The wise leader recognizes the need to establish their credibility. Read Luke 1:1-4.

Luke was a doctor and companion of the apostle Paul on several missionary journeys. He was not one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. To the best of our knowledge he was not an eyewitness of Christ’s day-to-day ministry and he was not a theologian, yet he wrote one of only 66 books that are part of the Bible. Rather than launching in to his account of the Gospel without an introduction, Luke made certain his readers knew why he chose to write his account of Jesus’ life and that his account of Jesus’ life was based on historically verifiable information. Luke understood and acted on the leadership principle of establishing credibility for his message.

Purpose and passion can overcome a leader’s lack of credentials. Read Mark 1:1-9.

Isaiah the prophet had foretold of a leader that would come on the scene just prior to the Messiah to prepare a way for Him (Isaiah 40:3). John the Baptist seemed to just appear in Israel and sparked a major spiritual awaking among the people. John’s ministry touched every segment of society from the nation’s leaders, to beggars and heretics, to religious leaders. John had an amazing impact even though he had none of the credentials we associate with great leaders. He didn’t have politically influential friends, he wasn’t wealthy, he lived in an isolated area, he wasn’t formally educated, he didn’t dress for success and he demonstrated zero tact in his messages. Yet, according to Jesus in Matthew 11:11, John the Baptist was the greatest man ever born.