Joe Paterno coached the Penn State Nittany Lions for forty-six years. He won more college football games than anyone in the history of the sport. He was a fixture on the sidelines and in the headlines. He was affectionately known as Joe Pa.

Last Wednesday evening he was removed as head coach at Penn State. The whole sordid affair is sickening and gut wrenching. A former defensive coordinator under Paterno has been charged by a grand jury of sexually molesting  boys. Two administrators have been indicted with covering up and lying to the grand jury. Apparently Coach Paterno knew of the allegations and did not make sure that other boys were protected. The whole story is sad.

I feel nothing but sorrow for Joe Paterno, but our children must be protected. It’s everyone’s job.

What does Joe Paterno’s exit teach us about leadership?

First, leaders must lead. Every church and every group needs leadership. As much as a leader Joe Paterno has been, he obviously failed in this area of leadership.

Your church needs a leader to lead and give Godly direction to the church. It’s a must. God established pastors for a reason. No wonder we are called shepherds. The sheep need a shepherd.

Second, you can’t delegate doing the right thing. You can–and should–delegate many things. You can’t delegate doing the right thing.

Third, doing right is more important than your personal standing. I don’t know what Joe Paterno thought he was doing. Was he trying to protect the university? Himself? Here’s the point: doing right comes first. We’ve seen through the years that covering up doesn’t work.

Fourth, fill your heart and your life with the truth of God. Psalm 15 asks who shall stand in the presence of God. The answer is given forcefully. The first characteristic is that the person who stands in the presence of God “walks blamelessly,. . .does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart” (Psalm 15:2). In other words, the truth must be who he is. The truth must come from deep in his being. If you live the truth, you will be more likely to tell the truth and to do the right thing.

What a great responsibility is given to leaders! May you and I lead with integrity and honor. “He who does these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:5b).

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