Have you ever heard someone say; “be real?” What is meant by this statement?

The tendency is to pretend to be something we are not, even being hypocritical.

Being real involves being authentic, true to oneself, genuine, even transparent.

This is not popular when it comes to leadership. We want others to see an image of what we want to be or what we think they want us to be, or even expect us to be, thus not real.

I have found this true in spiritual leaders, including myself. I good friend told me that people need to see the same man up front preaching as they greet at the back door.

Give this some thought.

Do we really take on a different personality when we get up to preach or teach? Do we excuse such by calling it passion?

If our personality is not passionate outside the pulpit, then why would we become so in the pulpit?

Leading others brings many challenges and this one is perhaps one of the most difficult. However, if we really want to lead others, then we need to BE REAL!

We have all heard the infamous commercials attempting to sell some gadget or product that will make our lives easier and better. There always seems to be some common threads, the cost ($19.95 or a multiplied factor of it) and there is always the shipping and handling.

However, there is a third commonality. All offer a product and then say, “Hold on, there’s more.” At this point the offer is usually doubled or tripled. Of course, you only have to pay the additional shipping and handling.

When we examine the importance of leadership, there is always more to consider.

Leadership is more than power.
Leadership is more than position.
Leadership is more than a title.
Leadership is more than influence.

There will always be more regarding spiritual leadership. The nature of the task before us includes a message for all nations and one of guiding Christians to maturity.

If we approach the task with humility and love, we can realize growth in the church and bring glory to our God.

Hold on…there’s more!

If we act now, more souls will enjoy the beauty of heaven. Think Souls!

The most common definition of leadership is often connected to position. A promotion to a specific position is usually identified as one of leadership.

One of the great myths of leadership involves the myth of position, i.e. “I cannot lead unless I have a position,” or “once I have a position then I will be able to lead.”

Position can be taken, given, or earned. Regardless of how the position is obtained, it always comes with responsibility.

It should also be considered that position has to do with a location, possibly where someone or something is or has been.

Having a position of leadership identifies both a location and responsibility. Spiritual leaders are in locations where a responsibility to help others exists. It is a position of helping others:

…understand hope for the future.
…reach their full potential in spiritual maturity.
…obtain their eternal inheritance.

I remember a few years ago hearing the following equation: ability + opportunity = responsibility. After some good thought, it sounds like a good position to me.

Observation reveals a lack of peace at every level. A few moments of reading or watching the news will quickly indicate the desire to pursue peace, but most often it cannot be found.

Husbands and wives, parents and children, all desire peace. Educational leaders seek peace between staff and student. Political leaders strive to have peace between nations.

The challenge for leadership is discovering how to achieve and maintain peace. The problem is often found in efforts to simply eliminate conflict.

True peace can only be found through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Examining scripture will show that Jesus is our peace. His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was to provide all nations with peace, uniting all people from every tribe and tongue into one body.

Our task as leaders is to help others find the only peace that will provide hope and unity found in the true Prince of peace.

When we think souls, there is a renewed purpose for helping others enjoy what only Jesus can give.

“The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone; but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman. The power which the strong have over the weak, the magistrate over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly; the forbearing and inoffensive use of all this power and authority, or the total abstinence from it, when the case admits it, will show the gentleman in a plain light. The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put the past.” General Robert E. Lee

I do not intend to reiterate the point made by General Lee, but think about the emphasis upon character and how character is demonstrated. It is worth remembering as spiritual leaders that character determines the difference in success and failure.

Amidst the millions of choices we make in our lifetime, most are inconsequential. What type of clothes to wear for the day, and such like, are choices that have little bearing on others.

However, there are some choices that involve great consequences. For example, where to live, who to marry, children, raising children, etc., all deal with actions that will affect others and our society.

The greatest choice we make is connected to our relationship with God. The expression of our faith in a committed life as a servant of God affects far more than just our own eternal destiny.

If we are going to take a step in the right direction of leadership, then we need to make choices that will help others find the path to eternal life.

We share good news for overcoming the past. We give confidence for getting through the present. We provide hope for living in a better future.

Others are seeking someone to lead them in the right direction. Let us step up to the challenge and be leaders for the cause of our Lord.

Also known as a champion, upholder, backer, supporter; everyone needs an advocate. From a Biblical perspective, Jesus is our Advocate. The idea behind the Biblical definition involves someone to come alongside and stand in the place of someone else.

I do not intend to make this post solely about Jesus and His role as our Advocate. The intent of this post is to consider our position as leaders.

When people are struggling with their faith, do they know they have an advocate?

When we see people dealing with the challenges of daily life, are we there as an advocate?

When others are stepping out to accept responsibility, will we be an advocate for them?

Everyone needs to know someone will be there by their side to be a champion for them. Whether it is during a time of temptation, personal trial, or spiritual growth, leaders must be an advocate for those who follow.

The necessity of such is vital to the development of the Lord’s church. As Christians, we need to know the Advocate we have in Jesus and we need to know the advocate we have in leadership.

Determining the cost of various items or activities seems to be of interest to nearly everyone. What does it cost to get an education? What does it cost to raise a family? What does it cost to enjoy freedom?

What price will leadership pay to lead?

The answer to this question will certainly vary from one person to the next. As well, the type or style of leadership will also determine the answer.

The cost of leading a major corporation or country will be greater than leading a social club or small business.

Considering the cost of spiritual leadership will also involve a number of factors. We should remember that the value of spiritual leadership versus a business style of leadership cannot be measured.

The cost of leadership for Jesus involved his life. Somehow I have the feeling the same will be required of us, although not necessarily in physical death, but we should be ready and willing if so required.

Perhaps the most important thought to remember concerning the cost of spiritual leadership is one of being a servant. The cost involves putting others above ourselves. Think Souls!

“Malachi will translate for you.” Isaiah Ramseur

I enjoy spending time with my grandsons and I learn a great deal from them every time we are together.

Recently, our youngest grandson, Isaiah, was trying to tell me something. I could not understand what it was, so I looked at our son-in-law and said, “I need a translator.” Just then Isaiah says, “Malachi will translate for you.”

After a good laugh I could not help but think about how often we need someone to translate for us, even when we are speaking the same language.

It is not uncommon for leaders to use terminology that may not exactly communicate what others understand. As well, followers can speak in ways that leaders do not understand.

This may be a simple problem of listening, but it could also mean we need a translator. At times we all need someone who is able to understand what is being said and can communicate it in ways others understand.

Think about your leadership. Do others understand what you are communicating and the direction you are leading? If not, you may need a translator.

Several leaders I admire talk about leading from 30,000 feet. Recently, I was given an article about the Work of Leadership and one of the principles listed involved leaders “getting on the balcony.”

The idea behind this principle states that leaders need the ability to view the entire operation so they can see when and where to implement the needed changes for growth. Thus, within this context leading from 30,000 feet has meaning.

Leaders do have a responsibility of being “in the field of action,” but they must be able to move back up to the balcony to have a good view of the entire operation so they can use their time in the field wisely in bringing change.

From the balcony (or 30,000 feet) leaders can also see where problems develop, then get involved to help control the environment, maintain the necessary discipline, and give the work back to people.

When leaders in the Lord’s church lead from 30,000 feet they are able to address matters appropriately and provide the leadership God intends in helping others remain faithful in reaching heaven. Think Souls.