Our series on the leader's heart continues as we consider how God wants to use you. One of the most exciting things I have learned on my journey with the Lord is that He has plans to use each of us just the way we are... He is not interested in perfection. Abraham blew it more than once. God used him. Moses messed up. God used him David failed. God used him.

God is interested in willing hearts and teachable spirits. So let's take those hearts and spirits and talk about some qualities of a leader. A true leader...

Walks with Integrity. A leader will practice what she teaches. Be honest in all areas of your life. Be transparent. Be sincere. Most importantly, treat everyone with dignity. Cast a vision. A leader has vision and shares that vision with others.

Plans. Setting short- and long-term goals, both personally and in ministry, will keep you moving forward.

Motivates Others. A leader motivates others to action. One of your primary tasks as a leader is to equip and encourage women to serve...not to do it all yourself!

Knows when to Delegate. - A leader knows her limitations and when to pass a task on to someone else. You can offer direction and give counsel, but learn to recognize the strengths of others and strive to draw out their best. Be willing to let the women under you make mistakes and learn from them.

Keeps Learning. A leader is a learner. Read. Know what is going on in your world. Attend community classes in areas that interest you and conferences to enrich your ministry. Listen to men and women in leadership and be willing to learn from them.

Checks Her Motives A leader will regularly evaluate her motives. Why are you serving? Are you seeking to build your ministry... or God's? Are you focusing on what you do well, or looking for ways to build new leaders? Sounds simple, right?

These are familiar qualities, at least in theory. The real issue is whether or not you really put them into practice. God wants to use you... so, pray over this list. Thank the Lord for your strengths, and ask Him to show you what you need to work on. Trust me.... He will!