Leaders Who Last Part 7
Leaders Who Last: A security found in Christ
We have been in a series of leadership lessons on what it takes to have longevity in a ministry. We have said there are two areas we concern ourselves:
In the first area, we find six principles:
If you have to be liked, you cannot lead. All of us want to be liked. It’s the reason why many enter the ministry. However, in the leadership role, one must often make the tough decisions. These decisions are made much harder in that many in the church will not agree with them.
These disagreements are often over the hiring or firing of staff or over a large expenditure such as a new building. We are in spiritual warfare. Paul teaches us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
As we make tough and often unpopular decisions, Satan will attempt to place rebellion in people’s hearts. They become afraid of what they may lose. Fear is moving them to rebellion. The opposition can become unbearable for many pastors and the result is to leave the church. Of course, then the problem-creators in the church are never corrected, and the opposition is then for the next pastor. If you get your security anywhere but Christ, it will be difficult for you to stand firm and face down the opposition with love. Courage is essential in the ministry. It’s tough to stand when your security (your true god) is popularity and acceptance among the congregation.
Where do you find your security?
Next lesson: Integrity.
We have been in a series of leadership lessons on what it takes to have longevity in a ministry. We have said there are two areas we concern ourselves:
- The inner life of the pastor
- The relationship with the congregation
In the first area, we find six principles:
- A calling to ministry
- A mission with that calling
- A godly definition of success
- A disciplined life
- A willingness to change
- A security found in Christ
If you have to be liked, you cannot lead. All of us want to be liked. It’s the reason why many enter the ministry. However, in the leadership role, one must often make the tough decisions. These decisions are made much harder in that many in the church will not agree with them.
These disagreements are often over the hiring or firing of staff or over a large expenditure such as a new building. We are in spiritual warfare. Paul teaches us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
As we make tough and often unpopular decisions, Satan will attempt to place rebellion in people’s hearts. They become afraid of what they may lose. Fear is moving them to rebellion. The opposition can become unbearable for many pastors and the result is to leave the church. Of course, then the problem-creators in the church are never corrected, and the opposition is then for the next pastor. If you get your security anywhere but Christ, it will be difficult for you to stand firm and face down the opposition with love. Courage is essential in the ministry. It’s tough to stand when your security (your true god) is popularity and acceptance among the congregation.
Where do you find your security?
Next lesson: Integrity.
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Leadership Principles of Jesus #3Leadership Principles of Jesus #4Leadership Principles of Jesus #5The Power of TruthThe Deity of ChristThe Incarnation—God With UsLeaders Who Last Part 1القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الأولवे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 1Líderes que Duram, Parte 1Lideri care rezistă, Partea 1Líderes que perduran, primera parteJesus Died for Our SinsResurrection and AscensionOvercoming the WorldThe Promise of PeaceThe Peace of GodThe Spirit of TruthPeace in the Midst of Conflictالقادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثانيLíderes que perduran, parte 2Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 2-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 2वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 2Leaders Who Last Part 2Facing Doubt with Truth
May
The Implications of Believing in GodThe Denial of God’s WordEmbracing the Truth for PeaceThe Tabernacle and the VeilThe Sacrifice of JesusBold Access to GodLíderes que perduran, parte 3Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 3-aवे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 3Líderes que Duram, Parte 3القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثالثLeaders Who Last Part 3Peace in the Midst of TrialsPeace with GodThe Peace of GodLiving in PeaceComfort in Troubled TimesThe Promise of JoyJoy Beyond CircumstancesLíderes que perduran, parte 4Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 4-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 4वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 4القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الرابعLeaders Who Last Part 4The Joy of Access to GodOvercoming Internal StrugglesThe Shepherd Who ComfortsExperiencing the Fullness of JoyBuilding RelationshipsThe Reality of PersecutionObedience through LoveLíderes que perduran, parte 5Líderes que Duram, Parte 5वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 5Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 5-aالقادة الذين يدومون الجزء الخامسLeaders Who Last Part 5The Importance of CommunityLove Your NeighborThe Reality of BelongingCelebration of CommunityExpecting OppositionThe Power of Seed PlantingLíderes que perduran, parte 6Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 6-aStanding Firm in FaithLíderes que Duram, Parte 6वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 6القادة الذين يدومون الجزء السادسLeaders Who Last Part 6Choosing Your MasterThe Example of HumilityThe Ultimate SacrificeResponding to God’s Call
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