Have we ever considered the answer to this question? This is a common question asked when…

…principles have been compromised and the consequences are greater than expected.

…plans are not implemented and the impending results end in failure.

…guidelines are not recognized and chaos emerges within the organization.

…tragedy strikes and no steps were taken to prepare for the event or outcome.

The list could go on, but the point is the same. When we find ourselves at a place we did not intend, desire, or plan for, we wonder “how did I get here?”

The question is legitimate. However, knowing how we get where we are is the not the question we should ask and answer.

The question we need to ask and answer is: what are we going to do now to move forward?

We are not taking anything away from the benefit of learning from the journey. How we got here is important, but it is more important to know what we do from this point.

As spiritual leaders, we need to help guide those who find themselves in difficult circumstances to a better place of hope.

“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” Wangari Maathai

This quote is part of a lecture given by Mr. Maathai upon receiving the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.

Within it there is a plea for leaders to provide the type of leadership that gives hope, the type of hope achieved only through higher morality.

The only way this higher morality can really be long lasting is through understanding, faith, and a practice that respects the authority of God and His word.

Without the proper respect for God and the influence of His word, what purpose would there be for achieving a higher morality?

However, on the basis of both, all of humanity has a reason to change.

This is the summation of our leadership. Twelve years have passed since this thought was expressed and it is just as needed today.

These two words can often represent a very thin line when determining various practices facing leadership.

There is a difference in practices that make someone uncomfortable versus something being unscriptural.

The challenge for leaders is to recognize the difference, but how?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is biblical or not. While it may seem obvious, the foundation needed is knowing the book!

Seek wisdom through prayer. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools and too often neglected. I am not talking about prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seeking God’s help on decisions.

Ask the right questions. What does the Bible say about this matter? Is this practice tradition? Should this be continued? How will it effect the church? When and how should this be discussed with the church?

Be patient. No decision should be made in one meeting. Study, pray, and ask the right questions. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

Following a few guidelines will help leaders make the right decision on matters that are unscriptural versus uncomfortable.

Few areas are more challenging than to consider what happens when leadership fails. The main reason is because it is accompanied by a loss of trust and respect.

The task before leaders is learning what to do to regain trust and respect when it has been lost.

We begin with considering three negatives: 1) do not try to ignore or deny the failure, 2) do not attempt to cover the failure up, and 3) never blame someone else for the failure (this only worsens the situation).

Instead, there are four positives needed: 1) admit the failure (chances are the followers already know about the failure), 2) be specific about the failure (a general statement does not speak to an understanding and consequence of the failure), 3) ask for forgiveness (saying this is essential to regaining trust and respect is an understatement), and 4) give a step by step plan for overcoming the failure (it is one thing to express the failure, but another to know how to deal with and overcome the failure).

Additional areas could be considered, but a simple upfront approach is where the healing begins.

What a powerful word! The idea is one of standing firmly, the quality of determination. Leaders will always face and endure attacks from opposition. At the same time, leaders will need to be tenacious. When leaders have tenacity in relationship to the truth, spiritual development will always result.

Think for a moment about the nature and application of this word to leadership.

When talking about how to face challenges, leaders hold tenacity.

When working through personal problems, leaders demonstrate tenacity.

When establishing the direction ahead, leaders portray tenacity.

When developing the plans for the future, leaders lead with tenacity.

When needing to achieve the goals set before the group, leaders carry tenacity.

When seeking guidance to make tough decisions, leaders exemplify tenacity.

Developing a persistent character of tenacity to pursue a solution until it is successful takes time. Leaders who possess tenacity lead with perseverance and lay a foundation for success.

Tenacity is a powerful word and one that deserves our time as leaders to develop as we lead others to spiritual growth.

How should we define “spiritual leadership?” Realizing there are numerous possibilities to answering this question, perhaps the best approach is to consider a biblical response.

Here are 10 scriptural ways to help define spiritual leaders. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.

2) Rely on the blood of Christ.

3) Work to accomplish the will of God.

4) Encourage the fainthearted.

5) Admonish the unruly.

6) Strengthen the weak.

7) Seek first the kingdom of God.

8) Pray without ceasing.

9) Search the scriptures daily.

10) Trust fully in the working of God.

These are only 10 suggestions, but require a lifetime to develop in leadership. God’s word challenges us to grow into the spiritual leader He wants and needs us to be for the sake of the saved and lost.

Think Souls.

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” Douglas MacArthur

Three words stand out in the first thought expressed by MacArthur: confidence, courage, and compassion. Each of these qualities are a vital part of developing the type of leaders needed within the church.

The last thought expressed is the one most powerful in establishing true spiritual leadership. One word stands out concerning the thought of aligning one’s actions with intent: integrity.

If leaders today will demonstrate the type of qualities identified and the integrity to stand behind those qualities, their leadership will always stand strong and point others to the God who brought them to this position.

Few areas of leadership take greater priority than developing the type of character that possesses and demonstrates the integrity behind these qualities.

During life, especially when viewing children and grandchildren, we can relate strongly to the idea of looking for and awaiting answers for the various trials experienced in life.

Fear, anxiety, and frustration can take control quickly. However, we can eliminate these concerns when we learn where to go to find the needed answers during such times.

This raises needed questions when talking about leadership.

Where do leaders go to find answers?

When adversity occurs, where will the answers be found?

When questions arise, where will the answers come from?

Leadership involves providing guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and knowing how to give answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety, and frustration. Where can a leader go to find the answers?

Prayer is always a good place to start.

Spend time listening to God’s word.

Counsel with others who have wisdom.

Learn the value of trusting in others.

Admit mistakes when they occur.

Never miss the opportunity to learn.

The more we learn the more we are prepared to provide answers for the questions plaguing others.

As mentioned in the past, we are not here to speak for or against persons within political positions of government.

Regardless of where someone positions themselves politically, developments within the legislative and administrative systems of our country have raised several questions about leadership.

The number of quotes and principles stated regarding leadership and what happens when leaders fail to be trustworthy is fascinating.

One primary thought that has been expressed for several years, indicative of recent months, is, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

On more than one occasion, various news reporters have expressed the idea of accountability. Specifically, one analyst expressed that what leaders must do when mistakes are made is to confess the mistake, take responsibility, and let the chips fall where they may.

A number of ideas could be considered and over the next few weeks we will examine several areas describing what happens when leadership fails.

Leaders will make mistakes and experience failure. How leaders strategically maneuver during these times determines the level of trust to be gained or lost by those who follow.

More next week…

Do we know where we are going? What will we need to do to get there? How will we know when we arrive?

When traveling we understand the need for a map – at least a plan – to reach our destination in a proper amount of time.

Physically, we make application of this daily. Thinking in terms of spiritual matters introduces us to a critical component to the story.

The spiritual approach is no different. We know the destination and we desire to get there. We anticipate the arrival, but do we know what needs to be done to get there?

If we are not careful, it is so easy to get caught up in the physical areas of life we think less about the spiritual and expect God to just “take care of it.”

Since our destination is heaven, the map / plan God provides is laid out through the pages of His word.

We would think someone foolish not to follow a map to a destination they have never been before. If so, then how much more foolish when the eternal destination is far more consequential?