Welcome to the quarterly Effective Leadership email series!
It is an honor to walk with you on this journey of leadership growth. Leadership is not about titles—it is about responsibility. It is not about power—it is about stewardship. If you are reading this, it means God has positioned you for more. More influence. More impact. More responsibility. But with every great calling comes great challenges.
In this edition, we focus on The School of Hard Knocks—the lessons learned not in classrooms, but in the trials, battles, and unexpected moments that shape us into effective leaders.
Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks
Every leader faces trials—unexpected setbacks, opposition, and hard-earned lessons. Some call it experience, but many have earned a Ph.D. in the School of Hard Knocks. If that describes you, know that you are in good company.
"Every situation is your instructor, persuading you of a life value you did not possess before facing it and coming through it successfully."
The key word is successfully. Look at where you are today. You made it. You survived what you once thought would take you out. That alone is proof that God has been with you every step of the way.
Faithfulness in the Small Things
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." — Mother Teresa
Leadership is not just about big moments; it is about the small, daily decisions that build character and integrity.
Luke 16:10 reminds us: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in larger ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you will not be honest with greater responsibilities.”
Integrity is not optional for a leader—it is foundational. A person who will lie will also steal. Even small acts of deception undermine influence and erode the trust necessary for leadership.
Guard your words. Walk in truth. Small compromises lead to great failures, but small acts of faithfulness lead to greater responsibility.
Identity and Confidence in Leadership
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he was not standing in confidence—he was hiding. Yet God declared:
“The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:12)
Gideon did not see himself as a warrior, but God did. Leadership is about seeing yourself as God sees you, not as circumstances define you.
Hell will always fight against what heaven has called you to be.
The enemy will challenge your identity, just as he did with Jesus in Luke 4:
The answer is simple—stand firm. Jesus did not defend Himself; He declared the truth. You do not need to prove your calling to anyone—walk in it.
The Character of Leadership
Leadership is not about style—it is about character.
Each had different leadership styles, yet all were effective because their character was rooted in God.
Paul, one of the greatest leaders in history, did not lose his intensity when he became an apostle—he redirected it. The same zeal he once used to persecute the Church, he now used to build the Kingdom of God.
God does not erase your leadership potential—He refines it.
Take Action Today
Leadership is a spiritual responsibility. It is not just about what you do—it is about who you become. Let’s lead with excellence, integrity, and unwavering confidence in God’s calling.
Yours for the Harvest,
Dr. Rod Parsley
Founder & General Overseer
It is an honor to walk with you on this journey of leadership growth. Leadership is not about titles—it is about responsibility. It is not about power—it is about stewardship. If you are reading this, it means God has positioned you for more. More influence. More impact. More responsibility. But with every great calling comes great challenges.
In this edition, we focus on The School of Hard Knocks—the lessons learned not in classrooms, but in the trials, battles, and unexpected moments that shape us into effective leaders.
Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks
Every leader faces trials—unexpected setbacks, opposition, and hard-earned lessons. Some call it experience, but many have earned a Ph.D. in the School of Hard Knocks. If that describes you, know that you are in good company.
"Every situation is your instructor, persuading you of a life value you did not possess before facing it and coming through it successfully."
The key word is successfully. Look at where you are today. You made it. You survived what you once thought would take you out. That alone is proof that God has been with you every step of the way.
Faithfulness in the Small Things
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." — Mother Teresa
Leadership is not just about big moments; it is about the small, daily decisions that build character and integrity.
Luke 16:10 reminds us: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in larger ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you will not be honest with greater responsibilities.”
Integrity is not optional for a leader—it is foundational. A person who will lie will also steal. Even small acts of deception undermine influence and erode the trust necessary for leadership.
Guard your words. Walk in truth. Small compromises lead to great failures, but small acts of faithfulness lead to greater responsibility.
Identity and Confidence in Leadership
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he was not standing in confidence—he was hiding. Yet God declared:
“The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:12)
Gideon did not see himself as a warrior, but God did. Leadership is about seeing yourself as God sees you, not as circumstances define you.
Hell will always fight against what heaven has called you to be.
The enemy will challenge your identity, just as he did with Jesus in Luke 4:
- “If you are the Son of God…”
- “If you are truly called…”
- “If you are really a leader…”
The answer is simple—stand firm. Jesus did not defend Himself; He declared the truth. You do not need to prove your calling to anyone—walk in it.
The Character of Leadership
Leadership is not about style—it is about character.
- Elijah was a loner.
- Moses was a delegator.
- Peter was brash.
- John was tenderhearted.
Each had different leadership styles, yet all were effective because their character was rooted in God.
Paul, one of the greatest leaders in history, did not lose his intensity when he became an apostle—he redirected it. The same zeal he once used to persecute the Church, he now used to build the Kingdom of God.
God does not erase your leadership potential—He refines it.
Take Action Today
- Reflect on your School of Hard Knocks—what lessons have you learned through difficulty?
- Examine your faithfulness in the small things—are you walking in integrity?
- Declare your identity in Christ—walk in the confidence of who God has called you to be.
Leadership is a spiritual responsibility. It is not just about what you do—it is about who you become. Let’s lead with excellence, integrity, and unwavering confidence in God’s calling.
Yours for the Harvest,
Dr. Rod Parsley
Founder & General Overseer