A blueprint provides the specific dimensions for constructing everything from a tool shed to a mega complex or high rise.

The purpose of a blueprint is to provide every detail to make certain the structure will last.

What kind of blueprint could we use as leaders to ensure our leadership will be long lasting? The answer is the Bible. From this incredible book we find several areas we will consider each week to construct biblical leadership.

All blueprints begin with the foundation. Only when we build on the right foundation will our leadership carry a lasting influence.

Paul clearly points out there is no human who has the power to lay the kind of foundation needed for lasting leadership. Only in Jesus will we find a foundation upon which we can build the kind of leadership that will endure (1 Corinthians 3:11).

From His example we learn the nature, qualities, and character of the leader God desires and designed for us today.

This example is one we must follow and we will look at over the weeks ahead.

Prayer seems to be a given when it comes to spiritual leadership. We know about prayer. We study about prayer. We talk about prayer. We teach about prayer.

However, do we believe in the power of prayer?

As with most of you, I can attest to numerous times God has answered prayers in powerful ways. I have seen Him answer in unexpected ways that went beyond my request.

I am thankful for the avenue of prayer and I desire to have the kind of faith to know God will continue to answer my requests.

I guess the struggle for me is dealing with the temptation to doubt when the various trials arise to challenge my faith in God’s power to answer…yet again.

When it comes to prayer, there is no magic formula, special words, proper position, or time of the day that makes a difference.

For Christians, prayer is about the simplicity of a humble heart that trusts God to answer in His time, in His ways, and in our best interest.

We may not always understand, but praying without ceasing is the foundation to powerful leadership.

Timing is everything. How many times have we heard this statement or one similar? Yet, it is true on a number of levels.

When it comes to the addressing a delicate situation, timing is everything.

When we are faced with making life changing decisions, timing is everything.

When waiting for answers to test results, timing is everything.

When confronting a family member, friend, coworker or employee, timing is everything.

God said; “there is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven.” When we read through the list provided in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we learn quickly how true it is that timing is everything.

The next time a delicate situation arises, we are faced with making a decision, we are awaiting test results, or we are considering how to confront someone else, remember – timing is everything.

If we can step back and think for a moment and ask ourselves, “Is this the right time to continue in this direction?” then maybe we can handle whatever life throws our way at the right time.

Are we doing the job God intended as leaders when guarding the faith of Christians? The task before us is not easy. We were never promised it would be.

The battle is fierce. The danger is great. The opportunities for success may be few.

However, with God on our side, the odds of victory have been secured.

We have considered ways Satan is working from within the church to rob Christians of their faith. We have only touched the hem of the garment.

From outside, the attacks are unlimited as well. One way Satan is working is through our busy schedules. Satan wants us to fill our time with so much stuff we have no time left for eternally important matters.

He wants us to be so busy with work, school, family activities (including sports, recreation, etc.), and life, that we have no time for studying God’s word, prayer, worship, and fellowship with Christians.

There is nothing wrong with any of these areas. They are necessary for balance, but when we allow them to push out the spiritual, Satan will steal our faith.

We need guardians to arise and protect.

“Don’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.” Donald Rumsfeld

I search for various quotes on leadership to find thoughts to consider each week. One particular website lists 100 of the most famous quotes by leaders.
I did something random and scrolled to the middle of the list to see what came up. Well, you read it above.

I could not help but think how significant this thought is regarding our leadership. Often times we go to great lengths to avoid areas in our life we would consider “sharp edges.”

I am not one who supports searching for those challenges, nor do I recommend someone looking for those edges.

As well, I do not like dealing with them. However, I have learned how valuable those edges can be to developing me as a leader.

We know the sharp edges exist and we are going to face them at different times and in several ways. While we are not looking for them, we should not avoid them, but learn from them and allow God to work through them to help shape us as His leaders.

One week ago today our daughter-in-law went into labor and gave birth on Friday to our 8th grandchild. As this child was born into the world a number of leadership thoughts came to mind.

First, his name is Nehemiah. If you are unfamiliar with this Old Testament leader, please read the book. Enough said.

Second, seeing a second generation within the family reminds me of my own leadership of the father who will lead this child to maturity and eternity.

Third, I have prayed every day from the time we knew our daughter-in-law would have a boy that Nehemiah would live up to his Biblical namesake.

Fourth, there is just something special about knowing a child is being born into a Christian home that will provide a spiritual and godly foundation. From this foundation Nehemiah will lead.

I am constantly amazed how God has created and given life to us. I am also in awe of the opportunities we have to lead within our families and I look forward to watching our son and daughter-in-law grow as parents of their first child.

Being a “pa-pa” has its advantages!

A few months ago I listened to an instructor on leadership talk about the position of a futurist. The questions were raised more than once: how does one get this position and what do they actually do?

I am not here to provide an answer to these questions. However, the idea raised one primary question followed by several additional questions concerning leadership.

What does the future look like for leadership where we serve?

Is there an understanding of why this is important for the future?

Are plans being made for the next generation of leaders and how they will lead?

Will the legacy left behind be one of strong leadership.

Who is going to take the role of preparing these leaders for the time they are needed?

When will the plans be enacted?

These are only a few questions to consider, but the answers are vital to knowing the future of God’s kingdom. Are we ready?

The power of uniformity is based on developing the consistency, invariability, stability and regularity that characterizes leadership.

These four words are the defining qualities of uniformity.

Our leadership must demonstrate the consistency of a life lived according to the message believed and proclaimed. Hypocrisy destroys leadership more quickly than anything else.

The invariability of leading without fail and without exception is critical to the success of strong leadership. No matter what the cost, invariably, leaders must show up.

Of all the qualities that describe uniformity, followers need leaders with stability. There is something significant about having a rock solid foundation. Stability provides followers with security.

The quality of regularity is demonstrated by a leadership that is fixed, unchanging and unvarying. There is power when leaders provide regularity. When others can count on their leader they will follow…anywhere.

Uniformity is key to leading as God would have us lead today. While there may be challenges to developing and fulfilling these qualities, when we do, our leadership grows stronger and lasts longer.

Guarding the faith of Christians is difficult for any age, and our current culture is no exception.

Leaders must be on the alert concerning the working of Satan to destroy the faith of God’s people. We need to rise up to guard, protect, and overcome his attacks. Sadly, we find these attacks from the world and within the church.

Another area where Satan works from within the church is with the use of the tongue.

Scripture speaks of the powerful nature of the tongue, both positive and negative. The tongue can be used to build up and encourage, but it is also said to be an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Keep in mind James was writing to Christians.

When Christians participate in gossip, ridicule, speaking against brothers and sisters in Christ, then we allow ourselves to become a tool of Satan, destroying the faith of others.

Leaders need conviction to prevent Satan from using Christians in this way. Whether through Facebook, texting, face to face, talking to someone else, or some other means, the use of the tongue in such ways should not only be discouraged, but stopped.

“The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.” Walter Lippman

We have discussed the importance of legacy in previous posts. However, this quote has a small twist worth our consideration.

First, consider the importance of leaving others with a conviction. The thrust of being able to do so depends on the convictions of our own life and how those convictions are seen by others. The task is nearly insurmountable to leave others with a conviction we are not consumed with ourselves.

Second, consider the necessity of leaving others with the will to carry on. Followers often remain true to the conviction of their leader, but only as long as the leader carries the torch. This was the case with Joshua in the Old Testament. We must learn how to instill in others the desire to continue carrying on the conviction that drives our purpose.

This test is one that will not be easily passed, but when we do, the result ensures the success of our efforts as spiritual leaders for the cause of Christ.