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20 Leadership Lessons from 2 Corinthians

  1. Leadership comes from God (1:1). Paul was an apostle. He was given a specific ministry with specific authority, responsibilities, and giftings from God Himself. As Paul was called, sovereignly by God to be an apostle, all in leadership are called to their own specific leadership positions.
  2. Leadership uses the help of others (1:11). Paul was not afraid to ask for help from the Corinthians (and many others). He asked them specifically to help him in prayer. Paul understood that good leaders use the abilities and availabilities of others to make the plan come together.
  3. Leaders are required to make hard decisions (2:1). Paul had to calculate whether, for the good of others, he should visit the Corinthians again. He decided, though he wanted differently, not to visit them again. Leaders are required to add every factor together and make the best decision for the good of the mission and others.
  4. True leadership is done from a sincere heart (2:17). Paul understood that genuine leadership and obedience to God comes from sincerity. His sincerity was an encouragement to some, and a discouragement to others. Nonetheless good leadership is done in sincerity. Leaders in any organization cannot effectively leader while being double-tongued, having impure motives, or seeking selfish gain.
  5. Good leadership results in a good reputation (3:2). The Corinthian people served as their own witness to the leadership of Paul. Leaders who serve well among people will leave being a good reputation.
  6. True leadership is marked by humility (3:4-5). Paul knew that he alone was not able to do the task. He needed help, namely, God’s help. Leaders recognize their inability and remain confident in the help they receive from God and others.
  7. Leadership doesn’t take shortcuts (4:2). Paul did not compromise on his leadership in order to make others feel good. He was devoted to doing his work the right way. Leaders must do their work sincerely and do it with integrity. Leaders cannot take the “easy way out” when it is illegal, or immoral.
  8. Leaders should not be worried about physical decline (4:16). Leaders understand they are not immortal, nor will their bodies always be in “pristine” condition. Leaders look beyond their physical deteriorations and focus on inward build up.
  9. Leaders set their aim at specific targets (5:14). Paul’s leadership was controlled by one driving force. He did not meander into several different aims, is leadership had the focus end in mind which controlled what he did. Leaders who drift their organizations into miscellaneous goals and lose sight of their one true task lead poorly. Good leaders are “single-minded” and devoted to that end.
  10. Leaders bend over backwards for others (6:3). Leaders are not self-focused they orient their work around the success of others. Leaders try to raise everyone else performance, and they must put their own success second.
  11. Leaders are open and honest with their people (6:11). Paul understood that true leaders do not hold back form their people. Leaders confront, encourage, rebuke, and praise all because good leaders do not hide their thoughts from their followers.
  12. Leaders celebrate the achievements of others (7:8-9). Leaders do not shrink back when others succeed. Leaders celebrate others, particularly when they have provided constructive feedback and that follower has successfully corrected their behavior.
  13.  Leaders do not settle (8:7). Leaders strive for greatness in themselves and others. They do not want anyone to settle for mediocrity in any area. Leaders understand they and their followers are better if they strive achieve the greatness, they are capable of.
  14. Leaders desire and model exemplary living (8:20-21). A Leader needs to be the exemplification of integrity, sincerity, honesty, and hard work. A leader’s life should reflect the kind of life he would want from his followers. A leader who cannot be modeled after should not be a leader.
  15. Leaders are willing to say hard things (9:5). Leaders are open and honest with their people, and this is hardest (and most necessary) when it comes to honest review and feedback. A leader who cannot say the hard truth about and organization’s health, or the performance of a follower cannot be a leader. Leaders are required to say hard truths and provide honest feedback.
  16. Leaders understand communication (10:11). Leaders must be good at communication and understand the proper modes and times. Leaders must know when to say something and how to say something. A leader who is out of touch on communication will not be able to lead an organization well.
  17. Leaders have a vision (10:15-16). Paul had a vision to preach the gospel “beyond” Corinth. Leaders are planning ultimately for something beyond the immediate sight. Leaders do everything to serve their mission and vision and get their organization to that far-out end.
  18. Leaders are under great pressure (11:28-30). Leaders have a weighty task of guiding and being responsible for others. Leaders have great pressure on their shoulders to support their followers and lead a successful organization.
  19. Leaders pour themselves out for their followers (12:15,19). Leader must recognize they are first and foremost in the follower business. Good leaders should strive to do everything in order that their followers would be built-up. Leaders exist to get their followers to flourish so that the organization succeeds.
  20. Leaders use words (13:10) Paul understood this letter was necessary to get the Corinthians to flourish. Words matter. Whether feedback or instructions, leaders lead with word no less than their actions.

Glenrock Baptist Church