment to God's purpose defined his leadership. His ability to shepherd not just a kingdom but also hearts with compassion and justice portrays the quintessence of servant leadership. David exemplified servant leadership qualities in various aspects of his life. Despite being an anointed king, he displayed humility and a willingness to serve others, characteristic of a servant leader. Firstly, David's shepherding background shaped his leadership style. As a shepherd, he learned to care for and protect his flock, fostering a deep sense of responsibility. This nurturing spirit translated into his governance, where he prioritized the well-being of his people over personal gain. Moreover, David's interactions with his men reflected servant leadership. He formed deep, personal relationships with them, valuing their loyalty and dedication. He listened to their concerns, sought their counsel, and led by example, sharing their struggles and victories. Additionally, David's humility and forgiveness toward his adversaries, notably King Saul,

5 In the realm of leadership development, Paul's impassioned plea for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1) while aiming to please God (1 Thess 4:1) holds profound significance. This call extends beyond individual devotion, resonating deeply within the core of leadership principles. A leader's commitment to sacrificial service, embodying selflessness, and dedication, mirrors the essence of presenting oneself wholly for a higher purpose. Just as believers are urged to dedicate their lives to God's service, aspiring leaders are challenged to sacrificially invest their talents, time, and energies for the greater good. This union of surrender and striving to please a higher cause becomes the bedrock of a leader's character, forging a path towards impactful, servant-hearted leadership grounded in selfless dedication and unwavering service. James, the esteemed overseer of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus, implores us to embrace humility before the Lord, assuring us that in due time, He will lift us up (James 4:10). In alignment with this wisdom, Jesus emphasizes the significance of taking the lowest seat, a metaphorical gesture of humility. By obeying this directive, we position ourselves to receive Christ's invitation to ascend to higher realms, basking in righteous honor and experiencing the fullness of God's presence. This act of humility unlocks our hearts to a deeper intimacy with Christ, inviting us into a profound and enriching relationship. As we heed this call and grow closer to Him, we develop into more convincing, steadfast, and righteous messengers for Christ (Luke 14:7-24), embodying a greater depth of insight and wisdom in our service to others. .

6 Philosophy “The primary work of God is finding men to whom he can entrust his power. And the story of most men is being entrusted with power and it bringing harm to themselves and those under their care.”—John Eldredge 4 My desire is to raise up men within the church who are committed to wholeheartedly living for the Lord, seeking intimate fellowship with the Father, and embracing lives guided by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. These men will then impact their spouses, their families, their communities and ultimately the world. There are four Biblical principles that I want to incorporate into my leadership philosophy. Trust God With All Your Heart The first principle is to trust God wholeheartedly. Professor Dave Nimitz suggests that that one of the most significant leadership books is found in the Bible, and that book is proverbs. 5 In Proverbs we are instructed: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prv 3:5, English Standard Version). This as humans is not something that comes easy. It is much easier to worry and get stressed over everything. The Apostle Peter however urges us to: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1Pt 5:7 The New International Version) Eugene Peterson translates it this way: “Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you” (1Pt 5:7, The Message). Everyone wants to live carefree. That is, however, rarely how our culture lives. Jesus does not live this way. Peter’s instruction, says: “to give everyone and everything to Him”. 6 4 Morgan Snyder, Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition), 4. 5 Dave Nimitz, “Proverbial Leadership” (video lecture in LEAD 510 at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, Uploaded June 22, 2022). 6 John Eldredge, Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition, 21.

8 As a thought travels from the mind to the heart, it encounters a complex web of beliefs, values, and the individual's self-perception. This thought might activate declarations or vows previously made about the subject, and it could evoke memories, including past wounds or traumas, triggering specific emotions. The crucial step is for this thought to inspire or motivate action within us. The critical hurdle though becomes breaking through the emotions that hinder change. Thus, effecting change in a person necessitates altering their thought patterns. In the pursuit of fulfilling our heart's desires, only Jesus holds the ultimate answer. The question then arises: how do we create a desire for change within ourselves and others? The Bible guides us, affirming that when we find joy and satisfaction in the Lord, He aligns our desires with His purposes “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps 37:4). However, this alignment isn't automatic; it necessitates surrendering our hearts to God. Salvation marks the initial step, followed by sanctification—a process of transformation. Often, though we have accepted Jesus, our minds may still be entrenched in negative thinking. The Apostle Paul highlights the importance of renewing our minds to discern God's will, urging us not to conform to worldly patterns but to undergo a mental transformation through God's Word. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. We do this by filling our mind with God’s word. He emphasizes the need to demolish thoughts that oppose His truth, advocating for taking captive every thought to align with Christ “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Co 10:5, ESV). This mental transformation is pivotal in spiritual warfare, for our weapons possess divine power to dismantle strongholds that hinder our

9 growth and connection with God. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Co 10:3–4, ESV). Thus, the renewal of our minds and the intentional capturing of thoughts are integral steps toward aligning our desires with God's will and experiencing transformation in our lives. In leading change within a person's life, we navigate a transformative journey rooted in aligning desires with God's purpose. Our role is to guide individuals toward a deeper connection with Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of the heart's desires. Initiating change involves steering hearts to delight in the Lord, allowing Him to reshape desires. Salvation marks the beginning, followed by sanctification—a process leading to a renewed mind and the deliberate surrender of thoughts to Christ's authority. As leaders, we champion this transformation by emphasizing the power of God's Word in renewing minds, dismantling contrary thoughts, and aligning actions with His will. It is spiritual warfare where the weapons of divine power pave the way to demolish strongholds hindering growth. Through intentional renewal of the mind and capturing thoughts to obey Christ, we lead change, guiding individuals on a transformative path toward God's purpose, His truth, and the fulfillment of their hearts' desires. We are to Rule God created us in His image to rule and to reign in this earth and the earth to come. Despite the fallen state of the world, we exist in a unique phase, straddling the overlap of ages (Col 1:13). With Jesus's arrival, the kingdom of God was inaugurated, intersecting a realm marred by sin, rebellion, darkness, and evil. Jesus, as the King, breached this domain, introducing His messianic kingdom characterized by peace, righteousness, and abundant life,

11 Methods and Models Examining two different leadership styles for individual leaders and leadership at the organizational level, lets us look at the specific styles of Jesus and Paul. First, we will look at the servant leadership style of Jesus. Then, we will examine the affirmatory style of Paul. Servant Leadership In Lead Like Jesus , Ken Blanchard delves into the leadership style of Jesus. He makes the statement that: “You can’t lead like Jesus until you accept the fact that only Jesus can lead you”. 9 Servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus, transcends mere theory; it embodies a profound ethos of selflessness and compassion. Jesus, the epitome of this leadership style, explicitly demonstrated its spirit through His life and teachings. His ministry was a living testament to the foundational principles of servant leadership. In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus not only shattered societal norms but also epitomized humility and servitude, imparting a timeless lesson on the importance of putting others' needs before our own. His actions, devoid of personal agenda or ambition, showcased a leader who served with utmost dedication and sacrificial love. Furthermore, Jesus's parables and teachings consistently emphasized servanthood and selfless dedication to others. His teachings on the greatest among us being the servant of all echoed the core tenets of servant leadership. Jesus's life wasn't about commanding authority but rather about humbly serving and uplifting others. His leadership style encouraged empowerment and nurture, evident in His mentorship of His disciples, empowering them to serve and lead with compassion and humility. In essence, Jesus's life and teachings serve as a profound blueprint for servant leadership, advocating for a leadership style that prioritizes others' well-being and exemplifies humility, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to serving humanity. 9 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2016), 24.

12 Affirmatory Leadership The affirmatory leadership approach prioritizes fostering a positive and nurturing environment that promotes accountability, integrity, and personal growth among individuals or within a community. Such a leader would focus on affirming the strengths and capabilities of individuals, while also challenging them to improve and uphold ethical standards. It is centered on guiding, encouraging, and affirming individuals within a community or organization. This style emphasizes the leader's role in providing support, direction, and motivation to empower others to achieve their full potential. Paul's approach to leadership reflects a remarkable blend of encouragement and authenticity. He doesn't withhold praise when he witnesses commendable qualities in individuals or congregations. Paul's communication style is marked by sincerity; he freely offers exhortation, affirmation, and support without resorting to superficial flattery. Unlike those who seek personal gain through insincere compliments, Paul's words are genuine, acknowledging the work of God within his fellow workers and the ordinary believers in various churches. 10 Paul's appreciation isn't a mere courtesy; it's a heartfelt recognition of the transformative power of God's work. He celebrates the growth, dedication, and contributions of others, fostering an atmosphere of genuine encouragement and camaraderie. Relationships hold immense value in Paul's leadership paradigm. His approach wouldn't align with the modern dichotomy between task-oriented and relational leadership. For Paul, the two aren't separate realms but intricately intertwined aspects of effective leadership. He recognizes that nurturing relationships and 10 Don N. Howell Jr., Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003), 270.

14 collaboration among members, determine their readiness to share personal backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses. This process often unfolds over several months, contingent upon the team's cohesion and willingness to cultivate deeper connections. 13 Providing opportunities for team members to collaborate, solve problems together, and contribute meaningfully fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose. Additionally, setting clear expectations aligned with servanthood and affirmatory leadership principles, and consistently reinforcing these values through actions, policies, and decision-making, helps embed these qualities within the organizational culture. It's about creating an environment where service, encouragement, and empowerment are not just words but integral components of how we operate, interact, and thrive together as a unified team. Missional Connection In the pages ahead, I'll unfold a plan that embodies my dedication to nurturing, shaping, and empowering leaders. My aim is to kindle the flame of faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to God's word within those God brings to me, empowering these men to be leaders to carry this radiant torch into their world. Stepping into the heart of a rural southeastern Washington community, nestled amidst fruit-laden orchards, sprawling vineyards, and numerous dairies, I find myself called to serve. This picturesque valley, adorned with its small towns and diverse communities, has become the canvas upon which I sense God's divine brushstrokes at play. Planted amidst the tapestry of this land, I am drawn to shepherd a small community church, where hearts beat in unison, seeking guidance and solace. But beyond these church walls, my purpose extends; it extends to the 13 Aubrey Malphurs, Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st-Century Model for Church and Ministry Leaders , Third edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013), 227.

15 breadth of pastoral counseling, reaching out to men across churches, spanning across our valley for perhaps 20-mile radius. This calling isn't mere happenstance; it's a deliberate positioning orchestrated by a higher design. Our community isn't just a cluster of towns; it's a melting pot of cultures, where migrant communities weave their stories alongside the rich heritage of a significant Native American reservation to the west. Each facet of this community adds depth and complexity to my purpose, driving me to craft a leadership development plan that isn't just about steering a church congregation, but about nurturing, guiding, and empowering leaders across boundaries. In the gentle rustle of the orchards, amidst the rows of flourishing vines, and within the rhythmic cadence of dairy life, lies an opportunity to cultivate leaders. This plan isn't a mere outline; it's a testament to the deliberate intention to nurture leaders who will carry forth the light of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to God's word. It's about fostering a new generation of shepherds, equipped not only to tend to the flock within our church but to extend their hands, hearts, and wisdom to the broader community. This leadership development plan, rooted in the rich soil of this rural landscape, seeks to bridge divides, cultivate understanding, and inspire a shared vision of unity. It's an invitation to journey together, fostering servant-hearted leaders who will navigate the intricacies of this diverse tapestry, bringing solace, guidance, and hope to every corner of our community. Testimony In my own life for years, I felt inadequate, unfulfilled, and disconnected. But then I realized that the key to overcoming these feelings was to focus on my spiritual, emotional, and mental health. I learned to prioritize my own well-being and my relationships with others, and I

17 the Cascade Mountains to their home in western Washington for four or five days and then drive back. This would be an opportunity to be mentored by a seasoned pastor while I continue to finish my MDIV. Ideally Pastor Norm would mentor me for about a year with me progressively taking on more responsibility for the Church as time goes by. Upon graduation and passing my ordination exam I would like to become the pastor of this congregation, Lord willing. To be honest, I am not flawless and face my own challenges. However, I am on a journey of growth and have been learning to rely on God every day in everything I do. I believe in renewing my mind continually.  I am passionate about transforming my life. I have come to understand that it is crucial to integrate my faith and my values into my life and make a positive impact in my community. This means being intentional with my time and energy, and prioritizing the things that are truly important. Counseling/Coaching When I started at Liberty, I spent a year in the Professional Licensed Counselor program. I spent that year studying how, as a counselor, it is important to be able to get down into the root issues of the counselee’s past and to delve into the deep soul wounds and the core beliefs that the client has drawn from those past traumas. This is what I felt I was expected to effectively help the client be whole. The paradigm shift for me over the last two years has been that, although the great Counselor can bring healing to those deep wounds, in most cases the client is only struggling with an emotional situation and not some psychotic issue within their brain. I have been reflecting on how in Ezekiel 36:25-27 God takes the old, hardened heart and give us a new heart and puts into us a new spirit. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give

18 you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (ESV) One of the scriptures in the early part of Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling by Dr Kollar is 1Thes 2:13: “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted [it] not [as] the word of [mere] men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe” (New American Standard Bible 2020). Here, Kollar makes the point that God is at work in every believer. They may not realize this, but He is doing something in their lives and is in the process of transforming them in some way. A lot of the time this is through the trials of everyday life. God is revealing himself through His living Spirit. Paul says: “And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor 3:3, ESV). Dr Kollar’s notion that the pastoral counselor’s task “is to look for this writing from the spirit of God that is within the counselee’s life, rather than concentrating on the present or past problems.” 14 In my counseling I help Christian men who feel inadequate, unfulfilled, and disconnected in their lives. I help them to turn their lives around and flourish as they develop a deeper walk with God and a clear vision for their lives and future. This is what I have studied for the last three years, and God is starting to help me in this. This is one of the things I can start doing immediately if I am hired at the Church. I would likely be available to counsel church members for about ten to fifteen hours a week. Mentoring 14 Charles Allen Kollar,   Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling: An Effective Short-Term Approach for Getting People Back onTtrack   (updated and exp. ed.). (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 2011),18.