Accountability brings a number of thoughts to mind regarding leadership. We know we will give an account, but what exactly does this word involve for spiritual leadership?

There is the implication of what is required. As spiritual leaders, certain requirements could be listed. We are required to be trustworthy, faithful, examples, and people of integrity, just to name a few.

There are certain expectations. An expectation seems to add a new level in spiritual leadership. People tend to meet whatever is expected of them. If we expect little, we get little. If we expect more, we get more. When leaders make decisions, there is an expectation we will be held accountable.

There is an understanding of responsibility. If leaders give an account for their decisions and actions, we know there is a level of responsibility connected to the decisions and actions taken by leadership.

We will all be held accountable for our deeds in this life, both good and bad. How much more so for leaders who will answer to God for the direction of their leadership of God’s people.

One of the keys to success in construction is not only the ability to read a blueprint, but continually evaluating the blueprint to make sure there are no deviations from the plan.

Consider the problems that arise when someone looks at a blueprint one time and never goes back to see if the plans are being followed correctly.

Spiritually, if we are not continually returning to the blueprint of God’s word to ensure we are following the plans…well, the result is what we have witnessed in our world today. Variations made from salvation to worship have created division and weakened our efforts to reach out to a world deep in postmodern and emerging theories.

The problem can be summed up in the lack of leadership that returns to the blueprint to evaluate the plan given by God.

Only when we return to evaluating the plan and implementing the mission of God, will we be able to resolve the issues of division and renew our efforts of outreach. The task falls to us as leaders to learn the value of evaluation.

There is something about being around children that draws out this question. How many times this question has been asked by a five year old is probably innumerable. But suffice it to say many!

It is the most difficult question to answer. Yet, children are always asking. They want to know the reasons behind what we are saying and doing.

Of all the questions one could ask, this three lettered word makes a complete question in an of itself.

This question is also one that should be prevalent when thinking about our leadership.

Why are leaders needed?
Why do we need to make this decision?
Why are we making this decision at this time?
Why should we lead?
Why?

We could resolve many issues within our leadership if we could determine the answers to the question…why?

Take a moment to look through the gospel accounts and consider the questions asked by Jesus that begin with why.

Why are you worried?
Why are you afraid?
Why are you testing Me?
Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?

Think about it!

One article will not be enough to share every aspect of why Paul was a great leader. However, we will share at least three reasons today.

Passionate: Few can measure the depth of passion found in Paul. As a persecutor of the church, he pursued it with passion. He even raised his level of passion when he became a defender of the faith. Read Philippians 3:4-11 to see Paul’s passion for the Lord and His cause.

Bold: The book of Acts unfolds numerous events in Paul’s journey for Christ. Boldness characterized every step in his approach to the work. He asked the church to pray for his boldness and it was demonstrated throughout his ministry.

Selfless: Paul held no concern for himself or his own comforts. He was willing to give up everything for the gospel. He was willing to become all things to all men to save some. He endured great hardship so others might learn about Jesus.

What a great example. If we could approach our leadership with the passion, boldness, and selflessness of Paul, we could change the world.

One of the greatest ways to spend time is listening to the imagination of children. From marrying Prince Charming to Belle dancing with the Beast to shooting a web as Spider Man, their imagination is refreshing.

We would never promote the idea of living in a fantasy world, but when it comes to leading others we need a little imagination.

The idea of imagination is about creative power. Leaders need creative power to lead others, to provide a better focus on the future and what can happen when we believe. When leaders create a vision for what can be and how to make it happen, people will follow. How do we know it will work? Look around, it happens everyday. This is the power of leadership!

We could learn a great deal from children by spending time in a world built by their own creative power. Their ability to see what is unseen, believe the impossible, act it out in their minds, and speak with incredible creativity would help spark a little life into our leadership. Try it and see how it works.

One of the essential components of leadership is vision. Each year leadership students are required to do an assignment where they interview a political, educational, cooperate, and religious leader. One of the questions they ask involves the most important quality to the organization: core values, mission, or vision.

It is fascinating to learn which leader claims vision to be the most important and to read their explanation.

In the construction industry, when leaders examine blueprints they must demonstrate an ability to see the finished product in their mind. Only when they see it in their mind can they follow the blueprint accurately.

Spiritual leaders must demonstrate the same ability. To help Christians reach the goals set before them, leaders must see what it looks like in their mind.

Casting this kind of vision before others will help them stay focused and energized for the journey.

Mistakes are easily made during the construction phases when there is no vision. As Solomon wrote, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained” (Pro. 29:18). The same is true for both the construction of buildings and the growth of the church.

“To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach.” Unknown

Leadership thoughts are found everywhere. I appreciate friends who are constantly looking for and sharing these thoughts with me.

A few years ago, a good friend sat down to have some tea before going to bed and on the tea bag he read the quote above. He passed it along to me and I am sharing it with you.

The thought is powerful and has great application to our leadership. Think about it for a moment.

Leaders should constantly be students, learning from every possible source. Leaders should also understand the value of providing what they learn in a format that others are able to use for years to come. Write it down!

The last part of the thought is of such a nature it encompasses the whole of the thought. Most of us know this experience, and what we hear from others, demonstrates how the greatest amount of learning takes place when we teach. As we write down those thoughts in preparation for teaching we strengthen our knowledge of the subject. Teaching the material helps master the subject.

The hand represents a significant concept throughout scripture. In the Old Testament we read of a great contrast between deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies.

The idea of God’s hand is key in several books throughout the Old Testament.

God’s hand holds both consequence and reward. It creates fear and hope. The writer of the book of Hebrews expresses it is a “terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The writer also expresses how Jesus is sitting on the right hand of God. Here is the place of prominence and power.

James also instructs us to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

What does this have to do with leadership?

The hand of leadership should not create fear, but hope.

The hand of leadership needs to lead with humility.

There is prominence and power by the hand with which we lead. We have an opportunity to make a difference by the hand of a leader. May we all be faithful to the task set before us.

Epaphras is not a name that stands out when reading Scripture. Who is this man and why would he be a great Bible leader?

Epaphras is only found three times in the New Testament and two of the three are located in Colossians. The third location is in Philemon.

However, when we examine these three references, we find the answer.

Epaphras was a beloved, fellow bondservant of Christ, indicating he was loved, faithful, and a devoted follower of Christ.

He is noted as a fellow prisoner in Christ, indicating he suffered persecution for the sake of Christ.

The text in Colossians 4 identifies Epaphras as one who labored earnestly (wrestled) in prayer on behalf of these Christians.

These three statements clearly indicate why he is a great Bible leader. There is also a great lesson here for leaders today.

We do not need to be well known in the brotherhood to be a great leader. We need to be faithfully devoted to Jesus, willing to suffer for our Savior, and one who is diligent in prayer on behalf of others.

It sure sounds like a great leader.