Tag: God

Security in Leadership…

Security highlights several important factors that have a significant role in leadership.

When leaders provide a direction that does not give way, followers feel secure.
When leaders keep followers safe and unharmed, they feel secure.
When leaders protect followers from an enemy’s attack, they feel secure.
When leaders eliminate anxiety and fear, followers feel secure. 

For leaders to accomplish this type of security, they need to…

1) Be strong in faith.
2) Grow in knowledge of the word.
3) Trust in God.
4) Remember there is strength in numbers.
5) Lead with confidence.

Leadership on the Battlefield…

“Leaders aren’t built in a classroom––they are built on the battlefield of the mission.” Mac Lake

This is one of the best and most profound thoughts in the book. Don’t misunderstand the point, we can all learn a great deal in the classroom, whether through reading or the instruction provided by experienced leaders.

However, on the battlefield of the mission is where leaders “cut their teeth.” Here, they develop the skills and experience that develops them into the leaders God wants and desires. While these are hard lessons to learn, they have a strong and lasting impact. As we will see, these lessons are not learned alone.

Leadership on the Battlefield…

“Leaders aren’t built in a classroom––they are built on the battlefield of the mission.” Mac Lake

This is one of the best and most profound thoughts in the book. Don’t misunderstand the point, we can all learn a great deal in the classroom, whether through reading or the instruction provided by experienced leaders.

However, on the battlefield of the mission is where leaders “cut their teeth.” Here, they develop the skills and experience that develops them into the leaders God wants and desires. While these are hard lessons to learn, they have a strong and lasting impact. As we will see, these lessons are not learned alone.

A Refuge for Leaders…

God is our strength and refuge. As such, He is an ever present help when we face trouble.

When the trouble is one of loss: a friend, family member, position, possession, or health, God is our help, but where does this help come from?

From His word. Throughout scripture we find strength, comfort and guidance.
Through prayer. Scripture instructs us to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares.
From others. One of the best ways leadership is demonstrated is helping those in need.

We receive a great peace from God when we apply these areas during times of trouble.

A Healing Leader…

A thought expressed by a good friend is worth sharing. 

“I find a leadership lesson in the experience of helping the church heal. Leaders cannot allow themselves to see people as groups, as factions; we must see them individually. As leaders, we may preach to a congregation, but we teach one soul at a time. For, we never know which one might become the next leader.” Paul Myers

Read the last line again and let it sink in for a moment. We may proclaim the word of God to multitudes, but leadership is developed through transforming one soul at a time. 

Who might be the next leader where you serve?

A Spiritual Leader…

How should we define “spiritual” leadership? 

Here are a few possibilities. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.
2) Rely on grace found in 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 God’s providential working.

These are only 10 suggestions, but take a lifetime to develop as leaders. God’s word challenges us to grow into His spiritual leaders.

Catching Our Breath…

Have we ever considered how often God works to help us see the need to stop and smell the roses? 

In life, something always needs to be done. Life is full…and busy.

We’ve all heard the adage “the older we get the faster time goes by.” As we age and the pace of life steadily increases, we must realize the need to take a moment to catch our breath.

Leaders will always have something that needs to be done. We need to establish proper priorities and develop a strong work ethic, but occasionally, we need to take a moment to catch our breath.

A Model of Leadership…

A model provides an example to follow or emulate. Spiritual leaders must model several areas for others.

Model a Christian life. We are not perfect, but we can portray an example of those who work with our imperfections and improve how we approach life.

Model leadership. Not only should we love to lead, but we should live for it. We need to dig deeper and speak often about helping others learn to lead.

Model grace. The one word others need to hear from us is grace. We must believe in, live by, and trust completely in God’s grace. Hold on to God’s promise. 

May we always live the model of Christ before others.

Faith and Leadership…

Great faith is always amazing. Leaders need great faith. They need faith that is so big the only answer is God.

I’ve met a few leaders like this over the years. Recently, I was blessed to meet an elder that shared a moving story about how God showed up in incredible ways to provide a Christian Camp. 

The most impressive aspect of his character was his humility. While others expressed thanks for his role, he never accepted it. He knew only God made it happen. Over and over he said, “It was God’s dream. It was God’s work.” 

When leaders possess the kind of humility to acknowledge the power of God at work in this way, we are privileged to see great faith in action.

What if…

In a recent interview with Brandon Edwards, we discussed concepts about vision. 

Brandon shared a powerful thought about how to dream. Often times, people hear a big idea and tend to say, “Yes, but…” What follows is usually a reason why it cannot be done.

However, imagine what happens when we have an opportunity to dream and begin with, “What if…”

“What if” implies something big. When we think of a future so big that it can only be accomplished with God’s help, we are laying the foundation for the right kind of vision.

We need leaders who know how to say, “What if…”