When we consider the future, what does leadership look like for the church?

Do we see larger numbers of leaders guiding and shepherding the church according to the biblical model?

Do we see congregations influencing more people for the cause of Christ because of the example set by leadership in the church?

If this is the vision we have for the future of leadership, then we need to consider how we will accomplish this vision.

We have already experienced what waiting to see if people develop on their own accomplishes, and the outcome has not be favorable.

We must be proactive in developing the future of leadership through training. The Lord’s church needs solid leaders, and we are not only responsible, but we will be held accountable for the approach we are taking to the development of leadership for the future.

Nothing will happen by accident. Leaders do not just wake up one day and say, “I’ll lead.” They must be groomed carefully, strategically, and biblically in order to direct the future of the church.

The time is now. Let us pursue the task with diligence.

“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement — and we will make the goal.” Robert Collier

We all receive criticism in various areas of life. We may be criticized for our job performance, our choice of clothes, friends, use of money, etc.

Criticism can be seen as negative or positive. Regardless, how we use the criticism of others is critical to the formation of our own leadership.

Apart from focusing on the criticisms of life, we need to remember it is easier to criticize someone else for their performance or choices than it is to be vulnerable enough to get involved and help.

We should also consider the difference that can be made with a little praise and encouragement. Whether it is family, friends, co-workers, or people met on a day-to-day basis, if we learn to be a little less critical of the decisions of others and strive to provide a bit of praise or encouragement, we might be surprised at the difference it makes in leading them to greater success.

At times, life seems to go by at “break-neck” speed. Everything happens so quickly we wonder how we can ever keep up. Granted, there are many days when a slower pace would be a nice change of pace.

Life, however, does not work this way and it is not as easily planned as we might like. It is not uncommon to hear people talk about how they start the day with one idea of what they want to accomplish, but those plans are quickly changed by the people who enter the path of the day or events that unfold.

Leadership often works the same way. There will be days when we want to accelerate the pace to accomplish certain tasks or reach specific goals. Other days will move us to try and slow everything down.

The key is learning a couple of thoughts: 1) prioritize what must be done today, 2) be flexible to what happens – fast or slow, 3) never hesitate to ask for help when needed, and 4) trust in God’s providence; it is amazing how and where God is working if we are only looking.

Maybe you are thinking, it is only a dream. Perhaps it is a scam or an incredible sales pitch, and maybe that is true.

However, as long as our leadership is limited to thinking that the opportunity to change the world is an impossibility, we never will.

Change occurs one person at a time, but if we can take that one person and groom them them to do the same, we are multiplying the sphere of influence.

Now, consider taking that same sphere of influence into a classroom where twenty to thirty people are groomed, the figures multiply more quickly.

While we are considering the possibilities, imagine following this same process in 50 locations around the world. What started as an effort to change the life of one person is now influencing the lives of hundreds, or even thousands.

The power of this process is magnified to incredible heights when those who are influenced in each location go and change the lives of those within their sphere of influence.

This is how we change the world and it begins with you and me. May God use us to do so!

Not everything is measurable. Sadly, we tend to gauge success only by what can be tangibly measured.

To measure is to determine the size, amount, or degree of (something) by using an instrument or device marked in standard units or by comparing with an object of known size.

While this has been our approach to determine “growth” in the work of the Lord’s church (number of baptisms, restorations, church plants, etc.), is this the most appropriate and accurate measurement?

We have no way of determining the measure of someone’s knowledge. We have no way to determine the long-term impact of the gospel once it is sown.

How should we then approach our leadership in matters of the church?

First, leave the measuring to God. He has the only accurate way of measuring what happens.

Second, be consistent. Do not try to measure growth in another location unless measuring by the same standard in our own location.

Third, remember goals are important, but our job is to plant and water; God will give the increase.

If we do our part, God will do His and the measurement will always be right.

A number of songs throughout most hymnals have powerful messages. There are songs of encouragement, exhortation, praise, and motivation.

In one particular hymnal there are two songs (one that is very popular) that have two distinct messages, yet with strikingly similar titles.

One song is a question and the other is an affirmation. The first asks, “Is it well with your soul?” The second states, “It is well with my soul.”

Apart from the stories behind the writing of these two hymns, the message from the titles gives an interesting foundation for a lesson in leadership.

In an effort to lead others to heaven, we must ask the question with the intent of providing the guidance to provide the affirmation.

Are we concerned with and asking others about the condition of their soul? Are we striving to help them see their relationship with God in light of what God’s word teaches?

Above all, we must focus on sharing a message that will leave others with the kind of confidence that allows them to say, “It is well with my soul.”

“To get to the next level your spirit has to be stretched. Don’t be discouraged by the growing pains. Promotion is a process.” Thelma Davis

Growing pains can be…well, painful. There are times when we get discouraged with growth as it often brings personal and congregational challenges.

Understanding the process involved is critical to achieving the desired result and the more we can keep our focus on that result, the more likely we are to succeed.

The strength to achieve that success is built upon stretching the spirit, extending ourselves to take occasional risks, expanding the depths of our thinking inside and outside the box, and considering where we are, where we want to be, and how we plan to get there (how we know when we arrive).

Applying proper strategy in each of these areas develops a leadership meant to reach new heights of success.

Be open to stretching the heart and mind.
Stay focused and encouraged during the growing pains (there is a goal).
Remember patience is needed while experiencing the process.
The results will speak for themselves and will be worth it all.

Throughout the year we are all involved in traveling to different places at various times. A common thought is often expressed in the joy of seeing friends and sharing in the sweet fellowship of Christians.

True and genuine friendship is rare and should be treasured. There is never a bad time for a friend. They always seem to know the right time to show up and the right things to say, or not say.

Leaders will often experience times when there is the need for a good friend, someone who is able to fill the gap, sharing the mountain tops and valleys.

A good friend is someone who knows when to listen without condemning or being critical. They are respectful even though they may disagree. Friends understand the situation and show up to be supportive no matter the cost.

If we understand the need to have friends during these times, how much more so do leaders need to provide this kind of friendship for others?

We are in the relationship business and the closer we develop those relationships the stronger our leadership becomes.

Corporately speaking, leadership can be a lonely place. The same idea often has the same relevance in the spiritual realm, except we are not alone.

The great truth about spiritual leadership is that no matter who walks away, we always have God. Paul reminds us that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect, no one can condemn or separate us from the love of Christ. We are not in this alone!

These truths make it possible to lead with confidence, grow stronger in faith, overcome the obstacles encountered, and instill hope through a vision of eternal greatness.

Each of these components make a significant difference concerning our leadership of God’s people.

People look to eliminate doubt, so lead with confidence.
People want a stronger faith, so help them grow.
People face challenges, so guide them to overcome.
People desire something better, so give them hope.

When we understand that we are not alone as leaders, perhaps we will learn how to meet the needs of others who also need to know they are not alone.

Vigilance involves a much needed effort to be watchful, specifically a careful watch regarding areas presenting danger or difficulty.

Few areas rival the need for leaders to be vigilant concerning their responsibilities, but this need extends to the leadership of others.

Leadership vigilance is about a careful watch…

…to the spiritual growth and development of each Christian entrusted to their care.
…to the physical concerns inside and outside of the church.
…to the influence of the church within the community where they live.
…to the missional outreach of the gospel to the lost of the world.

The list could address more but the direction is obvious. This watchfulness is critical to changing how others recognize our leadership.

The responsibility is great and when leaders are vigilant to the task before them they can take advantage of opportunities that are beautifully choreographed God.

The results establish four important building blocks: 1) it glorifies God, 2) edifies other Christians, 3) exemplifies a Christlike character, and 4) strengthens our faith.

A few steps and the practice of vigilance impacts the whole of our leadership.