What does it take to get our attention and move us into action for the Lord?
Will eight billion plus people in the world, the majority of which are lost?
Perhaps it is the decline in morality that surrounds us.
Maybe the spread of error on unknowing hearts.
Could it be the grace of God given in the Savior who came to die for all?
Whatever it is, our attention is needed and we must move into action to lead others to the only hope given to the human race.
Businesses offer a rain check for out-of-stock merchandise. The benefit helps build loyalty between the customer and business.
Loyalty is one of the most vital characteristics of leadership. How do we build the kind of loyalty needed in leadership?
Demonstrate trust: We must trust in God and also learn to trust in others.
Develop consistency and integrity: Without these, loyalty will be impossible.
Dedication: We must be dedicated to God, others, and reaching the goal.
These are only a few steps, but if we take them we can build a solid foundation for loyalty.
As I get older, I see how easy it is to be disconnected, even reclusive from the world, world events, and activities, especially what a younger generation faces every day. It may be in the home, at school, on the job, or in the community.
Shepherds, who tend to be older (by God’s design), can easily become isolated from the world. When this happens, they are challenged to help provide solid biblical answers for these challenges when they are asked.
Take time with the sheep to learn about the battles they fight and focus on how to provide biblical answers to help them fight the good fight of faith.
We need good shepherds.
Shepherding begins at the feet of the great Shepherd, Jesus.
Prayer cannot be overstated. James writes about the power of a prayer fervently rendered to our God. In the context, he specifically identifies elders as those who are to be called when anyone is sick.
Much debate has taken place related to the physical versus spiritual sickness discussed. Regardless of how you defend your thoughts on the matter, the main thrust of this text is about prayer and the power of faith that can impact one who is suffering.
James concludes by saying, “The fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:16).
We need good shepherds.
The world thinks of leadership as forcing others to do what leaders say. However, Marian Anderson said, “Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.”
Spiritual leaders must consider others. When leading someone to Christ, our efforts will never be successful if we attempt to force God’s word upon them.
We must also guard attempts to create undue guilt.
We must understand others and lead in ways that create an awareness of the need, teach how and why, and allow God’s word to work to bring Biblical change.
Moses was noted for his faith in seeing Him who is unseen. Spiritual leaders are people of faith, primarily faith in God.
However, faith involves additional factors key to successful leadership.
Leaders must have faith in people. Even with our flaws, God entrusted His work to people.
Leaders must have faith in the purpose. God has provided us with the greatest purpose.
Leaders must have faith in the plan. We need to believe these plans will accomplish God’s purpose.
Leaders must be people who see Him who is unseen. This is leadership insight that leads to success.
A model of leadership has evolved that has influenced the church in some negative ways.
We often find that elders have become more like a board of directors that make decisions, but know little about “how” to shepherd.
Since most have only known this model, moving away from it will be challenging and require a new mindset.
A look at how the Bible describes shepherding will help, as scripture refers to Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the Great Shepherd of the sheep.
The leaders of God’s people are also referred to as shepherds. It seems fitting we would consider the role of Jesus to learn more to help those leading His people.
Most of us have heard, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.”
As leaders, the task set before us is worth doing, and it is worth doing right.
From the book of Exodus, it is fascinating how many times the phrase “as the Lord commanded” is used. God wanted Moses and the children of Israel to understand the importance of doing what He had commanded.
The opportunity to benefit in His grace…
The privilege of worshiping our God…
The joy of sharing the gospel…
All of these, and so much more, make up the core of our leadership. Let’s do it right!
A friend of mine once said, “How a man treats his wife says much about how he views God.”
What a powerful thought to consider regarding the leadership so desperately needed within the home.
As husbands, we need to think about it more seriously. As the leader in our home, we have a responsibility to fulfill the God-given role of leading.
My friend is right. How we treat the wife God has given, speaks to the way we view God.
How are we leading in our home?
The future of leadership hinges on several factors.
Learn from history. Spiritual leaders are students of God’s word and they apply it.
Be students of the present. We need to observe and learn from current leaders and followers.
Desire to serve others. Leadership must be more concerned with serving than being served.
Glorify God. Leadership should be motivated and driven with this purpose.
Develop a plan. Developing a plan is vital for the right direction. These steps provide a foundation.
We do not know the future, but a few steps will help secure the future of spiritual leaders.