Tag: Spiritual

The Catalyst

When a leader serves as a catalyst amazing things happen.

One main characteristic of a catalyst is that of helping others.

In their book, The Starfish and the Spider, Brafman and Beckstrom researched several areas concerning leadership and the qualities of a catalyst.

Consistent with each was their desire to help others.

Spiritual catalysts are able to effect powerful influence because they desire to help others.

They help others see and reach their potential, while connecting them with people who can assist them on the journey.

The need for catalysts is significant in the development of the Lord’s kingdom.

A Spiritual Leader

How should we define spiritual leadership? Realizing there are numerous possibilities, perhaps the best approach is to consider a biblical response.

Here are 10 scriptural ways to help define spiritual leaders. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.
2) Rely on 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 the working of God.

These are 10 suggestions and require a lifetime to develop in leadership.

Lead With A Map

Where are we going? Do we know? What will we need to get there? How will we know when we arrive?

When traveling, we need a map––at least a plan––to reach our destination in a proper amount of time.

Physically, we make application of this daily. The spiritual approach is no different. We know the destination and we desire to get there. We are anticipating the arrival, but do we know what we need to get there?

Since our destination is heaven, the map––plan––God has provided is laid out in the pages of His word.

How Will We Lead?

How will we lead…

Our children? The choices they make, places they frequent, friends they associate with, and work ethic they possess.

Our church? The confidence of the church, their hope for a better tomorrow, and their assurance of an eternal destiny.

Our neighbors? Who they seek during trials, where they turn with spiritual questions, and how they see Jesus.

Our friends? The development of a spiritual focus, thoughts of relationships, and how to deal with giving into temptation.

Our co-workers? Their knowledge of biblical principles, their understanding of character, and approach to life.

Considering their future is worth giving thought to how we will lead.

Virtuous Leaders

N.T. Wright’s book, subtitled Why Christian Character Matters, focuses on the need for virtue becoming “second nature.” Virtue must be a natural or automatic response for leaders.

The book develops three major thoughts. The first examines the virtuous purpose of Christian character.

The second discusses the need for character transformation. Character transformation must occur within, creating a change of actions demonstrated in our conduct.

The third considers the virtues of faith, hope, and love. These virtues are developed within the context of community.

We must implement these virtues, but we need each other to do so. We cannot develop as spiritual leaders in isolation.

Right the First Time

Too many times we put forth just enough effort to get by, not to do it right, and certainly not to excel.

John Wooden once asked, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

As spiritual leaders, the results of only doing enough to get by are tragic. Souls are at stake! If we fail to do it right, there may never be enough time to do it over. We may only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Recognize the need, but also the urgency, to do it right the first time.

Vision

In the construction industry, leaders examine blueprints and demonstrate the ability to see the finished product in their mind. Only when they see it in their mind can they follow the blueprint accurately.

Spiritual leaders must demonstrate the same ability. To help Christians reach the goals set before them, leaders must see what it looks like in their mind.

Casting this kind of vision before others will help them stay focused and energized for the journey.

Mistakes are easily made in the construction phases when there is no vision. The same is true for both the construction of buildings and the future of the church.

Summary

If we were to summarize our leadership in a few words, what would we say? We need to take a few minutes and give some thought to the whole of our leadership.

Could we express it in a word or two, or maybe a sentence or two? Could we summarize our leadership at all?

Would it be “others-centered” or “self-centered?” Spiritually or physically based?

Would the summary be focused on the past, present, or future?

In reality, the fewer words we use the more challenging it can be to summarize our leadership, especially if we try to be accurate.

Transitional Leadership

Transitions build bridges between the various components of our communication. These bridges make it easier for people to follow what we attempt to express.

As leaders, our role is about transitions. We build bridges in three areas.

We build a bridge in relationships. Unless we establish and maintain quality relationships, our transition into spiritual matters falls short.

We build a bridge for future leaders. There will always be a need for leadership, now and the future. We must make this transition smooth.

We build a bridge to eternity. Ultimately, the task before us is to help make the transition from the physical realm to the spiritual.

Making a Difference

Jesus taught about the powerful nature of influence, identifying His disciples as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”

Jesus indicates we are to make a difference.

He uses an interesting term, “If the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything…”

This word involves health, specifically good health.

When used in the context of the analogy and leadership influence, we find a powerful idea.

As leaders in the kingdom of God, our influence should be that which contributes to the spiritual health and well-being of others.