For the third part of my trilogy on leadership development, I want to focus on practical skills. Here’s my short list (twelve, again) of the key abilities I believe leaders need to cultivate. Anything you would add or subtract?

1. Personal Bible Study: Understanding Scripture for ourselves
2. Warfare Prayer: How to shake the heavens.
3. The Slow Fast: Emptying ourselves to be filled.
4. Memorizing the Word: Sharpening the Sword for battle.
5. Daily Journaling: Tracking God’s activity over time.
6. Cultivating Spiritual Gifts: For what has God made us?
7. Failing Courageously: Taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them.
8. Good Things in Small Groups: Building missional communities.
9. Constructive Criticism: ‘Tis as important to receive as to give
10. Counseling and Discipleship: Helping people reflect God’s glory and grace.
11. Friendship Evangelism: How to get Jesus into people’s hearts.
12. Public Speaking: Communicating clearly and concisely.