Purpose and passion can overcome a leader’s lack of credentials. Read Mark 1:1-9.

Isaiah the prophet had foretold of a leader that would come on the scene just prior to the Messiah to prepare a way for Him (Isaiah 40:3). John the Baptist seemed to just appear in Israel and sparked a major spiritual awaking among the people. John’s ministry touched every segment of society from the nation’s leaders, to beggars and heretics, to religious leaders. John had an amazing impact even though he had none of the credentials we associate with great leaders. He didn’t have politically influential friends, he wasn’t wealthy, he lived in an isolated area, he wasn’t formally educated, he didn’t dress for success and he demonstrated zero tact in his messages. Yet, according to Jesus in Matthew 11:11, John the Baptist was the greatest man ever born.

Leaders build trust within their team when they trust their judgment and empower them in the decision-making process. Read Proverbs 20:18.

A team is capable of accomplishing things no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone. To function well, a team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and must be willing to work as a unit for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.

All leaders will eventually serve the area that has their passion no matter what their job. Read Psalm 63:1-11.

Psalm 63 expresses the passion that energized David’s life. David’s job was being the king of Israel. His passion was serving God. He thirsted for God. He remembered God in the daytime and at night, and his thoughts constantly returned to God’s love and care. David’s passion was often demonstrated in his job and that is why David accomplished an astonishing amount in his four decades as ruler in Israel and is held up as a great leader in God’s book.

The story of Deborah is one of courage, singleness of purpose and quiet confidence in God’s revealed will. As a prophetess, Deborah led Israel with the strength and wisdom that came from a deep relationship with God. Read Judges 4.

Israel faced an intimidating enemy. Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, had 900 iron chariots and other armaments heavy enough to crush any and all of Israel’s weapons. From a human point of view, Israel didn’t stand a chance.

One of my personal heroes of the Bible has very little written about him but a lot said about him because of his actions. Read Numbers 13:26-33 and Joshua 14:6-14.

Caleb was one of the spies sent into the land of Canaan before Israel’s planned invasion. When the spies returned, they told Moses that “the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendents of Anak there” (Numbers 13:28). “Then Caleb … said ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it’” (Numbers 13:30). I love that Caleb did not disagree with the facts given by the other spies, there were cities and giants in the land. Caleb didn’t minimize the obstacles, but neither did he minimize the resources available to overcome the obstacles.