The mission of spiritual leadership is the transformation of God's people into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:7-16). It is not to construct buildings, create programs, attract crowds or to build an institution. Further, the transformation of human beings is a supernatural result, which cannot be achieved through mere human planning or power. It requires supernatural means, in the form of grace-gifts bestowed on every member of Christ's body (1 Cor. 12:27-31). And the method of spiritual leadership is lowly service, performed in the meekness of Christ, in the power of God and to his glory … [Read more...]
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP (3)
What does spiritual leadership look like, when one realizes that it involves lowly service and not legal power? Paul describes its conduct under three different circumstances: correcting a wrongdoer; encountering a controversialist and dealing with a divisive person. If required to correct a fellow-Christian who is doing wrong, the person who thinks he or she has legal power will usually be rude, domineering, harsh and perhaps self-righteous. Instead, Paul tells Timothy: “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, … [Read more...]
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP (2)
The first scriptural truth we observe is that spiritual leadership involves lowly service, not legal power. This truth raises a caution -- Do not confuse spiritual leadership with political position. Jesus leaves no room for confusion on this point (Mark 10:42-45). Secular rulers "lord it over" their subjects and "exercise authority" over them. "But it shall not be so among you," Jesus continues. Instead, "whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." This is the pattern set by Jesus himself, the "Son of Man," who "came not … [Read more...]
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP (1)
Very many churches suffer today from a lack of spiritual leadership. That diagnosis is true across denominational lines. It fits both urban and rural churches. It applies equally to rich and poor, to people of all races, without regard to their country, state or province, town or village. The truth is that we all can benefit from a fresh look at biblical teaching on this subject. For the next few gracEmails, I would like to challenge us to consider three fundamental truths of spiritual leadership. The first truth is that spiritual leadership involves lowly service, not legal power. This … [Read more...]
TWIN TYRANTS
A gracEmail reader who works hard to do good and to help others feels sad and frustrated because his work often goes unnoticed, while others who seemingly do less work and do it less well receive public attention and praise. He asks how to find freedom from his disappointment and dismay. * * * Your experience and struggle are common for God's people. Perhaps the key (which I do not always properly use myself) is in doing our work "for the Lord" in the first place and at each step along the way. Then we need only his approval -- of which we may be sure when we have done our work with love and … [Read more...]
RENOVATE OR INNOVATE?
A gracEmail subscriber writes: "I am a pastor attending seminary, currently serving in a United Methodist Church that desperately wants me to stay with them to help revitalize the system. I am honestly worried whether denominations have run their course. I see wonderful nuggets of greatness in most of them. But I've been wondering if it would be better to extract the best parts from the various denominations and start over without the worst elements of each. In this day and age should we be trying to renovate or innovate as far as the church is concerned?" * * * All denominations are human … [Read more...]
REDUCING A PASTOR’S STRESS
A Methodist pastor writes that he was just diagnosed with ulcers due to stresses created by misguided Christians. He asks if I believe it possible to engage in ministry and remain physically and spiritually whole. He has two dozen clergy friends who died from heart failure or had bypass surgery before age 50, and a dozen more who left the ministry due to vicious attacks from other Christians. He asks for my thoughts. * * * It is sad to hear stories such as you relate, with which I promise I can identify by personal experience in years past. Jesus taught us that those who live godly will … [Read more...]
LONG RANGE PLANNING
An acquaintance was recently asked to lead a committee charged with producing a five-year plan for his Lutheran church. He searched the New Testament but found nothing about long-range planning. My own investigation yielded the same results. Throughout the Gospels, for example, Jesus simply goes about doing the Father's will. Jesus' miracles and parables, his encounters and teachings, occur almost incidentally. "As he was going along," the Gospel writers will say, "a certain woman came to Jesus" -- and the next thing we know something happens about which we still read and talk 2,000 years … [Read more...]
WHEN WE SUFFER UNJUSTLY
A couple long involved in Christian ministry have been mistreated by other believers who misconstrue their motives and question their laudable service to Christ. As a result, they feel abused, abandoned.and betrayed. Does Scripture offer any encouragement, or light to put this in perspective? * * * At some time, we nearly all will find ourselves in a similar situation. Now is a good time, while the sun is shining, to fortify our minds and hearts for that occasion. Here, as always, Jesus is our ultimate and trustworthy example. Peter points to Jesus, as he encourages believers who are walking … [Read more...]
WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
A preacher writes that his ministry is under attack, his church is in turmoil and his church leaders are torn between Christ and legalistic religion. He feels deserted, exhausted and as if he is in a wilderness. Can I offer any encouragement? * * * Wilderness time can provide meaningful spiritual preparation and training. God readied Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage during 40 years as a wilderness shepherd. Elijah found inner renewal in the wilderness. David attuned himself to God's heart while away from people with his sheep. John the Baptist ministered in the wilderness. Jesus … [Read more...]
