What are the similarities between Farmers and Leaders? – Part II

I recently had a conversation with one of my preaching professors from seminary and we were talking about the many different characteristics of God. During the conversation we talked about the commonly known characteristics such as God being a provider, protector and problem-solver. The conversation became more interesting when he started to mention the less commonly known characteristics. He said that God is also impartial, patient and creative. Later he said that God was the first farmer and this statement created a new image of God for me. There are many similarities between the characteristics of farmers and leaders. This article is the second installment of the farmer & leader parallels.

6.) Evaluating the Soil: Being able to see the potential in people, situations and challenges is a key ingredient in being a farmer and leader. Seeing possible outcomes and results is not always easy but necessary for farmers and leaders to be successful. They have faith in their people, their plants and their process. Hebrews 11 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."

7.) Planting Seeds: After seeing the potential in people, situations and challenges, farmers and leaders act on their vision. Planting a seed is a metaphor for investing in plants and people. My father always said, “If you believe in something, put your money where your mouth is!” These are definitely words of wisdom that farmers and leaders continue to live by.

8.) Practicing Patience and Persistence: Many people say that "patience is a virtue" and that is a true statement. Mastering anything in life requires focus and persistence… things like cooking, dancing and leading. It takes time for people to realize their potential or for plants to produce a harvest. The race of life is a marathon and not a sprint.

9.) Nurturing the Crop: Farmers and leaders always protect their plants and people. Farmers and leaders speak positively on their behalf and allow them the space to grow and flourish. Finally, they provide all the resources, tools and culture needed for a successful harvest.

10.) Reaping the Harvest: The term "Reaping the Harvest" is a symbol for receiving the results of planting seeds. Reaping the harvest requires farmers and leaders to constantly reflect on plants and people. In these situations farmers and leaders embrace their role as an agent of change. Farmers and Leaders work with plants and people to make decisions which turn visions into reality.