In Ephesians 4:11-12 the groundwork for leadership is laid.
- Equip the saints or assist them to fruitfulness and service.
- Pass the torch along to future generations - discipleship - (2 Timothy 2:2)
I like to call this the "222 Principle."
Raising up leaders is a mandate for every leader. A leader doesn't just lead...they raise up others who will do the same - thus multiplication takes place.
However, that process ONLY works if a real transformation takes place in the heart and the truth and purity of the Gospel is lived out.
Paul, the author of Ephesians, is not only an Apostle but also a Pastor. He says that GODLINESS in leadership must be present in order to produce Godly offspring.
The ultimate goal for all of us is that we end up LOOKING like JESUS...our MODEL. He modeled character and expects us to do the same.
THE LEADERSHIP PROCESS
- The CALL of God - everyone is called, but leaders are divinely called or appointed to lead. (Isaiah 6:8-9)
- HEARING from God - the ability to lead can come through natural skill and reasoning but more importantly is being RECEPTIVE to the promptings of God. (Matthew 16:13-20)
- FAITH - your faith will be tested in three areas: (Genesis 12:1-20; 17:1-27; 22:1-19)
- Risk
- Trust
- Surrender
- A higher STANDARD - every leader is held to a higher standard to model Jesus' behavior, words and deeds. (James 3:1)
- CHARACTER traits - ethical character is not only expected in mature leaders but must also be sustained. Failure in your character requires removal until restoration is accomplished. (1 Timothy 3:13)
- COMMITMENT - every leader will be called to demonstrate total commitment to: (Acts 26:19)
- The spirit of their calling
- Discipleship
- Adaptability
- HUMILITY - every leader will be called to demonstrate humility and willingness in their leadership. Gideon is prime example of this. (Judges 6:1-8:35)
- A TEACHABLE spirit - If no one can add to you then you'll eventually discount yourself from being stretched for promotion. God places people in your life who have a voice to speak instruction and training. David was humbled and teachable as he listened to his critics and the prophets. (Acts 13:22)
- VULNERABLE - the ability to be totally open - hiding nothing - refusing to be defensive. (Matthew 26:47-54)
- SECURE - Knowing who you are without being arrogant. (John 13:1-17)
- PLEASE God not people - every leader is called to increase the faith of people in God not bow to popular opinion or the mood of the people. (Numbers 13:1-14:45)
- Lifestyle of PRAYER & FASTING - every leader will have to maintain a disciplined fasting and prayer time. (Acts 13:1-3)
- VISION casting - keeping your mind and affections on the things of the Lord will cause your dreams to be in alignment with the Word of God. (Acts 16:6-10)
- UNITY and harmony - working in harmony with others is not only spiritual but also practical. (Acts 1:14)
- Take the LEAD - as a leader you will be called to step up and lead when others refuse to. (Exodus 27:1-28:43)
- Delegated AUTHORITY - learning how to stay under authority will release you to walk IN authority. (Exodus 28:1-2)
- BOLDNESS - leaders will be called upon to lead during unpopular seasons. (Luke 3:1-20)
As you lead, do your best to model Jesus and you'll be miles ahead of those who are merely leading to get a position and recognition.
You may not be called to lead an entire congregation - but you may be called to lead part of it. Recognize where you fit best through the process of experimentation and then decide to build on your strengths while working on your weaknesses.
Wherever it ends up being...determine to keep your heart pure while learning from your leaders, staying under cover and being content in your heart.
