Every team needs a leader. Every country needs a leader, and the family of God needs a leader. Jesus Christ is that leader. The Greek word for “leader” literally means “the first one to lead the way.” It is derived from archē which means “the first,” and ago which means “to lead.” To express this idea of leadership, archēgos is a low frequency Biblical word occurring only four times and is generally translated in Acts 3:15; 5:31 as the “Prince,” and as “the author” (founder/trailblazer) in Hebrews 2:10; 12:2.^[1]

If the trajectory of the word, the direction of action or the example in which to follow, means “go first”, then how would we apply this in leading through a global pandemic? At the top of this list is the notion the only reason a leader should be a leader is because their driving passion is to help other people. From the local civic leadership position all the way to the national level of civic leadership we are watching these leaders demonstrate genuine care for the citizens or in some cases enforce heavy-handed regulations. Citizens are being awakened to genuine care and what it looks like – these leaders are going first. 

Here are three practices that are necessary to be a “Go First Leader”.

• Believe In Yourself – I have met successful leaders in which some people did not believe in them. However, I have never met a successful leader who did not believe in themselves. Understand this belief starts on the inside then expresses itself outward to others. You must become bigger on the inside before you can become bigger on the outside.
• Set Expectations For Yourself First – If you wait for your congregants to establish expectations, you’re not leading. Spiritual Leaders must establish upfront where the congregants are going, what vision you expect them to accomplish, and what it means to be part of this church. This means establishing expectations for your own work—and living up to the expectations you set first.
• Keep Your Commitments First – To be a successful faith leader, you must continually make commitments. Commitment is key. But the first and most important commitment that any leader makes is to him or herself. A commitment to integrity. A commitment to responsibility. A commitment to selflessness.

Effective pandemic leaders communicate often, demonstrate resolve to find solutions to difficult problems, and communicate genuine concern for the people. Evaluation of civic and faith leaders are based upon the people answering three questions internally; (1) Do you care for me? (2) Can you help me? (3) Can I trust you?

^[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 321). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.