Tag: Spiritual

Others-Centered

March 28, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We cannot emphasize enough the necessity of an others-centered, servant-style leadership. In an effort to establish the point, Victor Cousin said, “Men are governed only by serving them; the rule is without exception.”

While there are many leadership styles, spiritual leadership succeeds by service.

Jesus said, “By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” In the context, Jesus taught the necessity of being a servant.

If we understand the true definition of Biblical love, we cannot fulfill the new command given by Christ without being a servant that is others-centered.

Pursuing Shepherds

March 21, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Shepherds must diligently pursue sheep that struggle and wander away.

I’ve never known of a situation in the Bible where literal sheep went after other sheep that wandered off. Every time, it is the shepherd who goes after the one.

Another interesting fact is the shepherd did not wait for weeks or months to see if the sheep might come back to the fold. Shepherds check their sheep every night. If one is missing, the shepherd goes looking.

We understand this physically, but do not always see it practiced spiritually.

Shepherds must not allow sheep to wander off. They need to check on them, see where they are struggling, and find ways to provide needed assistance.

We need good shepherds.

Awareness

March 14, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

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.

Wisdom

March 11, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

The Bible is filled with many contrasts. Few seem as prevalent as the contrast between the wise and foolish.

Solomon said the wise quickly receive instruction.

Paul instructs us to act as wise men not as unwise.

Jesus indicated the wise to be those who hear His words and act upon them. The foolish hear His words and do not.

There should be much wisdom in spiritual leadership. Let us learn to receive good counsel.

Ultimately, our leadership is based on the direction we receive from the Lord. True wisdom listens to Him.

Hope

February 28, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Charisma is not the quality of self-centered leadership. Consider how much of our conversations focus on us, what we do, our family, our interests, etc.?

When leaders have charisma they add value to the lives of others. They give others hope.

While we need to know what the Bible says about sin, we need to remember the Bible is a book about hope. Jesus is our hope.

Inspiring devotion in others is built on the ability of leaders to provide hope.

The charisma of spiritual leaders is directly related to this ability. Pride, insecurity, and cynicism destroy the ability to lead others to this hope.

Future Leaders

February 21, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

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.

Patient

February 20, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Does it surprise anyone when we pray for patience and then experience challenges? The problem is we want patience, but we want it now and without trials! Hmmm!

Too often, we expect growth and maturity to occur as though we were ordering a meal at a drive-thru window. We place our order on one side and expect to have it waiting for us when we reach the other. No patience required, right?

Church growth requires leaders to be patient. Being patient is a powerful lesson for all spiritual leaders.

In time, the demonstration of such patience and gentle guidance will yield fruit to the glory of our God.

Anticipation

February 5, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

The anticipation of an event makes it special.

This idea was expressed by Paul for us as Christians. Several times in his letters to the church, Paul used the phrase, “eagerly anticipating.” Christians eagerly anticipate dwelling in God’s presence eternally.

Our spiritual leadership is built on the foundation of helping others anticipate this same event.

Imagine the moment we first see our God and Savior. Consider the sound of His voice. Think about how incredible it will be when we realize we are there.

I cannot wait! Can you?

Our anticipation is what will make the event so special. It is worth sharing with others.

Developing Others

January 23, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Spiritual leadership should be based on a thought expressed by Harvey S. Firestone, “It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.”

We must equip and train others to lead. Who will replace you and me? Are we preparing them for the work?

From a worldly perspective, leadership is inward focused. One must be self-centered in order to make one’s own way.

Jesus developed the apostles for a task that was quite different. The success of their work continues today.

The success of our leadership, and the future of the church, rests on developing others.

Know, Go, and Show

January 21, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Jesus often pointed out how the Pharisees and Sadducees could read the obvious signs in the weather, but were blind to the signs from heaven?

Leadership needs to be about both. We need an eye for the obvious, tune in to the environment and present circumstances around us.

However, we also need a vision for the future. We need to see where we are going and what it will take to get there.

No creative and crafty approach will produce the kind of spiritual leaders God needs today. We need leaders who, as John Maxwell says, “Know the way, go the way, and show the way!”

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