In the arena of communication, when writing a speech, sermon, article, or other medium, one of the critical keys 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 attempt to express.

More could be discussed regarding transitions, but we need to consider the connection with spiritual leadership.

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

One, we build a bridge in relationships. Unless we can establish and maintain quality relationships, our transition into spiritual matters will not exist.

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

Three, we build 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? If not, now is the time to rethink the transitions of our leadership.

“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” Thomas Jefferson

We live in a world that tends to react before thinking how to act appropriately. Social media sites fill spaces of information with the reactions of one person to the comments of another.

Sadly, most reaction is based on anger, a lack of adequate details, false information, misguided perspective, and multiple other emotions that tend to eliminate reason and good judgment.

Before we react, consider the difference made when we take a moment to think first and then act appropriately.

As Jefferson stated, the great advantage to be gained is always the path of remaining cool and unruffled under all circumstances.

In these moments, our minds possess a greater ability to think clearly and make decisions that affect how we act. We prevent heated arguments, snap decisions, incorrect accusations, wrong conclusions, and the regret of saying or doing something we cannot retract.

Of all people, leaders need to demonstrate this character as an example for others to follow. Such action will emulate our Savior.

In the Greek language, a first class conditional sentence literally translates the if as since. Even though the English often uses if, a first class conditional sentence structure demands greater certainty.

Transferring this idea into areas of leadership carries an interesting thought.

Imagine the structure of our leadership from the standpoint of certainty. No longer would we speak of if concerning the various activities we want to accomplish, but rather the certainty of saying since these conditions exist we know the outcome.

Since we influence a minimum of four people a day, let us study extensive levels of leadership and the opportunity to make a greater difference.

Since we strive to lead others to heaven, let us prepare ourselves with a deeper understanding of God’s word.

Since we also work to keep the saved, saved, let us exercise tolerance in matters of personal opinion and work together to achieve unity.

A number of areas could be considered, but the idea is the same. Let us lead with the certainty needed to make the future of the church stronger. Think Souls.

Leadership congruence makes a powerful difference in the direction of any organization, especially the Lord’s church.

Ideas associated with congruence include compatibility, agreement, balance, and consistency. Examining each of these four words helps establish the significance of leadership congruence.

Compatibility among leaders indicates an ability to work together without conflict. Please do not think this means problems or disagreements are eliminated, rather the ability to avoid the destructive nature of conflict builds congruence.

Agreement is shared by leaders when the foundation upon which decisions are made comes from the standard of God’s infallible word. Pride, opinion, and agenda driven approaches to decision making destroy congruence.

Balance is one of the most important words in leadership. Leaning to the left or the right creates the potential of moving too far away from the center God provides as the balance for leadership congruence.

Consistency is often claimed to be a virtue, and that sentiment is true. Inconsistency promotes a level of hypocrisy that attacks the congruence leadership needs to help others reach the goal(s).

These few ideas provide a beginning point of consideration for strengthening leaders.

Faith, integrity, and love characterized our leadership posts over the last three weeks. Today, as we close this series, our focus turns to an area of foundational magnitude.

If there is one component needed to characterize leadership in the home, it is desire. Leadership requires the desire to lead, to develop the character necessary to lead.

We possess a tendency to do what we want to do. When that desire exists, nothing stands in the way. No mountain is too high to climb, no valley too low to walk through, no obstacle too great to overcome. When we want to do something, we find a way to get it done.

The opposite is also true. When we do not want to do something, it does not matter the consequence(s) of failing, or the reward(s) of succeeding, we will not get it done.

The same is true in the home. Fathers need that one foundational component to excel in areas of faith, integrity, and love. When we desire to lead as God planned for the home, nothing will stand in the way of our achieving His plan.

“Successful people keep their eye on the goal. If they encounter obstacles, instead of focusing on the obstacle, they find a way around it by keeping their goal in mind. It is a mindset of courage which makes it easier to pursue success.” Dr. Anil Kumar Sinha

Three key ideas stem from today’s thought: goals, focus, and courage.

Goals are essential to success. We need short- and long-term goals. Long-term goals provide the big picture of the future, twenty, thirty, or forty years down the road.

Short-term goals provide an opportunity to break the big picture into pieces that allow us to enjoy victories along the way. We build morale and sustain the momentum to reach the long-term goals.

Regardless of the short- or long-term goals, we must keep our eye on the goal, focusing on what is essential to success.

Courage is a fitting conclusion. Courage is more about a decision made when needed than a quality possessed. When the time comes, we need leaders with the courage to stand and lead.

Our prayer should be for the church to implement all three.

Leadership is not a located idea. Leadership affects the world. Men and women are found in leadership roles everywhere around the globe.

Leadership is universal in application and is not limited to race, gender, age, or position.

Anyone can lead from anywhere.

We must continually learn from others about leadership. When we learn about the sacrifice, dedication, passion, and attitude of servanthood demonstrated by others, we should be encouraged to do the same. We are reminded of how important it is these roles are filled.

Examining the leadership associated with the Extension Program at Bear Valley Bible Institute highlights one powerful quality these leaders share that teaches us more than anything else: compassion for souls.

They give their lives to prepare others to preach the gospel of Jesus.

They dedicate their time to the work of evangelism.

They love their people and want them to be saved.

They work to serve, not to be served.

The example provided by these men demonstrates the character needed for those who learn under them. These men are leading from anywhere and everywhere around the globe.

Consider the following thought expressed by Andy Stanley concerning the teaching of Jesus: “He either engaged or enraged, but nobody fell asleep.”

Engaging people is vital to the role of leadership. A host of words are associated with the definition of this week’s word: capture, catch, grab, attract, captivate, and so forth. These ideas are significant to the necessity of our role as an engaging leader.

Leaders must hold the attention of those who follow, engaging them in the direction to be taken.

Engaging followers involves three critical components:

1) Speak to people’s needs. Without understanding the needs of others, how can we engage them to follow? People desire to follow someone who knows and addresses their needs.

2) Establish a connection. Relating to others on the same level is engaging. An attempt to speak above or beneath someone prevents engagement. In fact, it hinders engagement.

3) Ask the right questions. Often times, people are disengaged because they were never asked the right questions. Ask questions that engage others.

More could be said, but these three suggestions will make a difference when striving to engage others.

The final characteristic of a father’s leadership in the home is love. One of the most misunderstood, misused, and abused words in the English language is the proverbial “game-changer” when considering a father’s leadership.

Four different Greek words translate as “love” in the English language. We will focus on one for our purposes. Love seeks the highest good of someone else, putting their needs above our own (BDAG 2000).

When children see this kind of love in their father, following is an easier step. Consider the following:

First is a love for God. When fathers demonstrate love, they emulate who God is and provide a needed example for their family.

Second is a love for the children’s mother. One of the greatest gifts a father can give his children is to love their mother. Paul illustrated this as an example of Christ and His church (Ep. 5:25).

Third, a father’s leadership also involves a love that disciplines, a discipline that understands the value of training/teaching as well as punishment/consequences.

A father’s leadership is key to the health of the home and future of his children.