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We Lead Through God's FavorSeptember 15, 2010 Leadership Principle # 6 – We Lead Through God’s Favor
Before you read this, stop right now and take a moment to read Nehemiah 2:1-9. One of the most amazing aspects of the story of Nehemiah is how he approached the King. Think about it, this cupbearer, the royal wine taster, pulled off one of the most incredible asks, I’ve ever seen. Not only did he ask for time off to go home and help his people, he asked his boss, this vicious Assyrian King, for safe passage, and the supplies necessary to rebuild the walls and gates his predecessors destroyed. His “ask” was, in fact, a slam on the foreign policies of the previous kings and request reverse and rebuild what this empire had destroyed. Nehemiah was either crazy or he knew something about leadership that we need to learn. He was able to accomplish something in 52 days that no other leader before was able to do. He led with confidence, he seemed to be intelligent and didn’t seem to mind taking a risk. Yet, I believe Nehemiah knew nothing he was able to accomplish was due to his own abilities. Nehemiah’s brief prayer to God was an acknowledgement of and request for His favor. Nehemiah knew that without the favor of God all his abilities meant nothing.
As leaders, I think we all too often forget that we lead by the only by the favor of God. We haven’t succeeded as leaders because we’re smart, good looking, creative, risk-takers, or add any of a dozen more concepts. We lead and are successful only through the favor of God. We have to keep in mind that the favor we enjoy with others is a gift from God and can be taken from us as quickly as it was granted.
Nebuchadnezzar was taught this very lesson when we grew prideful of all that he had accomplished. He spoke to those around him saying ““Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Immediately, Nebuchadnezzar was driven into the wilderness to live like an animal for seven years. He stayed there until he learn this simple lesson, “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes…” Dan 4:17
Always keep in mind that we lead only through the favor of God. If we lose sight of that and think that we have accomplished everything by our own power, we are close to a wilderness experience. God’s favor is a gift given to us to help us accomplish the task God has called us to accomplish. He can take his favor away as quickly as he gave it. | |
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Posted 9/15/2010 in Stephen Gray | 1 Comment - Add Comment |
Choosing A Leader/ElderSeptember 6, 2010
Choosing a leader/Elder for your church is one of the most important decisions a planter makes. Yet, choosing a new leader is often one of the most difficult things to get right. In the life of a church plant, appointing leaders/Elders to guide the church is a “make or break” issue. If there is one thing experience has taught me, choosing the wrong person(s) to lead in a new church will destroy it quicker than anything I know. That's why I coach planters not to even think about permanent leadership structures for at least two-years. So, how do you choose a leader(s) to serve on a board or to become “Elders” of your church. Whatever nominclature you use for your leadership structures, principles remain unchanged. Let me suggest four actions for you, as the pastor/planter, and six characteristics to watch for in picking a new leader. 1. Prayer & Fasting Choosing a new leader/elder for a church has become way to politicized and based to often on popularity. Little time, if any, is given to fasting a praying when making a decision to place someone in a position of leadership. Paul told Timothy “Don’t lay hands on anyone in haste…” (1 Tim 5:22) Why? Well he doesn’t tell us why, but it is very obvious isn’t it? Leadership in a church is a spiritual action and requires due diligence before appointing someone to serve. If it is a spiritual action, then it needs a time of spiritual preparation. Choosing a church leader is not a simple political appointment. It should only be done after a time of prayer and fasting. I have seen too many pastors choose a leader to quickly and with no spiritual emphasis and it led to disaster. 2. Patience Above all things, be patient! Don’ rush in where angels dare to tread. I have coached multiple planters who have felt pressure from those in the new church to appoint leaders/elders. Often by those who themselves want to be in charge. In my opinion, in a new church, a leader should not be placed into a place of permanent leadership until after year two. Why? That leads to the third action. 3. Observation You need time to watch those who may be potential leaders for the church. Watch for what? First of all, watch for biblical traits of a leader. Spend time reading through Paul’s words to Timothy and the qualifications of a leader. Listen, it’s easy to sound good or look good. That is why interviewing a potential church planter rarely works. Past behavior is the only good indicator of future actions. Only time will give the firm foundation for determining who would make a good leader. Secondly, look for these six characteristics: He/she:
4. Listen Listen to what others say. Paul told Timothy to look for someone with a “good reputation” (1 Tim 3:7), Sometimes it takes the counsel of others to get a good leader. Don’t trust in your own judgment alone. Here is a concept you can take to the bank: Some potential leaders act perfectly in your presence and yet others see them in a whole different light. If you have worked in the church for any length of time at all, you know this to be true. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Pro 11:14) take time to listen to those around you, they may know something you don’t. | |
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Posted 9/6/2010 in Stephen Gray | 1 Comment - Add Comment |