Problem Solving Principles in Leadership

Leaders of faith-based communities are looked to for guidance and solutions. Problem solving becomes a role the leader takes on. The mature leader will bathe their ministry in prayer, in order to operate from a foundation of godly wisdom and Holy Spirit empowerment.

Several scriptures talk about the importance of operating in God’s wisdom. We shall take a closer look at the leadership lessons to be learned from James:

• If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5)
• But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17) Problem solving that is based on the outflow of wisdom is peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial and sincere. The leader who is faced with mediation between 2 or more parties can be an instrument of reconciliation, acting in fairness to each side of the story.We will consider two problematic ministry scenarios Jesus faced, and how He brought about the solution. Let’s look at the logical steps he applied to each situation, how he analysed the need, how he depended on the Father’s wisdom, and how leadership was displayed in the problem solved.

Case Study A
After having spent much time with the multitudes, there arose a hunger challenge, which Jesus addressed in his own unique way through the multiplication miracle (Matthew 14:13-21).

Analysis:  The crowd needed to be organised for a mass miracle and feeding!  

Wisdom:  Jesus committed the situation to the Father in prayer and used his disciples to seat and cater to the multitudes.  

Analysis:  There were leftovers and the crowd needed to experience the magnitude of the miracle.  After serving everyone, Jesus instructed for the mess to be cleared and leftovers to be gathered. John 6:1-14.

Problem solved:  Jesus took the lead in addressing the hunger.  He did not close a blind eye.  As a spiritual leader, he looked to the Father for a miracle.  He modelled faith and inspired faith in others. 

Leadership displayed:  Jesus was able to delegate clear responsibilities, set up organised systems and execute these.  Hungry people would have caused a stampede to get out to what they may have perceived as limited amounts of food. Jesus had the foresight to make the serving of the food safe and ensured no one was left out. 

Case Study B

Jesus’ solution to the problem of the woman caught in the act of adultery was a great lesson on how to solve complex matters. John 8:3-11

Analysis:  An angry crowd of self-righteous persecutors were about to stone a woman.

Wisdom:  God knew the hearts of the crowd, and that none were righteous or justified in their judgement of the woman. Jesus knew that God’s love covers over a multitude of sin, showing mercy and impartiality (refer back to James 3:7).

Problem solved: Jesus addressed the root issue of the opposition, by applying the same standards to the accusers, which they were applying to the woman.   

Leadership displayed:  Jesus stood up for the weak and vulnerable, showing conviction, courage and mercy. This act brought conviction upon the persecutors. Jesus was a champion for the vulnerable, and a voice of reason, bringing peace to the violent situation.

When you read through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) you experience how Jesus dealt with many problem scenarios as described in the previous page. 

Read through the gospels and choose 1 scenario that Jesus dealt with. Do not use the ones given earlier as examples. Make sure to give the Scripture you are using for your problem scenario.

Make an analysis of the scenario with these descriptors: 

Analysis: 

Wisdom:   

Analysis:  

Problem solved:   

Leadership displayed:

Formative Assessment *