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We all have different personalities and skills, so it stands to reason that if we function as leaders, we will have different leadership styles. Recognizing and developing our particular methods of leading, though, can be challenging. In this episode, John Bailey is joined by Gary Wilkerson to discuss how growing into a good leader must start with developing unique skills and God-given gifts rather than mimicking someone we admire.

Key Points from the Podcast

•  In ministry, we are all following in someone’s footsteps. Our predecessor may have been someone who may have been very admirable and had strengths or gifts that we do not. It can be tempting to try to mimic them, but God wants to use the gifts he’s give us.

•   A lot of younger pastors (and maybe not-so-young pastors!) can be heavily influenced by someone they admire.

•  Being the son of David Wilkerson gave Gary incredible examples of authenticity, humility and faith. Learning those lessons at home and seeing them lived out in daily life was a wonderful blessing.

•   Having good role models, especially when it comes to delving into God has made each one of us in order to genuinely serve the kingdom, is invaluable for church leaders.

•   Not being honest about leaders’ struggles or daily reality means that we present an unattainable standard for younger believers and leaders. It becomes overwhelming and discouraging rather than showing them an admirable way to live and something to strive toward.

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

David Wilkerson: The Cross, the Switchblade, and the Man Who Believed

About John Bailey

Pastor John Bailey serves as the Chief Operating Officer at World Challenge. John came to know Christ in jail after some difficult struggles as a young man, and God has done a powerful work of transformation since! Spending 13 years in Next Gen ministry, he excelled in discipleship and helping young leaders discover giftings to serve God. John was called next to serve as a missionary and pastor in Western Europe. John and his family then returned to plant the Springs Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Today, the church is a thriving body of believers excelling in outreach and missions. John has now brought his giftings and vision to World Challenge, accelerating the spread of the gospel in America and around the World.