Let’s be honest. Having patience as a leader doesn’t always come naturally. The pressures of creating, decision-making, and working with others can test the limits of our patience. Sometimes just the passion we have for the vision and mission of the ministry can cause us to move forward too quickly, alienating team members and damaging trust. We can easily become frustrated and overwhelmed.
But patience in leadership is an invaluable quality that brings about numerous benefits, including fostering an environment of growth and development for yourself and those you lead.
Two particular Scripture passages come to mind when I think about the significance of patience in leadership. The first is perhaps not surprising. Galatians 5:22–23 (HCSB) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Patience is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, indicating its divine importance. A patient leader exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit, cultivating a unified and compassionate environment for teamwork that glorifies God. As a leader commits to a growing relationship with Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit replaces the reactions of the flesh.
The second is Proverbs 14:29, which says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Patience in leadership allows us to exhibit wisdom and discernment. By taking the time to understand situations and people, a leader can make informed decisions that lead to an accomplished mission.
Overall, having patience in leadership produces significant results that will champion an environment of trust and collaboration, enabling leaders and their teams to experience shared success.
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Beth Ann Williams equips leaders and promotes missions involvement as lead strategist for Georgia WMU. © WMU, SBC 2024 This article originally appeared in the 2024 issue of Missions Mosaic magazine. Reprinted with permission. Visit wmu.com for more information.