Leadership Manifesto

‘The vocation of pastor has been replaced by the strategies of religious entrepreneurs with business plans.’ Eugene Peterson

‘A leadership manifesto is a clear, written declaration of a leader’s guiding beliefs, values, principles, and intentions about how they will lead and influence others.’ This serves as both a personal and/or a public statement outlining what the leader stands for. It includes the kind of culture they want to create, and the behaviours they expect from themselves and others.

In short, a leadership manifesto seeks to answer:

What do I believe in?
Who am I as a leader?
How will I lead and make decisions?

It helps build trust and accountability by making a leader’s convictions and commitments visible to those they lead. It maps the way forward. My manifesto is a work in progress.

What do I believe in?
a. Basic doctrinal statement: I believe in one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible, and the core Christian message of Jesus Christ’s deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, resurrection, and return of Christ. Salvation is received by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
b. I train people for ministry so they can eventually take my place or serve elsewhere.
c. I believe in the importance of discipleship making.
Who am I as a leader?
a. My values statement
‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Phil 4:13).
Keep Jesus at the centre of my actions and thoughts (Heb 12:2).
Show love and honour to others equally (Jn 17:26).
Value discipleship (Matt 28:19,20).
Respect diverse cultures (Acts 10:44,45)
Support missions locally and globally (Acts 13:1-3).
Serve with humility (Jn 13:1-14).
b. Prayer is important to me and in this season of life I like to spend more time in meditation.
c. I embrace risks and think strategically, always eager to launch new projects with guidance from God.
d. John 15:16 was my call to ministry and since then I have always had a strong desire to work with God for the extension of His kingdom.
e. I like to spend much time training and supporting people in ministry whether it be by mentoring or coaching.
f. Enjoying sharing God’s Word through different mediums.
How will I lead and make decisions?
a. Governance is team-led with congregational accountability.
b. Delegation helps distribute work and train people for ministry.
c. Promote and develop spiritual gifts.
d. Build and prepare prayer teams for church and community ministry.
e. Cultivate strong relationships with leadership while maintaining other church friendships, supporting unity.
f. Decisions are made by a trusted, godly team. Major choices require church endorsement.
g. Collaborate with suitable men and women on council or eldership and provide training for
future leaders in governance.

Note:

A manifesto like this clarifies your beliefs and direction, helping you identify non-negotiable values and choose the best environment for ministry.
Your manifesto could serve partly as a CV for job applications initiating further discussion.
Each point can be elaborated for clarity.

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