Romans 12:8 CEB: “If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion.”

John 13:12-15 CEB: “After [Jesus] washed the disciples’ feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, ‘Do you know what I’ve done for you? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you speak correctly, because I am. If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.’”

The spiritual gift of leadership empowers you with confidence to step forward and give direction, and humility to lead with a servant’s heart. This combination of certainty and humility allows you to provide motivation, guidance, encouragement and compassion in ways that drive others toward serving a common mission. Leadership is not always formal, and you often find yourself naturally encouraging others or attending to the needs of your community by stepping forward to guide projects, processes, programs or tasks with clarity and direction.

At its core, leadership is a community-oriented, relational strength of people who understand the value of a cohesive team moving forward with clarity of direction. Those with this gift are attuned to the strengths of those around them and can inspire others to utilize their strengths for the common good. Leaders empower others, foster environments where everyone works toward a common mission, and advocate for the needs of their communities. Leadership is not always front and center, and many people with this gift work “behind the scenes” to help communities move forward together. Those with this gift assist their communities in putting their faith into action for the common good.

Some ways in which the gift of leadership might show up in your spiritual and communal life:

• Managing volunteer teams in your community or at events such as the Churchwide Assembly.
• Stepping up to give logistical direction on the spot when others feel lost.
• Advocating for the needs of your community when other leaders either do not see the need or are moving slowly to respond.

Looking for more opportunities? We encourage you to reach out to your local synod. Connect, collaborate and co-create with peers through the ELCA Leadership Network.