Week 3: Nine Tests to Determine a Person’s Leadership Potential

Dr. John R. Stott was no lightweight when it came to having a clear understanding of what to look for in a potential leader. Here was a man who engaged in the lives of hundreds of young men, always on the lookout for those who were capable of becoming good leaders. Taking a little time to research Dr. Stott’s life—who he was, and what he had accomplished—takes us to discover a man who walked in the very things he himself looked for among future leaders. From 1915 to 1928, Mott was president of the Y.M.C.A.’s World Committee[1] and, during World War I, became general-secretary of the National War Work Council. For his work, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. Here are nine tests he applied to his interviews with the young men he vetted:

1. Does he do little things well?
2. Has he learned the meaning of priorities?
3. How does he use his leisure?
4. Has he intensity?
5. Has he learned to take advantage of momentum?
6. Has he the power of growth?
7. What is his attitude toward discouragement?
8. How does he face impossible situations?
9. What are his weakest points?

Let’s address these briefly one at a time. Does he do little things well? Jesus said if a person is faithful in that which is little, they’ll be faithful in much. They’ll be a person that pays close attention to detail and the quality of their work. They press for excellence and skill. Has he learned the meaning of priorities? We cannot allow, the little things that nip at our heels to distract us. Keep the main thing the main thing. How does he use his leisure? Who are his or her companions? Does time with God enter the picture? Are vices involved or self-discipline in their free time? Has he intensity? Is there a passion for a cause, a zeal in what they do? Has he learned to take advantage of momentum? Is this person wise enough to discern, seize and direct the momentum of the purpose they’re engaged in? Has he the power of growth?  Are they curious and aggressive to learn, hone, and better their skills in all areas of life spiritually, morally and intellectually? What is his attitude toward discouragement? Do they lay down, whine, whimper and quit? Or do they resolve to break through the obstacles in their path? How does he face impossible situations? Do they seek God as David did in times of trouble? Do they rise above fear of defeat and trust God to give them a strategy to overcome their circumstances? What are his weakest points? Do they acknowledge they have any? Are their weakest points issues of character, ability, leadership style, ignorance, lack of gifting and aptitude, or just too conceited and arrogant to risk putting in a place of responsibility over others?

Disciples are all potential leaders who must consider these nine tests for leaders. Even those three candidates you look for to become members in your future group.

[1] Y.M.C.A. – Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London, England in 1844 by George Williams to substitute Bible Study and prayer for life on the streets. It offered a place for young, rural men who went to work in the cities and wound up living in crowded rooms above the workshops where they were employed. It became very popular and by 1851, there were 24 Y’s in Great Britain with 2,700 members. Williams was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1894 for his YMCA work.

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