Leadership Lessons from Chuck Swindoll

When at the Catalyst Leadership Conference in Atlanta in October, 2009, I had the privilege to listen to Chuck Swindoll. He was presented with a lifetime achievement award at this convention.
Then Chuck gave a presentation from his 50 years in Christian leadership.
Here are some random notes/thoughts that I took, which I will continue to touch base on from time to time. You may find them valuable also.


“When God wants to do an impossible job, He chooses a person and crushes him.” -- Pastor Allen Redpath, Moody Memorial Church.

Leave room in your life for the crushing. Very few people will tell you about it. But it is part of God’s curriculum for a leader.

10 Lessons of Leadership

1. It is lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions.
2. It is dangerous to succeed.
3. It is hardest at home.
4. It is essential to be real. “Be who ye iz, cauz if you ain’t who you iz, you is who you ain’t.” (sic)
5. It is painful to obey. You will be giving up your way for the way of the Cross.
6. Brokenness and failure are necessary. “Everything I have learned is through affliction, not abundance…” -- Malcom Muckeridge
7. My attitude is more important than my actions.
8. Integrity eclipses image. The best things you do are not upfront. They are what you do behind the scenes.
9. God’s way is better than my way. God cannot pour His blessings into hands already full.
10. Christ’s likeness begins and ends in humility.

2 Corinthians 4:5, Not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God… (NASB)
Vs. 7, We have this treasure in earthen vessels.

“We must be willing to leave the familiar methods without disturbing the Biblical message.” -- Principle that was practiced by the First Century Christian church.

Tradition is the living faith of those now dead.
Traditionalism is the dead faith of those now living.

3 Observations

1. With every ministry a special mercy is needed. 2 Corinthians 4:1
2. In every ministry the same things must be renounced and rejected. 2 Cor. 4:2
Shameful -- hiding things
Deceitful -- do things
Corrupting -- Truthful things
3. Through every ministry a unique style is to be pursued. 2. Cor. 4:5-7
a. We do not promote ourselves. It isn’t about me.
b. We declare Christ as Lord. It is all about Him.
c. We see ourselves as bondservants for Jesus sake.
d. We never forget what we are…and who He is.

5 Statements from my 50 years in leadership – worth remembering:

1. Do more with others and less all alone. Accountability.
2. Whenever you do it, emphasize quality, not quantity.
3. Wherever you go, do it the same as if among those who know you best.
4. Whoever may respond, keep a level head.
5. However long you lead, keep on dripping with gratitude and grace.