Kerux is the Greek word found in the New Testament translated “preacher.”

Considering the influence of all Christians as leaders, the preacher would certainly fit.

There is something interesting about the origin of the kerux and the application to our leadership today.

The word was originally associated with a public proclaimer from the king. They were the ones who authoritatively declared the king’s law. The beauty of the kerux is found in the primary task of preserving the integrity of the message.

Of course the task of one who publicly proclaims the word of our spiritual King carries the same responsibility.

My prayer is for all who choose to stand before God’s people each week to consider the serious nature of this responsibility. Please do not use this position to promote personal agendas or ride a proverbial hobby horse. Instead, preserve the integrity of the message.

There is a reason Paul was determined to know nothing among the church at Corinth other than Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

If we are going to change the world, we must first point people to Jesus. Think Souls!

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Alfred Einstein

Similar ideas have been used by others regarding this thought. From a leadership perspective, look at both phrases and examine the breakdown of this thought.

First, not everything that counts can be counted. Far too often, leadership deals with the numbers game, the bottom-line mentality. I realize that what can be measured is important, but the value of influence, cultivating spiritual character development, or meditative prayer for a greater peace of mind cannot be measured. The significance of such activities can be life changing.

Second, not everything that can be counted counts. We may have multiplied thousands of dollars sitting in a number of investments, but what is it really worth? We may have hundreds of people sitting on the pew, but are they maturing spiritually and actively involved? We may spend countless hours reading the Bible, but do we make proper application?

Our leadership may not always be measured, but it should count for something.

I enjoy looking at Greek language of the New Testament. Last week was no exception as I was studying through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.

In the early part of the lesson, Jesus speaks about the powerful nature of our influence, identifying His disciples as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”

By using these two analogies, Jesus indicates the difference we should make in the world where we live.

Jesus uses an interesting term when He says; “if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything…”

The word used here is not the usual Greek word translated as good. This word involves health, more specifically, good health.

When used in the context of the analogy and in connection to leadership, we find a powerful idea.

As leaders in the kingdom of God, if we lose our influence (tasteless salt), we lose the ability to contribute to the spiritual health and well-being of others.

When heaven is the ultimate destiny, our leadership must be good for others to reach the destination.

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 in Colossians. The third location is in Philemon.

However, when we examine these three locations, 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 was 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 to me.

In the arena of communication, when writing a speech, sermon, article, or other medium, one key to effective communication is transitions.

Transitions are those sentences (written or spoken) that build the bridge between the various sections of our communication. These bridges make it easier for people to follow what we are trying to express.

There is more we could discuss regarding transitions, but I want us to think about the connection with spiritual leadership.

Our role as leaders is about transitions. We are building bridges in three areas.

One, we are building a bridge in relationships. Unless we are able to establish and maintain quality relationships, our transition to influence others in spiritual matters will not occur.

Two, we are building a bridge for future leaders. As long as we exist on this earth, there will be a need for leadership. We must make this transition smooth.

Three, we are building a bridge to eternity. Ultimately, the task before us is to help make the transition from the physical realm to the spiritual.

Are we building bridges with the right purpose and in the right direction?

A mission refers to the objective or purpose to be achieved. Understanding this definition, I ask what is our mission?

What is our objective or purpose? What are we really trying to achieve? Do we have a mission?

Sadly, as spiritual leaders, our mission often gets skewed because the mission becomes more about us than God.

It often becomes more about what we want to achieve, rather than what God wants us to achieve.

As I mentioned last Monday, there is a growing trend of extremism. The problem of extremism occurs when dealing with “party” issues, “petty” ideas, or “personal” opinions become the focus in our life. Far too often, we then gradually lose sight of God’s mission.

This is why leadership must remain balanced.

Leadership must know and believe in the priority of God’s mission.

As leaders we must be honest enough to examine ourselves more closely and ask hard questions about whose mission we are fulfilling.

Let us arise and lead God’s people in unity, and let us work together to fulfill God’s mission.

“Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down.” David McNally

Several definitions could be given for commitment, but I do love this one.

Occasionally, life is going to knock us down. We may even get knocked down a few more times than we think is our share.

However, are we committed to the cause enough to keep getting up no matter how many times we get knocked down?

I also see powerful thought in the idea of commitment being the enemy of resistance. When we are committed to the cause, we will oppose resistance, both our own or others.

When we are committed we are motivated.
When we are committed we have dedication.
When we are committed we keep our focus.
When we are committed we will stop at nothing.

Nothing is more deserving of our commitment than the cause of Jesus. His life, as an example, His death, as a sacrifice for sin, is worthy of our motivation, dedication, focus and determination to press on, whatever it takes.

One of the assignments in a recent class I am taking required students to write a “rule of life.” The idea behind the assignment was to focus on our purpose for life.

Before considering the connection to leadership, answer the following questions.

Have you ever sat down and written out your purpose of life?
Why are you pursuing the course in life you are pursuing?
What do you want to achieve and get out of life?
Would you be willing to write down your purpose of life?
What implications would exist with having a written purpose for life?

Knowing and reminding ourselves of our purpose of life will continue to keep us focused on the impact of our words and actions.

Having a purpose of life gives us meaning and hope for what the future holds.

A purpose of life changes the way we see God, develop family, and influence others.

At some point I will share my purpose with you, but for now, suffice it to say our purpose should incorporate our understanding of God, his working in our life, and our need to glorify Him.

In thinking about different leaders from Scripture, Barnabas stands out.

Barnabas was a great Bible leader because of his example in generosity. The scripture indicates he sold some property and gave it all to the apostles to help in the needs of the early church.

However, his generosity is not what I want us to notice about this great Bible leader.

Barnabas was the name given to Joseph, by the apostles. When we look at two specific incidents, we see why Joseph would have been given the name, Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement.

First, after Paul’s conversion to Christianity, people were hesitant to believe the change, until Barnabas stood up and spoke on Paul’s behalf.

Second, when Paul did not want to take John Mark on the next missionary journey, Barnabas was willing to give John Mark another chance.

In our leadership, we need to be like Barnabas. We need to be willing to stand up and speak for those who have changed their lives, and when they have changed, we need to give people another chance.

What an encouragement! What a need in leadership! Think Souls.

A question came to mind when I thought of this word; why and how does global have a place in leadership?

I realize a question of this nature has numerous answers to consider. The answer that first came to mind for me connected directly to the span of leadership influence.

Do we really consider the far reaching nature of our influence as leaders from a global perspective?

The influence of one person can move a nation, lead an army, direct a revolution, carve out a place in history, or change the life of one person who will.

We far too often underestimate what can be done with the influence we have on the circle of people we meet on a daily basis.

Instead of thinking how can we do something revolutionary, why not think of changing the life of one person. Who knows how God may be working through the person we influence to make a global difference.

Let us commit ourselves to changing the life of one person. Open the door of opportunity for one person. It will make a difference…globally.