Commentary: The significance of patience

Beth Ann Williams

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.”

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.

THE DIVINE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE

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.

PATIENCE PAYS OFF

• A patient leader listens actively and empathizes with team members, gaining deeper insights into their challenges and needs.
• Patience creates a culture of trust and respect within the team, ensuring team members feel heard and valued.
• A patient leader is more likely to persevere through difficult times, inspiring others to do the same while maintaining a sense of hope and optimism.
• Patience helps a leader navigate conflicts and challenges with composure, seeking solutions rather than acting impulsively.
• Patience encourages creativity and innovation, as the leader provides space for ideas to develop and grow.
• Patience promotes effective coaching and mentoring, allowing team members to grow at their own pace.
• Patience strengthens relationships with pastors, church and associational leaders, and others who are invested in the team by demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and understanding.

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.