I START A NEW SERIES TODAY
I have written over 100 blogs since I commenced this new aspect of my ministry. The majority of those blogs have all been about laying the right foundations in our Christian life, and developing an intimate relationship with the Lord. Sadly, in many institutions it is simply about developing the leader in us. I made a decision quite some years ago, that I would not talk to a student about leadership development until I was sure they had laid the right spiritual foundations in their life. You will know that I am totally committed to Discipleship and Mentoring, that produces a quality disciple, now it is time for me to begin sharing about leadership.
Every Christian receives two callings in their life, firstly we are called out of darkness into the Kingdom of His dear son, then EVERY believer is called to into some form of ministry and service in the Body of Christ. Some receive with their calling a Ministry Gift that we mentioned in the last blog. Eph. 4.11 Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist or Pastor/Teacher. We also can development some of those other gifts that were also mentioned. The Motivational Gifts in Rom. 12. or those Spiritual Gifts in 1 Cor. 12.
IF THE FOUNDATIONS HAVE BEEN LAID WELL THE LEADER WILL BE A PERSON OF INTEGRITY.
Over 20 years ago I was in the city of Baguio in Northern Philippines, I walked into a small and very dusty Christian bookshop, and saw a simple paper plaque which I purchased. I have adapted it slightly and this is what it said.
THE CHURCH NEEDS MEN (AND WOMEN)…
Who cannot be bought ;
Whose word id their bond;
Who put character above wealth;
Who possess opinions and a will;
Who are larger than their vocations;
Who do not hesitate to take chances;
Who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
Who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
Who will make no compromise with wrong;
Whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
Who will not say they will do it “because everyone one else does it;
- Who are true to their friends through good report and evil report;
In adversity as well as in prosperity;
Who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-headedness are the best qualities for success;
Who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for truth when it is unpopular;
Who can say “no” with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says “yes”.
I think this spells out so clearly what is required of us as a Leader in the Body of Christ.
THERE ARE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP
1. Leaders lead by what they believe (would you follow someone who isn’t sure about important aspects of truth ??)
2. Leaders lead by what they say (what a responsibility we have to speak with knowledge and understanding)
3. Leaders lead by what they do (not simply telling others what to do and how to do it)
4. Leaders lead by what they are (what we are speaks much louder than what we say)
THESE FOUR PRINCIPLES COMBINED EQUATE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP
Can I encourage you to slowly go over the above and let the Lord speak to you, and may it challenge you to determine in your heart to be the best leader you can be.
