Part 1, was about the principles and the process of delegation. This lesson is about the what, who and how to delegate.

Effective delegation asks questions such as:
1. Could this be done by someone else?
2. Could someone else do parts of this job?

When you delegate a task, it’s important to make sure that:
1. You believe that the person can do the job.
2. You have a clear understanding as to when they are going to report back to you.

Benefits to the leader:
1. It relieves work pressure.
2. It allows time for greater quality and creative thinking.
3. It increases productivity and the chance of promotion.

Benefits to subordinates:
1. Provides a new challenge and interest.
2. Creates motivation.
3. Increases opportunities for promotion.

Whom to delegate to:
1. The person who seeks additional responsibility. The person who wants a chance to develop himself and to show what he can do, given the opportunity.
2. The new man on the job – the person whose potential is unknown.
3. The man closest to the work – the next in line, the most qualified trainee.

Who NOT to delegate to:
1. Someone outside of the group; they are seen as an intruder.
2. Individuals several skill levels below the leader.
3. One who is not technically or administratively ready for added responsibility or one who is not emotionally prepared, has doubts about his/her own abilities or is satisfied and doesn’t want to move ahead (personal factors).

Why some leaders fail to delegate:
1. They believe the subordinates won’t be able to handle the assignment.
2. They don’t want competition.
3. They fear losing recognition.
4. They are concerned that their weaknesses will be exposed.
5. They feel they won’t have time to turn over the work and provide the necessary training.
6. They believe the I can do it better myself fallacy.
7. Lack of experience in the job or in delegating.
8. Refusal to allow mistakes.
9. Perfectionism which can lead to over-control.
10. Lack of organizational skill in balancing workloads.

Why some fail to accept delegated responsibility:
1. Lack of experience.
2. Lack of competence.
3. Avoidance of responsibility.
4. Over-dependence on the boss.
5. Disorganization.
6. Overload of work.
7. The get immersed in trivial matters.

How to Delegate:
1. Select the jobs to be delegated and get them organized for turnover.
2. Delegate the parts of your own job that you know best.
3. Don’t always give them the jobs they know best.
4. Pick the proper person for the job. Know who to delegate to and who not to.
5. Prepare and motivate the delegatee for his assignment. Get him involved in the decision-making process.
6. Hand over the work and make sure it is fully understood. Know how much authority to release: too much and it may be abused; too little and they can’t get the job done.
7. Encourage independence. If you give authority and release it,then don’t insist that they do it your way, they may have a better idea.
8. Maintain supervisory control; never relinquish the reins for that which you are ultimately responsible. Follow up and evaluate. 
9. Make good use of mistakes, don’t overlook them. Use them as a learning tool.

Yours for the Mobilization of the army of God,

Dr George Hill
Founder/President

Six Steps in the Process of Effective Delegation:

1. Segmentation of the Work: Jesus—the Great Delegator—ascended up on high, divided His ministry into five areas and delegated them to five different groups of people to continue on the work that He started:

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:9-11 NKJ).

Moses segmented his work and delegated it to his elders (Exodus 18:13-25). The Apostles segmented and delegated portions of their work to disciples who became new servant leaders (Acts 6:1-5).

2. Choosing the Right People: Jesus prayed all night before He chose His 12 disciples. Moses was told to choose “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” (Exodus 18:21). The Apostles told the brethren to, “seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,” that they could delegate work to (Acts 6:1-3).

3. Transferring the Work: It is absolutely necessary that Christian Leaders be willing to transfer work to other members of the body of Christ. However, in the process they must be careful to assign each person to a suitable job! People will be the happiest and most productive if they’re doing what God designed them to do.

A leader can improve his subordinates’ morale by involving them in the decision making process. Such an action will both prepare and motivate his personnel to do their jobs more effectively. It is extremely important that a leader ensures that each person receiving a task is fully aware of what is expected of him before the job begins.

4. Transferring Authority: Once the delegate has understood and received his assignment, it is necessary that the leader encourage independence. The person should be able to work independently, without continually seeking the leader’s permission to act.

The key is in knowing how much authority to release. If too much authority is granted, it may be abused. If too little is given, the delegate cannot get the job done! Once the leader has released authority, he cannot insist that everything be done his way. A wise leader gives the individual room to function as he is most comfortable.

5. Acceptance of Responsibility: When a person receives the authority to carry out an assignment, he must also accept the responsibility that comes with it. This is delegated responsibility, and he must understand that the leader will follow up on his performance.

6. Acceptance of Accountability: The process of delegation can be very rewarding both to the leader and his subordinate. But, it also has inherent dangers, because it involves working with people. A Christian leader must maintain supervisory control by establishing a follow-up and evaluation system. The absence of accountability often leads to slothfulness or an abuse of power.

The leader must remember however, not to become an unbearable task-master in the process. When a subordinate makes mistakes, they can not be overlooked. Rather, they should be used as part of the training process.

When the principle of delegation is practiced the key leader will not burn out, new leaders will be raised up, the work of the ministry will get done, and the people will have their needs met.

1. Delegation Aids Progress: Additional people in the right place will increase the productivity of your team. Dwight L. Moody once said, “I would rather put a thousand men to work, than do the work of a thousand men.” That’s so simple, isn’t it? The church is built up by that which every joint supplies (see Ephesians 4:16).

2. Delegation Builds Morale: Victory Churches International is not a one-man show. We all have a part to play. The vision of VCI is not my vision or someone else’s vision. Rather, it’s the corporate vision the Lord has given to the Victory Family. When people begin to understand that, they will have a sense of belonging and a healthy sense of pride!

3. Delegation Inspires Initiative: The desire to achieve something for God inspires initiative. When people begin to realize that they can try different things within the organization and be creative, it inspires them to get involved, do their part and do their best.

4. Delegation Builds Big People: We want to build big people by putting value into them. People won’t grow, if they don’t have some kind of a challenge that will draw out the gifts that are within them. Successful people will stretch to the challenge! The challenge should not be too big, but it should be big enough that it stirs the soul and causes people to reach beyond where they are right now.

If people are only doing what they’ve already mastered, then they’re not growing! We should always challenge people to do something that they have not yet conquered, and in attempting something new, they will experience growth.

One man working alone could never accomplish the global vision that God has given to the Victory Family. But, as we all put our gifts, passions and abilities into the mix for a commitment to gospel teamwork, we will reach the ends of the earth. And when we get there, we will build a Victory Church.

Yours for the Mobilizing of the Army of God

Dr George Hill
Founder/President

From Exodus 18:14-24 NKJ
When Moses’ father-in-law Jethro realized that his leadership style was having a negative effect on both Moses and the people, he gave him godly counsel concerning his priorities. Those of us who lead God’s people would do well to take heed to Jethro’s recommendations as well, lest we be diverted from the things that are truly important.

1. The Priority of Prayer
“Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God.” (Exodus 18:19b NKJ)

As a Senior Pastor, I used to take time each day to pray for individuals in my congregation and to lift up those that were going through a difficult time. Taking the causes of the people to God in prayer as a priest is the first priority in the ministry.

2. The Priority of Teaching God’s Word
“And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws...” (20a)

As pastors, we need to be sure that every major doctrine is covered within the course of a year. No pastor can afford to teach only his pet doctrines. He must teach the whole counsel of God, for the sake of the people! When pastors get off balance and teach on only one area, the entire congregation suffers for it.

3. The Priority of Role Modeling
“…and show them the way in which they must walk…” (20b)

If there’s anything the Church needs today, it's godly role models! We need clergy and laymen alike to be examples to the flock. People will find it much easier to walk in the things of God, if they can see it lived out before them!

Near the end of his life, the Apostle Paul was able to say to Timothy, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love [and] perseverance” (2 Timothy 3:10).

4. The Priority of Equipping Believers
“…and the work they must do…” ( 18:20c)

According to Ephesians 4:11-12, one of the main functions of the five-fold ministry is to equip believers to do the work of the ministry. Victory Bible Colleges are equipping colleges! Our Churches are equipping Churches. Several times throughout the year, our churches and regions of churches have equipping times in which they teach and train the believers how to find their place in a team and do the work of the ministry. (Eph 4:16)

Equipping comes from a Greek medical term that means to put the bone into its rightful place in the body. It is vital that people find their P.L.A.C.E. in the body of Christ and do what they are called to do. (To learn more about finding your P.L.A.C.E. please get the VCI Equipping Series book titled Ministering Members).

5. The Priority of Releasing Believers
Jethro went on to give him some invaluable instruction:
“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness…” (21a)

Notice these were to be able and proven men in their abilities, skills and character! These were men with whom Moses had already spent time and effort in the equipping process. They were men who had previously accepted some responsibility and were willing to be accountable.

As a leader, it’s your job to see that things get done. But as the workload grows you will have to find people with talents equal to the task; otherwise everything will stop growing.

6. The Priority of Establishing Structure
“…and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”(21b)

Moses was only to do what his subordinates in leadership could not do. He was to organize his ministry in such a way that the people’s needs were met, and yet he didn’t have to do all of the work himself!

Jethro gave Moses the plans for a wonderful system; we call it the Exodus 18 principle. No matter how high you rose in leadership, there would always be someone above you to encourage you; and there would always be someone below you that you could invest your life into. This is the model for discipleship, and this is God’s way to build a church that will impact the world!

7. The Priority of Taking Action
“If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.” (Exodus 18:23)

I want you to notice that the promise in this verse is conditional! Jethro said, “If you do this thing....” Get your priorities in order and delegate some of the work. You won’t burn out, the needs of the people will be met, new leaders will be raised up and you will accomplish much more, with less effort! If you want to be a good leader, follow his example and work smarter not harder.

“Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.” (v24)

When you begin to release people to fulfill the call of God on their lives, you have to be secure in yourself because many of the people you raise up will end up being better than you are! As your protégés grow and develop in their calling, people will begin to praise them and give them the credit for much of what you did!

You have to be self-assured in order to release ministries. I suppose that’s why not too many churches and leaders are doing it. Preparation time is a trying time and not too many are willing to stand with you while you are in preparation.Thank God for those who have stood with you and helped you during your time of preparation. Don’t forget to thank them, honor them and do the same for other emerging leaders. (2Tim 2:2)

There is No Limit to what God can do, through someone who doesn’t care who gets the credit.

Yours for the Discovering, Developing and Deploying of ‘No Limit Leaders’.

Dr George Hill
Founder/President, VCI

For anyone to truly achieve success in ministry or in business, it’s essential to know how to: Communicate, Cooperate, Collaborate and Celebrate.

An idea can come from anyone, anywhere, and at any time. But it takes the minds of many to nurture it from conception to creation. It doesn’t matter how smart you are—or think you are—ideas and input from outside sources can help you improve and refine your thinking.

Anyone can think, dream and imagine. Translating those thoughts into positive action often takes plenty of teamwork and collaboration. In most things we do in life, we have to work with rather than against each other to get something done. The best teams in the world are the ones that help people become better and achieve more than they ever thought they could on their own.

Win-win situations and partnerships are the most important results of teamwork, and something we should constantly strive for. The Apostle Paul instructs: “always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

A team is not a team if you don't respect and care about one another. Partners must value trust and discover how to keep their egos in check, and they also put a premium, not just on intelligence, but on human decency.

A Good Leader is someone who makes you want to do better work by helping you understand what motivates you and gives you the tools, the opportunities and resources to do good work. This brings the best out of everyone.

So how do you become a Good Leader like this?

You must learn to foster a creative and collaborative work environment where your colleagues and employees can approach you with problems and potential solutions, and be honest and straight-forward with advice and constructive criticism.

King David’s love for God and His Word, along with his understanding of team dynamics and wise diplomacy made him the greatest king Israel ever had. David was relational and knew how to communicate, collaborate, cooperate and celebrate the team’s victories. He knew that teamwork and agreement was the place of power, productivity, peace and prosperity (Matthew 18:19-20).

“Then David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. And David said to all the congregation of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us [pursue the vision]…” (1 Chronicles 13:1-2).

Before he made a decision that affected the lives of many, he consulted with his key leaders, then every leader and finally the congregation, why? So there could be teamwork and agreement, everybody understanding the plan and the reasoning behind it. He didn’t just say ‘God told me…’ when you say that, it prevents anyone from speaking into your life. I always say, ‘I sense or I believe this is what God is saying…’ this way I leave the door open for godly input into my life from other spiritual leaders.

David’s leadership exemplifies the principles of godly teamwork. The success of his team speaks for itself:

• “All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel, and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king” (1 Chronicles 12:38).
• “They came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like the army of God” (1 Chronicles 12:22).

The first group became mighty men of valor through being under David’s leadership. Then they attracted mighty men of valor—they attracted what they had become—and rallied around a God given purpose:

1. To make David King over all Israel (like our purpose to make Jesus King)
2. To restore the kingdom back to righteousness, peace and prosperity
3. To bring a divided Israel back together as one nation under God

King David created an environment that brought the best out of people and attracted great leaders. Together they overcame adversity, expanded God's Kingdom and brought glory to His name.

David was always quick to acknowledge what God had done. Every time the team had a victory, they celebrated big time (1 Chronicles 12:39-40). We need to make it a point to celebrate God’s great victories in our lives.

I am determined to do my best to prepare myself and our Victory family for kingdom expansion and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would rather die trying, than live in a cave of despair and defeat. We are Hebron (Covenant) people and Hebron people will not live for long, in a cave of Adullam (I Samuel 22:1).

We are not the only Movement in the Nation that’s working to see revival, restoration and transformation. But let us pray, build, plant and work like we are the only ones! And in so doing I am confident that we will attract mighty men and women of like passion to see our vision fulfilled.

Yours for the Expansion of Gods Kingdom through Teamwork and Agreement!

Dr George Hill
Founder/President

The anointing is the tangible power of God that comes upon a person to change him or empower him for service.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit’s anointing is God’s extra touch on your mind, skill, effort and memory. It is God’s supernatural extra added to your best.

The Spirit’s anointing affects you physically (Isaiah 40:29-31). Prayer, trust and waiting on the Lord removes weariness and renews your physical strength.

The Spirit’s anointing enables you mentally (John 14:26). It makes you alert, creative, and gives you the ability to say with unusual clarity what God wants said. It is available while speaking or writing.

The Spirit’s anointing touches your emotions. (Romans 5:5). It gives a special tenderness and comfort plus a holy boldness.

The Spirit’s anointing sensitizes you spiritually to be aware of God’s presence and to experience God’s peace and joy even in the midst of the worst kind of adversity (Romans 8:14-16; Hebrews 1:9).

The Anointing Will Give You Ability Above and Beyond Your Own Ability

1. Elijah outran the chariot (1 Kings 18:46).
2. Samson slew the lion (Judges 14:6).
3. Daniel and his friends were ten times wiser than all of the other politicians (Daniel 1:20).
4. David’s anointed music caused tormenting demons to flee from king Saul (1 Samuel 16:23).
5. Peters Shadow healed the sick (Acts 5:15). The Holy Spirit’s anointing is not for the lazy, the careless or the disobedient. It is for the hungry, the diligent and the fully committed.

Hindrances to the Anointing and Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit:

1) Disobedience – “To obey is better than sacrifice... because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king…. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul…” (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 16:14).

2) Carnality – “…lest there be a fornicator or profane person like Essau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright” (Hebrews 12:16). He put more value on earthly things than he did spiritual things. It could have been the God of Abraham, Isaac and Essau!

3) Laziness – This leads to carelessness which turns into coldness and disobedience (2 Samuel 11:1-2).

4) Worldliness – Samson lost his power, then his freedom, eyes and dignity because of worldliness and disobedience (Judges 16:19-21).

5) Religiosity – Trusting in religious rituals rather than a relationship with the living God.

6) Pride – Thinking more of yourself than you ought, this was Satan’s problem. Pride always comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

How to Increase the Anointing:

1. Praying the Word, praying in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. (Ephesians 5:18-19).
2. Praise and worship (Psalm 95 and 100).
3. Waiting on the Lord (Acts 13:1-4; Isaiah 40:28-31).
4. Being a student of the Word ( 2 Timothy 2:15).
5. Continual obedience (Acts 5:32).
6. Being part of the corporate anointing (Hebrews 2:12 Amp; Acts 10:44).
7. Spending time around anointed people, Elisha would not let Elijah go until he received a double portion of the anointing that was on Elijah’s life (Proverbs 13:20).

Four Steps to Walking in the Anointing:

1. Be aware of God’s presence (2 Corinthians 6:16).
2. Be aware of God’s promptings (Romans 8:14).
3. Be aware of God’s purpose (Romans 8:28).
4. Be aware of God’s power working in you and flowing through you (Ephesians 3:20).

Father, I thank you for anointing us with fresh oil, and empowering us as leaders for kingdom expansion on the earth.

I thank you for giving us ability above and beyond our own ability and transitioning us into a greater realm of the supernatural and the miraculous.

“…to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21).

Dr George Hill
Founder/President Victory Churches International

1. Life without limits begins with a relationship with the God who has no lack and no limits. He is the only one who can give us a vision without limits.

We must make decisions based on long term impact not short term gain.

"God has put eternity in our hearts" (Eccl 3:11). We as Christians must live our life for that which is Eternal not for that which is temporal.

Toyota has a 500 year business plan that goes through to the year 2,500. As a result of this Toyota creates long term partnerships with employees, suppliers and leaders.

We must become partners with the Lord Jesus Christ and one another for a corporate destiny that goes beyond the limitations of time and resources in this world. Our aim must be to win souls and make disciples that will work together for the expansion of God’s kingdom (Acts 26:16-19).

"She did not consider her future. Her fall was astounding" (Lamentations 1:9 NIV).

2. As Senior Leaders we need to help co-create our emerging leaders futures.

Senior Leaders need to be aware of the emerging leader’s real talents and hunger for growth and opportunities to serve.

Failing to take advantage of the emerging leaders deepest desire for growth and purpose is like leaving money on the table.

It’s not that hard to take someone from, “I’m ready to leave. I’m bored. I’m not so sure I want to be here anymore.” To some one who is fully engaged and working to build a bigger future, both for the company and for his or her career. When developmental opportunities are matched up with what the emerging leader wants to create, then you have an unstoppable force instead of a bored employee with one eye on the ads.

What makes the difference? Many times all it takes is just a simple conversation about the emerging leader’s future. No hope for the future no power in the present.

3. The gift of opportunity is the greatest gift we can give emerging leaders. I don’t promise anybody anything except opportunity. Many of our pastors would say God loves you and Pastor George has a good plan for your life. I laughed when I first heard it, but then I thought about it and said to myself, you know that is true. I’m interested in them enough to think about them and their future and see how I can help them to fulfill it.

We as senior leaders must help emerging leaders create a smart plan, one that is Specific-Measurable-Achievable-Realistic and Timely. The finishing edge course with sponsorships for those who qualify is one of the avenues we use to discover how developed and ready a person is for the position they are seeking after.

We don’t want any money left on the table-money is of no use if it’s left on the table.

Disney World spends incredible amounts of money, time and other resources in training people. One question asked was: “what happens if you train people, and they leave” Disney’s response: “What happens if we don’t train them and they stay?”

4. Reward initiative rather than punishing mistakes.

Google encourages their employees to spend up to 20% of their working day on projects they initiate, because they say you never know where the next big idea will come from. We need to create an atmosphere of encouragement where people are not afraid to try new things and fail, knowing they will not be cast away. Most of the best ideas come from a team environment-It’s called Creative Collaboration!

Yours for the developing of an army of great leaders building strong teams of emerging leaders.

Dr. George Hill
President/Founder
Victory Churches International

Becoming the Kind of Leader People Can Follow - Part 2

When leaders lead: [and] the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the Lord! (Judges 5:1-2)

The responsibility for this kind of fruitful, happy church begins with a good leader who is willing to take the lead. Let’s look at some key components and potential problems of being a leader that really leads.

First, Three Reasons Why People Quit On Us:

(1) Untrustworthiness.

"Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint" (Proverbs 25:19).

Working with someone we don’t trust is a miserable experience. When we act inconsistently in what we say and do, seek personal gain above shared gain, withhold information, lie or tell half-truths and become closed-minded we lose the trust of others. Trust is like a mirror; when it’s shattered it can be pieced back together again, but the cracks usually show.

(2) Incompetence.

The way to continually inspire confidence in people is not with charisma, but with competence. When a leader is incompetent he takes the focus off the organization’s vision and values and places it onto his behavior. If people working for an incompetent leader have a high degree of skill, they continually worry about the leader messing things up. If they don’t have experience, they won’t know what to do. Either way, productivity and morale suffer. Corporate motivation requires competence.

(3) Insecurity.

Good leaders must do two things to overcome insecurity:

a. They emphasize developing other leaders; and
b. They try to work themselves out of a job.

Insecure leaders never do that. They don’t want to train people to reach their potential and be more successful than they are. In fact, they don’t want them to be able to succeed without their help. Any time someone who works for them rises too high, they see it as a threat. People want to work for leaders who fire them up, not put out their fire. If they perceive that the leader is more concerned with maintaining authority and protecting his or her position, they’ll eventually quit and find someone else to work for.

No matter how good a leader you are, you will eventually lose people. When the relationship is over, you’ll go one way and they’ll go another. If you don’t understand that you’ll try to cling to them or control them. When you can’t you’ll be tempted to isolate and criticize them. But you can do things to make yourself the kind of leader people want, and when the time comes for them to leave they’ll do it looking back and feeling good about the way things turned out.

Things You Can Do To Become the Kind of Leader People Want:

1. Put credibility at the top of your leadership list. You may not always be competent; there are times when every leader finds himself in over his or her head. However, you can always be honest and trustworthy.

"He who walks with integrity walks securely" (Proverbs 10:9).

2. Take responsibility for your relationships with others. When a relationship goes bad, initiate action and try to make it better.

"You who are spiritual restore … in a spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1).

3. When people leave you, do an exit interview to find out why. If you are the reason they are leaving see if it is something you can change or fix. If you are at fault apologize and make it right.

4. Put a high value on those who work with you. Look for the good, believe the best and help them to be successful and achieve their dreams.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so" (Proverbs 3:27).

5. Recognize that your optimistic attitude helps create a secure environment for people. Therefore think positively, practice right behavior towards others, and follow the golden rule:

"Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12).

6. Maintain a teachable spirit and stir up your passion for personal growth. Have a personal growth plan and stick to it. Keep learning so you can continue leading.

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9)

Yours for the developing of an army of great leaders that people will want to follow.

Dr. George Hill
President/Founder
Victory Churches International

"When leaders lead: [and] the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the Lord!" (Judges 5:1-2)

So you either: lead, follow or get out of the way.

The Leading Leader:

• Is born with leadership potential.
• Has been exposed to good leadership in his life.
• Has learned and added leadership skills through training and experience.
• Has developed the self-discipline to become a good leader.
• Is willing to pay the price required to lead successfully.
• Is willing to wait to become a great leader, realizing it takes time, tests and good choices.

You can be called, gifted and anointed but not willing to pay the price and remain mediocre all your life.

Every worthwhile accomplishment has a price tag in terms of hard work, patience, faith and endurance. The greater the achievement, the higher the price paid. It comes down to: How much do you want it and how much are you really willing to pay to get it?

Let’s look at some aspects of the cost for any person who is in a place of leadership or aspires to it:

1. Criticism – It is hard to take at the time, but the only way to really get to know ourselves is by feedback from other people.

Backslappers help us feel better about ourselves but we don’t actually profit by them. Real change and emotional growth comes by facing our weaknesses and personality defects as others see us. As a leader, you are more visible, which means you are more susceptible to criticism. If you can accept it, criticism can work for your good.

2. Fatigue – Genuine leaders know when to put in extra hours, and must be willing to rise early and study longer than others.

Some have great stamina, but fatigue will frequently set in if you want to go somewhere with an organization. A wise leader will try to find a balance, and seek some pleasurable recreation, or he will eventually lose his usefulness. Proper health care, rest and balance will help a leader maintain his ability to persist.

3. Time to Think – A leader must take time for creative thinking and meditation. Most people are too busy to take time to really think.

If you’ve got an objective, it takes time to think it through to determine the best method to meet the goal. The solution is not to work harder, but to work smarter. Most successful ventures are achieved only after many hours of deep thinking and careful scrutiny.

4. Loneliness – A strong leader must be able to identify readily with people, but not become one of the boys.

A leader has to be ready to walk away from the crowd and be alone like Jesus did. He must both identify with and be isolated from people. A true leader promotes others—their interests, values and goals—while at the same time striving to fulfill his own goals without being absorbed into the group. The Old Testament prophets were extremely lonely, misunderstood and rejected. Likewise, leaders are often set apart—it is a price they must pay.

5. Identification – To identify with people, the leader must make the sacrifice of taking time to know God’s Word and to share other people’s emotions, their victories and defeats.

You cannot reach God-given objectives by yourself in isolation, so you have to take time to develop and relate to the team.

“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22).

6. Make Unpleasant Decisions – A leader has to make decisions that affect the ultimate good of the organization, which sometimes means removing someone who is not measuring up to the stated standard.

A person who constantly or consistently fails to perform with distinction is a hindrance to an organization’s effectiveness. To let this person continue his responsibility affects the whole group in a negative way. It hinders its progress and the ministry dynamic. Really, you are doing him a favor if he’s not doing a good job. He is being destroyed on the inside by pressure and strain, and releasing him gives him the opportunity for necessary growth.

7. Competition – This is not a bad term. Without it, man has little drive to achieve.

A leader must keep his competitive edge sharp if he is going to achieve his goals. Everyone loves to win, but at the same time, he must be willing to accept the risks of failure.

8. False Pride and Jealousy – Popularity can affect a leader’s performance. Feelings of infallibility and indispensability will decrease his effectiveness.

Every person must have some pride—it is good to be proud of achievement. It is false pride when we become wrapped up in ourselves to the point that other people count for little. A leader is more effective if he can point people to the group or organization he leads. He must stay humble, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought” (Rom 12:3). A leader who has been admired for a long time may overreact when others get promoted. Do not let jealousy set in, because “before honor comes humility” (Prov 15:33 NASB).

9. Utilization of Time – Managing your own time really means managing yourself.

If you have two leaders of equal ability, the one who best uses his time by planning his time will far outperform the other person. Plan your time. Some people put things off until they find time—and it rarely ever comes. You must make time.

10. Rejection – Be ready to pay the price of personal rejection.

In so doing, you tap into the sacrifice of Jesus: He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him (John 1:11). The leader puts the praise of God above the praise of men. He is not afraid to make an unpopular stand. He must be motivated by the love of God to handle it and also by the love of his people and his work to overcome. If the passion is strong enough the cost doesn’t matter, “for the love of Christ constrains us” (2 Cor 5:14).

William Webster said, “In my life time I have known 95 of the world’s greatest leaders and 87 of them where followers of the bible."

There is a new breed of world changers and history makers rising up within the body of Christ today. They are totally committed and are ready to deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Jesus.

Victory pastors and leaders its our time to rise and shine and become the leading leaders God has called us to be. My prayer is that every emerging leader in our movement will rise to the challenges of this day and age and be able to see more, be more and do more, than Hazel and I have ever been able to see, be or do!

Yours for the developing and deploying of a multitude of righteous leaders that will lead!

Dr. George Hill
President/Founder
Victory Churches International

"When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the Lord!" (Judges 5:2)

The responsibility for this kind of happy, fruitful situation begins with someone being willing to lead. In Europe and North America many leaders hold back for fear of being considered controlling. If you are a passenger in a car you are thankful that someone is in control. Control is not a dirty word it just means someone is taking the responsibility of leading.

12 Characteristics a Leader Must Grow in to have Good Success with Followers

1. They must know where they are going, not being afraid to lead.

a. He is led by purpose and principle, not by problems and people.
b.He gives clear direction so followers can see the way and walk in it (Habakkuk 2:2; Proverbs 28:19).

2. They must be hard workers, setting a good example for those who follow.

Thomas Edison said that “genius was 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration” (Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 14:23). "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." (Ephesians 2:10)

3. They must be good listeners with ears to hear. (James 1:19)

Followers value someone who will listen to them. And a good listener hears what is really being said.

4. They must be good organizers. (Prov. 24:27)

a. You can’t build on organization, but you can’t build without it either.
b.Organization is something you do before you do something so that is doesn’t turn out a mess. The more organized and prepared you are the more confident and free from fear you are. Remember the ant: he prepares beforehand. Learn to plan ahead and think through on the details.

5. They must not make impulsive decisions.

Whoever believes will not act hastily. (Isaiah 28:16)

a. All major decisions are not just something you wake up and make. They come after seasons of prayer, counsel and discussion (Proverbs 24:2-3 LB).
b. The sign of a good leader is the ability to make a swift, clear decision when a decision is called for.
c. Know when to say, “I don’t know, but I will pray about it, and get back to you” (Proverbs 15:28).

6. They must not be afraid to change when change is required.

a. Don’t be so rigid that you can’t change. Be open to creative thoughts from God. (Proverbs 16:3)
b. Ask yourself these three questions:
- Will change help me accomplish my goal?
- Will it create problems? (Why change if it’s working?)
- Is this the only method I can employ or is there a better way?

7. They must have an inner motivation that energizes and inspires those they lead.

In tough times you must do some things out of character, not inspiration. Many of the best messages I have ever preached have been when I have least felt like it and I have had to reach down into myself and do it out of character. Character will see you through when you don’t feel inspired.

"Be ready in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2)

8. They must be predictable.

a. Be a person that others could set their clock by—true to your word.
b. Be someone who “swears to his own hurt and changes not” (Psalm 15:5). This creates a sense of security; you can know what to expect of someone like this.

9. They must learn to conceal heartaches and disappointments.

a. Rise above your feelings, having joy regardless of the circumstances.
b. If you have a problem as a leader, talk to the senior overseer, not the congregation.

10. They must be able to identify with those they are leading.

Put yourself in their place. Answers may be clear to you, but not to them. Ezekiel said, I sat where they sat. (Ezekiel 3:15)

11.They must have a check list, never trusting everything to memory.

You can save about two hours a day if you spend half an hour organizing your day the night before.

12. They must spend time alone with the Lord and their family.

People will consume you if you let them. Know your source of power. Jesus had to go out into the wilderness to be alone to pray. If it was important for Jesus, it should be important to you. We don’t want anybody to burn out, fizzle out or drop out. Let’s finish our course with joy!

The foundation for developing yourself and others is wrapped up in this principle: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” It lets others know you genuinely care about them. And it will make others want to follow your leadership.

Dr. George Hill
President/Founder
Victory Churches International

Peter Marshall was the chaplain to the U.S. Senate, he prayed, “Lord help us to apply what we applaud.”

By your patience possess your souls (Luke 21:19 NKJ).

Long term Christian leaders know how to control their own soul. Following are 14 personal disciplines that produce Christian growth and maturity, enabling us to be better representatives of Christ:.

1. Become a student of the Word. 2 Timothy 2:15

a. Read the Word daily.
b. Read it until something comes alive in your spirit.

2. Talk to God every day. Live in an attitude of prayer (Ephesians 6:18).

3. Maintain a meek, gentle and loving attitude by renewing your mind “constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24 Amp).

4. Learn to make your lows a little higher and your highs a little lower.

a. Discipline yourself to be more consistent.
b. Don’t wear your feelings on your face.
c. Rise above the heartaches and disappointments that happen in your life.

5. Focus on Christ, not on the devil. Become God-conscious (Isaiah 26:3).

6. Get rid of self-consciousness because it’s really self-centeredness.

a. Nobody is ever fully ready.
b. Make yourself available, and God will work through you.

7. See the value of a soul. Treat every individual as valuable and special.

8. You have to take time with your family; don’t neglect them. Keep your family strong.

9. You have to get enough rest or you won’t function properly. You need to have a protected environment.

10. You can only relax and rest when you have a good attitude.

a. Don’t let someone’s problems or bad report rob you of your joy.
b. When you become worried and anxious, it makes you tired.

11. Don’t be afraid of hard work and sacrifice. It brings the best out of a person and releases the life of God. Many people miss the God opportunities because they come disguised as hard work and sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

12, Recognize that success may be failure. Sometimes you can learn more from your failures than from your successes. Sometimes things go wrong to make you move right.

13. Learn to prepare your heart.

a. Keep your heart soft.
b. If you’re not careful, your heart will become hard through seeing a lot of pain and suffering.

14. Always stay full of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues will help, but staying full also includes other daily spiritual disciplines (Ephesians 5:18-21).

Lord help us to apply what we applaud. Help us as leaders, to develop the personal disciplines that will bring long term public success.

Victory Leader's, Let us Finish our Course with Faith, Integrity and Joy!

Dr. George Hill
President/Founder
VCI International

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it." (Habakkuk 2:2 NKJ)

Vision is empowering to the leader who has it. The leader with vision believes not only that what he envisions can be done, but that it must be done.

First, the leader must be willing to stretch and grow himself to the size of the vision. Through faith in God and His Word, we get the right vision or dream. For it to become a reality it takes hard work, sacrifice and the right partners.

If a vision is from God it is bigger than you. And if it’s bigger than you, you are going to need God and people. Why would God ever give you a vision that doesn’t need Him?

Second, the leader must seek and find winners and potential winners to add to the team.

"Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch." (Acts 11:25-26)

• Winners are less sensitive to disapproval and rejection—they brush it off.
• Winners think bottom line.
• Winners focus on the task at hand.
• Winners are not superstitious—they say, “That’s life.”
• Winners refuse to equate failure with self-worth.
• Winners don’t restrict thinking to established, rigid patterns.
• Winners see the big picture.
• Winners welcome challenge with optimism.
• Winners don’t waste time in unproductive thought.

Once the winners are added to the team, they join others as the major influencers in the organization. Winning teams always play to win. They may lose occasionally but they always win in the end. They have learned how to turn a single victory into a series of victories. There is a big difference between playing to win and playing not to lose.

God told Moses: “Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exodus 14:15).

2012 is our time to go forward; it’s a season of advancement for the church. General George S Patton’s motto was: We always advance; we never dig in.

Lastly, it is very important for the leader to mentor these winners. They should be exposed to great books (past and present), great places, great events and great people. They should find great ideas in you, the leader. They should be given opportunities that will cause them to stretch and grow, and even fail once in a while. Sometimes we can learn more from a failure than we can from a win.

Effective Mentors Must Be:

• Successful in their area of expertise.
• Secure in who they are.
• Generous and able to see potential in others (Proverbs 20:5; 11:24-25).
• Willing to take a risk on people (Eg. Barnabas took a risk on Paul when no one else would—Acts 9:26-27).

Emerging Leaders and Long Term Winners Must:

• Have a passion for personal growth and maturity.
• Be willing to work hard and sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
• Step out in faith taking the necessary opportunities and risks.
• Be faithful with that which is another man’s (Luke 16:12).

"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

Reproduction is the principle of life. A Church or organization with only one leader soon disappears.

We are Victory Family—Home of Champions
It’s My Time to be a Winner on a Winning Team
2012 is Our Time to Win Big!

Victory is a multi-generational, multicultural, multinational, multifaceted, worldwide apostolic movement!

Dr. George Hill
President/Founder
VCI International