Tag: Preparation

Preparing More to Lead

The need for leadership continues to be urgent.

While we understand the primary role of elders to involve the work of a shepherd, we also find that part of this role points to the responsibility of maintaining purity in teaching.

However, the lack of leadership development in years past has created a vacuum where the majority of congregations do not have elders and congregations with elders have too few to deal with the challenges.

Most locations recognize the problem, but what should be done? The answer lies in our return to God’s design, which means we need to initiate a plan for encouraging, promoting, and preparing more to lead.

Preparation

Preparation is essential in every area of life. The lack of preparation often results in consequences that damage our influence and leadership.

God designed leadership to be self-sacrificing, one of self-denial where others are more important than self.

Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi is a quick read, but one filled with depth about the type of influence leaders were intended to have through an “others-centric” style of leading.

The right mind (humility), the right example (Christ), the right design (interest of others), and the right motive (abounding love and grace).

With this combination, leaders prepare themselves to lead with significance. The result makes an eternal difference.

Humble Leaders

Life constantly changes.

Preparing our minds for all the possible changes in life is significant.

If you knew the one secret to prepare for those changes, would you seek it, take it, and apply it in your life? Of course. We all would.

Humility is the one secret to make this preparation.

Developing humility is a lifelong endeavor to achieve.

Humility recognizes our need for God.

Humility works each day at putting the needs of others above our own.

When the changes of life come along, humility enables us to approach change with the wisdom to deal with it appropriately.

Preparing for Leadership

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.

Every leader needs to possess and portray a level of expectation as well as preparation.

Sadly, the opposite mindset often exists. Leaders expect the worst, while preparing for the best.

Leaders must always expect the best because the result instills hope in all who follow. Therefore, the key element is preparation. Consider a few questions:

1) Who will be affected if the worst happens?
2) What actions need to be taken to prevent the worst case scenario?
3) How will we respond to our leadership role if the worst case occurs?

Preparation minimizes the opportunity for the worst.

A Leader’s Response

How will leaders in our world respond to the tragedy in Ukraine?

How will leaders in the Lord’s church respond? Tragedy tends to bring opportunity, opportunity most often met with physical provisions. Will we be satisfied to send money, food, water, and clothing?

These are needed, but this tragedy should remind us of the opportunity to help people prepare for something the future holds.

Many lives have been lost and more injured.

Spiritually, the opportunity is ours. Jesus warned us of a great day coming. All will stand before Him. Are we prepared? Are we preparing others?

Leading with Influence

We all have influence. John Maxwell claims we influence a minimum of four people everyday. Knowing this moves us to think about how we can influence others for the cause of Christ.

Our influence is either good or bad, for or against the Lord. If we knew that our words and actions would make the difference in someone’s eternity, would we think more first?

Proper influence is based on preparation. We must prepare our minds and discipline our lives to be the kind of influence that leads others to an eternal goal.

We need to focus on providing influence that changes lives for the Kingdom.

The Finish Line

The idea of focusing on the finish line at the beginning of a race does not seem realistic.

Yet, the finish line is what we must have in mind. Without knowing where the finish line is and keeping it in full view, the following occurs:

1) The motivation to start and endure is eliminated.
2) Preparation suffers because there is no purpose.
3) Without a finish line, we have no direction.

Leaders have the incredible task of helping others see the finish line. When this is accomplished, people are motivated, they prepare, and they have direction.

Missional Leaders

Being prepared is foundational to influence. When challenged or questioned, we must be ready.

Peter reminds Christians to always be ready (1 Pe. 3:15). Ask yourself, “Am I ready?

Preparation is connected to a few key principles.

1. Understand the urgency of the situation. Preparation can make the difference.
2. Recognize that answers are found in the Bible. God provided a tool to prepare us. Know it!
3. Ask others for assistance. The wisdom of others can improve who we are and what we do.

Are you ready? A few simple steps will help you get there.

Preparation…

Great leadership knows how to address matters of greater importance.

Jesus was masterful at directing one’s focus toward the spiritual. One example involved the disciples’ concern over the destruction of the temple, the sign of His coming, and the end of the age.

Jesus addressed their concerns, but He then took them further into events surrounding judgment.

He wanted them to know something greater than the destruction of the temple was coming, and the reason for teaching this truth was to encourage preparation for that day.

Our leadership is the same. It’s about preparing others for that day.

Lessons from the Wilderness…

Wilderness is an interesting study in the Bible. Time spent in a physical or mental wilderness is a common thread among the leaders of God’s people.

Remember Joseph? From slavery to the dungeon, God developed a leader who saved His people.

How about Moses? Throughout his 40 years in Midian, God developed Moses to lead Israel.

After 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted, yet resolved.

What is it about the wilderness that helps prepare God’s people to lead?

A walk through the wilderness is neither desired or pleasant. However, the time provides opportunities for growth and prepares us to lead God’s people.