Leadership! The word conjures up so many different connotations dictatorship, authoritarianism, charismatic superstar, and promotion. However, whatever our own interpretation is, it must be compared with Scripture. Is our own interpretation true? Is it Biblical? Undoubtedly leadership is one of the most misunderstood ministries in the body of Christ. Some clamor and grasp for it, others shun it like the plague. In order for us to get on with the great privilege of church planting‘ and bringing the saints to maturity, we need to see a great crop of leaders‘ come forth. So many present leaders are disillusioned and hurt because their energy and efforts have seemed to produce so little. Many do not know whether they are truly called to the task, and are not sure how to equip and release new leaders to help them. I trust that this blog post will help to clarify and bring into focus Biblical principles and truths that will encourage us to teach others that will teach others‘. It goes forth with my prayer that God will water it and bring forth the increase‘.
It would seem that one of God’s major solutions to the churches’ problems today is a leader who will commit them self radically and whole-heartedly to “build according to the Biblical pattern.” Although Scripture doesn’t give us a step-by-step procedure, it certainly leaves us with no doubt as to what is required of us as leaders, and what will bring the Kingdom of God to the fore. We need to boldly, unapologetically, filled with faith and dependent upon the precious Holy Spirit, give ourselves to doing it God’s way. We need to radically repent of the man-made rules, regulations, traditions, and legalism that have robbed God’s people of the joy, liberty, and effectiveness that are through Christ.
Any attempt to put in writing the things that burn in your heart will be diluted as they are transferred from the heart, through the pen, and on to paper; and yet surely the Holy Spirit can and will empower, equip and enable those who come with a teachable and flexible attitude.
Pray that some of those “David-hearted” leaders, who may still be hiding in the caves of Abdullum out of fear of the “Saul-hearted” leaders who have been so strong in themselves, will be strengthened and encouraged to dare to do it God’s way at every level! May you, as you read and study this, be one of them? Oh, for a crop of fearless, God-honouring, Bible-obeying, Spirit-led and dependent, revival-generation leaders!
