Tag: Leading

A Trustworthy Leader…

Can God trust us to love His church, be a good student of His Word, share the gospel with others, make the right choices, and lead His people?

Will others trust us to lead with consistency, competence, and connect with them?

How would we answer these questions?

Paul claimed “…it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Co. 4:2).

As stewards of all God has entrusted to us, are we trustworthy?

Let us develop a character that is worthy of trust, God’s and other’s.

Leading for the Distance…

Paul often compares Christianity to distance running.

For distance runners, there is often the challenge of starting too fast too early. The result? Muscles become fatigued and one cannot go the distance.

Another challenge is the proper balance of fluids and fuel. Without the proper fuel, we do not have enough energy to sustain long distance running.

Running may not be for everyone. However, it provides a number of lessons that parallel with leadership.

Trying to accomplish too much too quickly leaves one tired and burned out. Remember, leadership is not about a sprint, but going the distance.

A balance of spiritual nutrition is vital to that kind of leadership.

People, People, People…

People are everywhere. Who are they? Where do they live? Where are they going? Do they believe in God?

The only way to know anything about people is to get involved in their lives. How can we lead them to Jesus without this connection?

We need to overcome fear, but what are we afraid of most? Rejection? Failure? Making a mistake? 

The application is true whether talking to a stranger at an airport or a neighbor across the street. 

Leading anyone to Christ involves moving past our fear and connecting to their lives. As challenging as it may seem, the connection of genuine love makes the difference.

Why?

Children tend to ask the most difficult question…why? They want to know the reason behind what we say and do.

Jesus asked several questions beginning with why.

Why are you worried?
Why are you afraid?
Why are you testing Me?
Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

We also need to think about it in relationship to leading.

Why are leaders needed?
Why should we lead?
Why are we making this decision?
Why are we making it at this time?

Why?

We could resolve many issues simply by answering the question…why?

Protective Leadership…

Precautionary steps protect us from what can be harmful or even fatal.

Leadership provides a protection for the good of everyone. David understood this when he wrote Psalm 23.

Read through the lines of this Psalm and notice the protecting leadership of the Lord’s shepherding.

Leading indicates a shepherd’s care demonstrated in areas of safety.
Guidance in the context seems to indicate a spiritual direction.
Comfort is the result of the protective discipline needed.
Preparation completes the thought with victory over the challenges.

Leadership can provide precautions needed for the good of everyone.

Leading Through Rough Waters…

The task presents an uncomfortable factor. No one likes leading during these times. No one seeks out rough waters to practice their leadership. 

There appears to be no rhyme or reason, but the true test of our leadership occurs in these moments, because they define who we are as a leader and the credibility of the decisions we make.

What will help us navigate these waters?

Remember who we are at the core.

Trust in wise counsel.

Be slow, diligent, and deliberate with all decisions.

Rough waters will come, but we can sail through them if we navigate properly.

Real Leadership…

Real leadership involves authenticity, being genuine, even transparent.

While not always popular, it is essential.

A good friend once told me people want to see the same guy up front preaching that they greet at the back door.

Give this some thought.

We should not take on a different personality when we preach or teach, and we must not excuse such by calling it passion.

If our personality is not passionate outside the pulpit, then why would it become so in the pulpit?

Leading others brings many challenges and this one is difficult. However, if we want to lead others, then we need to BE REAL!