When we go on dates, I like my husband to open the door for me. When he walks around and opens the car door, I feel special, loved, and valued. For some people that doesn’t matter much. I guess I am a bit of an old-fashioned romantic! Great leaders show others they are valuable by opening doors for them. Not physical doors, but doors of opportunity to use their gifts and step into their callings. Are you someone who opens doors for others?

It is easy to get busy with our own ministry and ignore the needs and desires of others around us.

Christ-like leaders are “door openers.” They recognize that they are not the only people with gifts and talents. Others around them also have a calling and God-given destiny. These leaders see it as a significant part of their job to elevate others. They raise them up and help them move forward.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”

Phil 2:3 NIV

5 Characteristics of Leaders Who Are “Door Openers”

1. “Door Openers” recognize and call forth the gifts and destinies of others.

What do you see when you look at your peers or those you lead? Are you focused on their faults and shortcomings? Or do you see their God-given destiny?

Great leaders can look beyond. They see past the flaws and mistakes and see others with prophetic eyes. These leaders can see what God desires to do through those around them. Then they take action to partner with God.

They help that person move forward and become what God has designed them to be. These leaders want to help others make their unique contribution to the world.

Often, as humans, we get discouraged when we look at ourselves. We only see the here and now. Our failures and difficulties seem big to us. A leader who can speak life and truth about who we are makes a huge impact. Call forth the destiny of God in others by telling them what you see in them.

Speak words like, “I can see you have a teaching gift.” Or, “You have an amazing creative ability. God is going to use that to touch many lives…even transform nations.” This kind of encouragement can go a long way in helping someone move toward their calling in God.

2. “Door Openers” use their influence to create opportunities for others to advance.

Together with recognition and encouragement, do what you can to create opportunities for others. Were you invited to speak somewhere? Who could you take along and share that teaching opportunity with? Perhaps you could recommend someone you know for a position or role. Or, invite them to participate with you on a project that utilizes their gift. Then, be sure to give them recognition for it so others will hear about their skills and gifts.

3. “Door Openers” would rather see others succeed in their goals than fulfill their own.

The scripture above talks about considering others as more important than yourself. This has to do with goals and vision as well.

I am a visionary who is very passionate about the things God has spoken to me! Moving forward with those goals is something I value greatly. But I never want to let my vision and goals blind me to those around me. They too have their own desires and God-given passions. Even when those interests are quite different from your own, do you look for ways to help them succeed?

4. “Door Openers” always look for people to mentor and develop. They have succession plans in place and move on.

Leaders who are “door openers” do not see themselves staying in their position forever. The best way to establish a sustainable ministry is to develop others in leadership. These leaders are not power-hungry. Instead, they are constantly looking for up-and-coming leaders who they can train.

Pioneer leaders often get stuck at the top. They founded the ministry and it is their “baby.” Giving it up or passing it on is not even a consideration. This causes problems, especially as leaders age.

Are you the kind of leader who is intentional about developing a network of other leaders? People who can easily take your place one day? Do you look for ways to let them lead, even now? Or do you prefer to make all the decisions yourself?

5. “Door Openers” pass the baton. They don’t hold on to power.

A life verse for me is 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul raised Timothy. Though he was young, Paul saw his potential. He then instructed Timothy to do the same. What he had learned from Paul, he was to pass on to faithful people who would also train others. We see multiple generations of disciples and leaders in this verse.

You can measure the strength of a person’s leadership by how many Timothys they have raised and whether or not those Timothys have also mentored and developed others.

There is a huge temptation to hold onto power. We like to give assignments and work to others but hold on to the authority to make decisions ourselves. This isn’t what “door openers” do. When they create opportunities (open doors), they give that person a chance to make the decisions. They don’t interfere. Emerging leaders may make mistakes and fail, but that will be a chance for training and growth.

Are you afraid to give authority because you fear others will not do something as well as you would?

Jesus Trusted and Moved On

Jesus is our ultimate example of a servant leader. He raised up the twelve apostles and gave them many ministry opportunities (see Luke 8-10 for one example.) Then, after just three years, He entrusted everything into their hands and left. Jesus trusted the Holy Spirit and those He had mentored to carry things on. He even said they would do more than He had done (John 14:12.) That is how much He believed in them.

What door could you open for someone today? Whose gift and calling could you call forth? Give recognition to? Take a look around you, at your colleagues and those you lead.

Prayerfully decide to grow as a “door opener.” Decide on one thing you could do to move forward in this area over the coming week.

I’d love to hear about your decision in the comments or any questions you may have. Or share about it in the Missionary Life Insiders Facebook Group.