Rev. E. Anderson

Presented to you is a Christian Leadership Course that is purposed to provoke many to embrace the call of Christ to leadership within His Church. The series will come in the form of a study each week, which will be in two parts thus covering two weeks over the site. My prayer and desire is that such will help many in the summons of Christ to serve Him in these tremendous days.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

Study 10    THE PRIORITIES OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP      (Part 1)

Reading     Matthew 6

·       Throughout this chapter on the Sermon on Mount, Jesus Christ affirms a lot of distinct priorities that should characterize Christian life and especially Christian leadership. A priority is that which is given specified and precedent attention above others and assumes first consideration on the agenda of life and work. As can be seen from the passage, there are a number of things that should have uppermost place in thought, consideration and action. For example, Christ certainly gives a priority in v33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God . . . .” In Christian leadership there has to be a learning how to put things in their proper order and an honest and earnest endeavour to see them direct one’s being, belief and conduct. There are factors that must head the list in service and ministry that if adhered to assure success and lasting approval from Christ see also –Psalm 90:12

·       It does not mean that others things are not attended to. We have to discover and discern what is major and minor and keep them in perspective and give the right and appropriate time to all so that there is no unbalance in any area. It is imperative to know the things that differ and to learn to concentrate on the essentials in daily life and work so that the most may be achieved.  This is what prioritizing enabled to effect: the maximizing and production of the greater factors that enrich the person and the Christian community besides the society around.

·       Christ seeks to teach and inspire on this point. Peter was to learn a lesson very early on this matter from Christ – Mark1: 32—39. The Lord had the previous evening been giving out in ministry to countless people and they had made great demands on Him and His time and energies. Early the next morning, before sun was up, Christ was in communion with His Father. Peter is in quest for Him and mentions that everybody is in search of Christ – v37.  Christ did not respond to this because He had His priorities and Peter was to learn this. One, that it was important to receive daily direction from God as to His will, where he should go and what He should do. Two, that the pressure of human demand elsewhere was not the main consideration. It has its place, time and schedule but it is not the directing factor. His commission was elsewhere v38.

The following are priorities to be given utmost thought and commitment: God, family, people, work and service, leisure, gifts and their developments etc. There is much to invest time and labour in and all must have their place and yield their profit and pleasure. Here are some helpful points and tips to aid on this issue.

DETERMINE WHAT IS ESSENTIAL FROM THE NON-ESSENTIAL

·    Things to be done immediately because they are really urgent and pressing – John 4: 4 “He must needs go through Samaria.” This was a pressing meeting and interview with a Samaritan woman. It was not only what was to be wrought in her but in others in the city and the recorded divine teaching that would be available for posterity. It would be seed that would be sown that would be productive throughout the forthcoming centuries.

·    Note those matters and factors that can be postponed and left in abeyance because they can be fulfilled satisfactorily at a later date/day – John 11: 6. Christ postponed going to the immediate relief of Lazarus and the family because other factors had to develop. Even Christ had to be prepared to misunderstood as He seem to linger around and delay to go out to assist in at an hour of major crisis with people He affectionately regarded. A discernment was prevalent in Him that put the whole thing in correct perspective and saved Him from moving in ahead of divine schedule. On this occasion the ‘time factor’ was important. When things should be attended to requires the wisdom of foresight.

·    Seeing what can be rightly delegated to others who can perform the service more satisfactorily and successfully – Exodus 18: 1-27. Moses listened to the wise counsel of his father-in-law and so advanced the peoples and his own standing and situation. He appeared to be one of those indispensable individuals especially in terms of leadership. The people could trust His integrity and judgment and this posed problems because his time and energy was exceptionally loaded. The problem could have a debilitating effect and impact his greater usefulness on the larger front and so the need to have and train others in responsible roles. It would enable him to be most effective where it mattered.

·    Realizing that there are certain issues that do not warrant any thought or attention and can be utterly sidelined or rejected completely – John 21: 22 Christ straightened Peter out here – “what is that to you? You follow Me.”  Whilst it is right to have a genuine interest in another’s calling and vocation, the priority is we should make doubly certain of our own. There are matters that should not claim our thought, attention and involvement because they are truly none of our business. Some people spend much time trying to sort others out and yet their own lives and service requires personal attention.

AIDS IN ASCERTAINING AND ESTABLISHING THE ESSENTIALS

·    Procure and possess the long term vision and goal on matters. The eternity focus always needs to be present to sort out and sanctify – Philippians 3:12-15. It is quite easy to become bogged down by only observing the immediacy of things and what it occurring. Whilst it is imperative to have real insight into what is taking place, an awareness should be present as to where things are to ultimately end. If the focus is wrong then it will dramatically affect judgement.

·    Consider the right amount of hours, thought and energy to be given on a daily basis to what is to be done and achieved – to prayer, study, visitation and contacts, family, leisure etc. An ordered life and work brings all these things into play and fulfilment. There is always the grave danger of extremism in one direction or another, therefore, everything needs to be addressed and attended to so that good balance obtains in all. This involves matters both spiritual and natural and they need to be integrated.

Oswald Chambers spoke of “being naturally spiritual and spiritually natural.”

·     Knowing when to say ‘NO’. John 4:46-54 Jesus did not need to go to the home of the nobleman to heal his son when requested.  There are those who find it difficult and an embarrassment to say no and so put themselves under unnecessary pressure. One has the perfect and legitimate right to say no under certain circumstances and one must not entertain guilt feelings as a result. It is a sign of wisdom and sound learning and sense when certain restraints are adopted for greater effectiveness.

·   Being sympathetic to godly counsellors and counselling. Even this outstanding monarch needed people at times to come alongside in order to help make the right decisions and to keep a sense of priority. He was about to a minister what he considered justice to Nabal because of his evil behaviour but was wisely restrained by a woman, Abigail. She gave him a due sense of priority in a difficult situation and was grateful to her for a quick intervention - 1 Samuel 25:33. Other people, at times, are given to us so that can get a better perspective so that we can assess what should take precedence in situations and it is sensible to listen and know.

·       Knowing the difference between the good and the best – Ecclesiastes 7; 1-8. It has been said ‘that the good can be the enemy of the best’. This is certainly true at times and it is important to view things completely so that there can be a clear distinguishing in order that the best is chosen. One is assisted greatly in the programming of life and work when this principle is in action. It makes for greater progress and results.

·       Possessing divine insight into what is occurring and should be. Christ always seemed to be in control and ever making the right choices and He knew when challenged and somewhat chastened by His mother, Mary, where His priority lay - Luke 2:49. He was by no means being her offensive to her in His remarks but was highlight what took ascendancy and held worthy significance. He was ever aware in His consciousness of what the Father required of Him and His disposition was set in this direction - John 9:4. He knew what was on from a heavenly standpoint and had no difficulty of lining up with it. Spiritual insight is a tremendous aid in sorting out those things that should hold priority.

·       Having God’s inward peace that serves as an inward umpire and director – Colossians 3: 15. It is remarkable how that a divine peace settles in mind and heart when there is ascertaining of what should engage the attention and action. The thing that is to be priority may be most challenging and demanding and could be off-putting, but composure of a spiritual nature assists in assuring this is what should be done.

·       Assurance of resources to meet the current demand of the program – Haggai 2:8; Matt. 6:33. When called to tackle a thing of major significance which in point of fact is a priority, one can be aided in commitment and action in the knowledge of the provisions accorded and afforded to bring to fruition and achievement. Nehemiah was called to a task of priority but there came a divine adequacy to meet the whole affair.

Rev. E. Anderson

LEADERS ARE TO RELATE TO SHEPHERDS TO PEOPLE

From John Maxwell’s Leadership Bible

Reading Ezekiel 14: 1-24

The Lord of ancient Israel was the Great Shepherd to His flock, Israel. He calls all spiritual leaders to view their role in the same way. The word picture of the shepherd enables us to see what kind of relational skills and attitudes we are to build into our leadership. Ezekiel 34 describes how the shepherd cares for his flock.

The shepherd . . . .

1. Searches out the lost sheep - -vv11-16
2. Delivers the captive sheep – v12
3. Gathers the dispersed sheep – v13
4. Feeds the hungry sheep – v13
5. Rests the weary sheep – v15
6. Binds up the hurt sheep – v16
7. Strengthens the weak sheep – v16
8. Protects the vulnerable sheep – vv17-22
9. Equips the needy sheep – v23
10. Directs all the sheep – v24

You may want to compare this text to Psalm 23, another picture of the leader as shepherd. In that psalm God is the Shepherd , providing guidance, restoration, preparation, resources, comfort, and anointing for His sheep.

Rev. E. Anderson

Presented to you is a Christian Leadership Course that is purposed to provoke many to embrace the call of Christ to leadership within His Church. The series will come in the form of a study each week, which will be in two parts thus covering two weeks over the site. My prayer and desire is that such will help many in the summons of Christ to serve Him in these tremendous days.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

Study 9         CHARACTER IN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP      (Part 2)

2/. THE PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES THAT PROCURE DIVINE CHARACTER

One must not be negative but very positive and concentrate on those things that are known, received, applied and will enhance and advance character and the individual person concerned in leadership. There are genuine divine safeguards revealed in God’s Word which enable the birth and process of character development.

“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself once.”                                                                                               Freude

“To be worth anything character must be capable of standing firm upon its feet in the world of daily work, temptation and trial; and able to bear the wear and tear of actual life.  Cloistered virtues do not count for much.”                                     Smiles

·       For the disciples it was close intimacy with Christ and His teaching and directives that cultivated right mind and heart sets and secured their future and work.

·       For Enoch it meant a constant fellowship with God and keeping in accord with His desires and design and that caused his heavenly acceptance and ultimate promotion.

·       For Abraham it was to be the creation of a true trust in God and developing and maintaining the lines of friendship. He would do nothing to interfere with the accord that God had struck up with Him and prevented other forces from derailing him from the fulfillment of his destiny.

·       For Moses, it was to be the creation and cultivation of humility and all the pride demolished and life, leadership and ministry were wholly safeguarded.

·       For David, it was to be through the experience of crisis and great conflict that enabled him in keeping those things of real value and that shaped his quality life.

·       For Job, it was a respectful fear and reverence of and for the Lord that preserved him in a condition of godliness and accounted for his unique standing with God.

·       For Daniel, in spite of the fact he was an exile and foreigner in a pagan land, he saw to it that he sustained a commitment to all that God’s Word had to say and required and refused to be perverted from other sources. Because he was safeguarded in the right way, ultimate promotion was his.

3/.  THE PORTRAIT OF THE LEADER POSSESSING DIVINE CHARACTER

It is helpful and advisable to point out and stress what character is and what should be visibly portrayed in living revelation. What image is being reflected? What characteristics should be much in evidence that lines up with the nature of God? Leaders are to reveal and point the way by their own lives. What is the portrait that Paul paints in the pastoral epistles of Timothy, of a man and leader of and for Christ?

·          Not allowing oneself to be deceived by false doctrine and teaching which leads to perverted living – 1 Timothy 1:3,4; 4:15,16. The absolute truth is required within if there is to be any progress made within in terms of character. God’s Word is purposed to act as a mirror or looking glass so that we can seen our inward image properly revealed and take remedial action where things require straightening and tidying up. David said when the Lord sought to get him cleaned up: “Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom” - Psalm 51: 6. All deception has to go and there has to be the living as well as the speaking of the truth.

“Every man has three characters - that which he exhibits, that which he has, and that which he thinks he has.”                                                                            Karr

·          Living beyond reproach before the outside world – 1 Timothy 3:2; = ‘blamelessness.’ “ must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach” compare Acts 6: 3 ‘ of honest report.’ The image presented to the outsider is they immediately sense and know the utter genuineness of not only the man’s faith but character, too.  There is nothing that the people in the outside world can bring up or charge with of a denigrating order. The picture and photograph is so clear and true that it is quick to spot the true likeness of God.  No blemish can be brought up because the reflection is pure and true.

·          Having the quality of character to govern the household well and seeing divine characteristics birthed in the family unit. The Christian leadership is first expressed on the home-front and provides the experience and platform to lead the Christian Church on a greater front – 1 Timothy 3: 5 “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” The impress of character can be seen on the domestic front where the children are not simply receiving the natural looks of their parents but are permanently imprinted with the wealth of holy characteristics. The divine character of the leadership is first felt to those that are closest and the image created is received and believed in these quarters and even reproduced.

“Be good at the depths of you, and you will discover that those who surround you will be good even to the same depths.  Therein lies a force that has no name; a spiritual rivalry that has no resistance.”                                                           Maesterlinck

·          Maintaining purity especially in the area of sex – 1 Timothy 5: 22; 2 22. Above all. As pointed out by Christ, the whole inward condition is safeguarded from all evil lusts and so the without does not manifest any unseemly sexual conduct - Matthew 5: 28. In an age where so much can be viewed secretly on the pornographic scene, it is imperative to maintain a holy vigil. e.g. Joseph – Genesis 39 He made sure that his portrait would be good for later posterity and so kept his inward passions under control by pure principles.

·          Consenting to the words and teaching of Christ which produces and reveals godliness – 1 Timothy 6:3. Godliness simply means God-likeness – bearing His image. The impress of God within expresses itself in the image without. This is the motivation and objective that should be present and prevail at all times within a godly leader. Being taught by Christ means there will be an immediate awareness of the need to be and live as God ordains and to bring no shame or shame to his person or character.

·          Always industriously working to improve and attain a state of excellence – 2 Timothy 2: 15. There will be inward conviction that progress is being made on this front but there is the sense that there has to be a moving on to the full blossoming of the divine character.  There will be a studying and a learning on how to improve and get better oin all matters and this includes character as well - Philippians 3: 12-15.   There will be no despairing on the matter because the heart and mind will be settled just like the psalmist: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” - Psalm 138: 8.

·          Being zealous to be a sanctified and holy vessel ever for use by God – 2 Timothy 2: 20,21. It is because of the nature of the leadership and worthwhile character of Christian work, there will be the will to maintain a good character so that there will be no impediment to the cause of the Christian message. Christian character along with the dynamism of spiritual charisma will enhance the individual and advance the testimony of Christ.

“Character is like bells, which ring out sweet notes, and which, when touched-accidentally even-resound with sweet music.”                                        Brooks

We are to create a true image and worthy profile for God in Christian leadership so that others receive a clear and convincing presentation of Christ and His Gospel. It is the personal responsibility of every Christian leader to make sure that there is no breakdown on this front. One owes to God, the family, the Church, the world and especially to oneself to keep a jealous watch over the proper development of divine character. Extreme care and attention has to be taken so that both life and work are divinely preserved for God’s glory and for ultimate, eternal advancement.

“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; When health is lost, something is lost; When character is lost, all is lost! “                                               Anonymous

Rev. E. Anderson

Presented to you is a Christian Leadership Course that is purposed to provoke many to embrace the call of Christ to leadership within His Church. The series will come in the form of a study each week, which will be in two parts thus covering two weeks over the site. My prayer and desire is that such will help many in the summons of Christ to serve Him in these tremendous days.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

Study 9         CHARACTER IN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP      (Part 1)

Reading     1 Timothy 4

Text           v16

This is possibly the chief factor that needs to be constantly addressed because it figures so much on the agenda in Christian leadership. The main failure that appertains in the matter of leadership in the Christian world can usually be traced to the failure of character. If there is one lesson that comes through over the past few decades within the Christian Church is the awful let down that the body of Christ has suffered because of weakness revealed especially on moral grounds relating to pride, sex and money in professing Christian leaders. It is something that requires strict and disciplined attention. It would seem that Satan and demonic forces have in their sights and procedures the determination to assail Christian leadership on the character issue because success here is a primary achievement and subsequently causes untold harm to the whole Christian community and dishonours Christ and His witness.

FUNDAMENTAL FOCUS: It has to be stated of character beyond all personal charisma and the possession of charismatic gifts is the actual possession and perfection. Pre-eminent and paramount should be the creation, development and achievement of a life and character that conforms to the divine standard and requirement. Gifts, skills, abilities and seeming outstanding outward success are meaningless without the foundation of life and character truly based in God and wrought out by Him. This is the principal thing that concerns Him and what He wants to see produced above all. Christ sought essentially to prime and train His first leaders in their character formation.

“His approach was: first depth, then breadth; first the men, then the methods. Actually, the four gospel records contain hardly anything concerning practical skills, or managerial techniques. Instead they show a constant primary concern for character, abundantly evidenced by the fact that Jesus’ chief themes are all character related, such as love, obedience faith, humility, forgiveness and prayerfulness.”          G. Krallman

It is worthy of note that Christ gave primary commitment to this matter in His own personal life. He sought to safeguard His own nature and character so that He might achieve His ministry and mission. In no way would He surrender to carnal appetites or submit to any enticement of Satan or yield to self. He made a statement on one occasion that indicates His wholesome condition – John 14: 30. He said: “The prince of this world cometh and He hath nothing in Me.” “He has no hold on Me” – Moffat; “nothing in common with Me” TCNT; “no rights over Me.” NEB. This would certainly suggest that Christ had hold over Satan in every sense because of His character position and could exercise rights over him at all times.

It can be seen that character has to do with internal development which is seen and known by God and is sensed by the individual. We can neither hide from God or ourselves the true state of our inward life and motivation. This has to be true and right above all else. The honest and holy man pursues not for a reputation for the whole world to admire but a divine image and character that God approves and can bless.

“The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.”                                                                                         Macaulay

“Character is what a man is in the dark.”            Dwight L. Moody

When the Evil one has no strong hold on us from within he is powerless. He has nothing to establish a bridgehead where he can launch further action to our destruction. He is paralysed and incapable of effective onslaught. The converse is true: we are able to take action against him and all his evil enterprises. Success against the powers of sin and darkness is very much dependent upon the possession of a holy and wholesome character produced by God.

DIVINE PLAN AND WORKING: God esteems and puts His weight and worth on character and the fundamental thing He seeks to produce is a person of noble character so that He might exalt and use such effectively and successfully. It is foundational to all he will accomplish in and through an individual. This is evidenced in the calling and direction of the first man, Adam. God was deeply concerned and committed to the spiritual and moral making of his person. It was the primary thing in his schedule for him. This is His rule of procedure and sometimes it takes a long time for this to be effected and this has to be perfectly understood – e.g. Moses.

It is years ago when I was a Bible student that I heard Donald Gee say: “It takes a life-time to make a divine man and his ministry.” I did not fully grasp the significance of such an affirmation, but life and experience has shown me the truth of his words. Following on from this, I have discovered that a moment’s folly can ruin both as one observes the Church scene today.

“Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.”       E. Roosevelt

Christ’s purpose on calling Peter was to make him of rock-like character. To make him a man with a ministry that possessed real spiritual substance. And no less obtains today. He sees what really makes a person function with true inspiration and influence and safeguards his life and whole future, now and eternally.

“Fame is vapour; popularity an accident; riches take wings.  Only one thing endures, and that is character.”                                                                                         Greeley

1/.   THE DANGERS CURRENT IN THE LACK OF DIVINE CHARACTER

“Not education but character is man’s greatest need and man’s greatest safeguard.”

Spencer

It is well to consider some of the danger spots that effect the ruination of character and result in spiritual disaster. There are pitfalls to be avoided, like

·          majoring on working than being. Because there is a tremendous amount of work to be done and few people involved, it is easy to become more committed to doing things rather than the cultivation of one’s soul and being. Of course balance must be introduced here. Before we can effectively do we must truly and divinely be.

·          giving ourselves to working far more than holding regular communion with God. One must not be lazy or overwork giving no real attention to the cultivation of personal relationship with God and on taking on His likeness and qualities. There can be no substitute for a constant and healthy accord with Him. It is the Lord that graces life with character as it fellowships with Him and enables to hold true amidst trials and temptations. Christ safeguarded His union and communion with the Father and He needs to be emulated on this issue.

·          being beset with subtle pride and arrogance rather than humility. Pride is very subtle evil and it can so easily move in and begin to assert its influence. This is so when success is tasted at any level. No sooner does some achievement take place that it seeks to move in and corrupt the within.

·          showing a great deal of personal desire and ambition in preference to holy , godly love and zeal. The Church scene just like the world arena can present opportunities for the advancement of one’s own aims and objectives. It is possible to defile the Church of God with what we want rather than what God desires and designs.

·          manifesting a sense of dictatorship and lordship instead of servanthood. Promotion and rule can come and with a spirit of domination that wants to and govern others in an unwholesome manner and not in a Biblical fashion. It is imperative to learn that when there is exaltation in service that there is no bossy attitude developed.

·          expressing the independent streak sooner than exhibit a submissive and yielded attitude. Acting irresponsibly and being simply accountable to oneself is not a good thing. There is a great need to be subject to others in leadership so that anything that is developing in character and ministry that is not helpful can be humbly dealt with and straightened out. The problem exists if we think we have no defects.

·          looking for popularity and show beyond the concern for uprightness. It is easy to be stimulated and carried with the adulation and praise of the crowd and, as a result forget or become indifferent to the rules of morality and integrity.

·          pursuing human acceptance rather than divine appreciation and vindication. Because we live in a world of humans it is possible to be moved and moulded by natural factors, desirous of the good opinions of our peers and people rather than looking to the Lord for His stamp of approval. Jesus was never in danger of that because He ever sought to please God and do His will.

These are very searching factors that must be pondered upon and certainly eliminated if one is to make the grade as far as Christ is concerned. All these things have to go otherwise they can infect both person and work to disastrous ends.

Rev. E. Anderson

Presented to you is a Christian Leadership Course that is purposed to provoke many to embrace the call of Christ to leadership within His Church. The series will come in the form of a study each week, which will be in two parts thus covering two weeks over the site. My prayer and desire is that such will help many in the summons of Christ to serve Him in these tremendous days.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

Study 8          THE SUMMONS TO CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP      (Part 2)

4/.  EACH ARE TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT MISSION AND MINISTRY TO PERFORM

·          No one is to be an idler or waster but to be most industrious in every way. Christ is seen as the One who distributes talents and gifts to be used in ever-increasing manner and development and will be ultimately rewarded personally by Him - Matthew 25:14-30. All have to face up this spiritual responsibility and to make sure that they do not miss out on what is required of them by Christ. There has to be a proper functioning in the correct role.

“To find one’s work is to find one’s place in the world.”               Cabot

·          There are general and natural tasks to be carried out and Christ calls to these duties in His tuition - Matthew 5: 15, 41, 42-48; 6:2.  Even those in leadership should have open homes and be in the situation where they are ready to offer hospitality - 1Timothy 1:2.  Leaders are not simply called to perform the most outstanding and phenomenal things within the kingdom of God, there are general duties of an ordinary nature that must be carried out in the spirit and nature of Christ and they become highly instructive and productive. Washing the disciples’ feet was a kingly and kindly duty performed with enormous dignity and care by Christ as a pattern for all time – John 13: 1-17. A Stephen could perform at tables and serve the needy and then be entrusted to do miracles – Acts 6. Of course, there are chief roles to perform, like Peter on the day of Pentecost, Paul in witness before kings and Caesar etc., but there must be a readiness to perform the lesser as well as the seeming greater things in service. In Acts 10: 38 it is said of Christ that ‘He went about doing good’ and this was not just in the realm of the miraculous.

·          There are spiritual tasks to be performed in preaching, witnessing, praying, exercising the manifold gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are endowments given by Christ to be exercised and exploited by those under His rule and inspiration. What Christ revealed in His own life and work is to be extended further through those living under His presence and blessing so that there is great accomplishments through all these lines of ministries. Ordinary people called into Christian leadership become most extraordinary through spiritual means and measures. See the promise of Christ in John 14: 12.

5/.  EACH ARE TO LEARN TO RELATE AND FUNCTION WITH EACH OTHER

·          Whilst each are summoned personally and have a unique work to do, none are called to be isolationists or ‘lone rangers.’ Christ in His leadership brings the leadership of Christendom to know that it must be committed to the assistance and blessing of others He has made members and leaders within His kingdom. All exist for all. One for all and all for one is very relevant. He sought to teach leaders in His ministry the worth and work of each one and they must know how to co-operate to the advantage of everyone - 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31. There is to be a dependency on Christ the Head of the body and also inter-dependency with all the other members within the Christian community.

·          The assembly at Antioch appears to have been a good pattern of a Christian fellowship functioning through its leadership in care and mutual profit and pleasure - Acts 11: 19-30; 13: 1-4.

“The church is a workshop, not a dormitory; and every Christian man and woman is bound to help in the common cause.”                      Maclaren

6/.  EACH ARE TO LIVE AND LABOUR BEFORE HIM

·          Just as He lived under the gracious and watchful of His Father so that He did not in any way contravene any desire or plan of His, so those called to serve in such a high calling in leadership will do the same in relation to himself - John 8:29. It appears that a regulating and governing feature and standard of both life and work was all must outworked under the scrutiny of the One that He revered so much. He is called The Sent One and this expresses the fact He knew He was to work under the Father’s oversight and direction.

·          It would seem that this was a relevant factor in Paul’s being and work and one which he sought to press home in his teaching – Acts 27:23; Colossians 3: 24; 2 Corinthians 5:9. This conviction ruled the inward mind and heart of this successful spiritual leader. Whilst there were many eyes around viewing him and his service, above all, He outworked all before the Lord. This was an influential and vital factor that affected all he did. It prevented him from becoming simply one who seeks to please men and doing things haphazardly and carelessly.

7/.  EACH ARE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RESPONSE MADE TO THE SUMMONS AND WORK

·          What should ever be in the mind of Christian leaders is the ultimate especially in terms of accountability. What has been wrought within the leadership for Christ under His inspiration and direction is due to be reviewed and rewarded. This is a matter that was taught by Christ in the parable of the talents – Matthew 25: 14-30. The Bema Seat has to be an important consideration in those who are industrious for the Christian cause – 2 Corinthians 5: 10.

·          The stage is to be set when service is going to be totally and thoroughly tested by Christ, this being so, there should be no lack of consecration to the commission and to see that all is conducted in the way he desires and designs - 1 Corinthians 3: 6-15. The fiery, searching eyes of Christ will pass through all that has been wrought and sort it out. It is imperative therefore that the right responses are always made to Christ in all matters especially in the command of leadership. Inevitably the dross will be removed from the gold and only that which has been done according to His inspiration and direction will prevail and be preserved.

CONCLUSION

Christian leadership is an onerous responsibility and it is only through His call and enabling that it can be fulfilled. Each one must make sure that what they are doing falls in line with His will and standards so that there will be no failure only true success. It is only as the leadership is worked out with Christ and according to His design that this will surely come to pass. Person and work must always be subjected to Him and as this is followed through no fear will be sensed as to its outworking and achievement.

At the conclusion of it all, the leader and the leadership will stand either approved or disowned by Him. He is the sole judge of both man and ministry. The inspiring thought is, that having led according to His standard and pleasure here, the future prospects for the eternal kingdom will be most rewarding. Having served a noble apprenticeship and probation period now, it will pave the way for what is to be unveiled at His second appearance. There will be greater summons and call to more permanent and prominent in heaven. The fitness to fit in with what is planned eternally is contingent upon the wholesome responses made whilst serving Him, His Church and the world of humanity in the present context of life.

Rev. E. Anderson

Presented to you is a Christian Leadership Course that is purposed to provoke many to embrace the call of Christ to leadership within His Church. The series will come in the form of a study each week, which will be in two parts thus covering two weeks over the site. My prayer and desire is that such will help many in the summons of Christ to serve Him in these tremendous days.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

Study 8      THE SUMMONS TO CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP      (Part 1)

Reading     Mark 16: 16-20; Luke 5: 1-11; 6: 12-16 

·          The greatest kingdom to be in is the kingdom of God. It is both a privilege and pleasure to be born into and become an integral member of this divine realm. The reason for the advent and work of Christ was to set up the kingdom of God and to give the right to men and women to become a subject within it as they receive and acknowledge His Saviourhood and Lordship. He is the appointed and anointed Head of this unique spiritual kingdom; through Him it has been birthed and through Him it will be developed and eternally established – Matthew 16: 16-18; Acts 2:29-36; Ephesians 1: 17-23. One could not ask for or desire a greater or better King or be situated in a more promising Kingdom.

·          It has to be recognized, the initial and continual role that the Founder and Head of the Christian Church plays in the summoning, training and the equipping of personnel to lead His Church. People must not only have an encounter with Him to be brought into His kingdom, they must have further encounters with Him on a regular basis in order to know the ministry they must perform for Him within it.  This is especially so with regard to leadership.  There is no greater service and occupation than being called and commissioned by Christ to fulfill a job within Christendom. It exceeds all other callings and employment. He is the One that does the calling, mentoring and appoints to the sphere of work. This has not been delegated to another because He is infinitely capable of raising up and serving each generation with the required personnel and ministries as He ever lives and rules.

·          In looking at and observing the divine summons there are lessons and truths to be noted in order to guide us on the all important matter of Christian Leadership in terms and tokens of calling and commissioning. It is something not be humanly assumed or presumed upon. There are principles and procedures that Christ worked upon during His earthly task on this front that still obtain today.

1/.  EACH ARE PERSONALLY SUMMONED BY CHRIST TO SERVICE

·          Leadership is a call to service and not to a position of power and notability. It is in order to serve Him and serve the people in the way that He reveals and ordains. He is the One that makes personal contact and communicates His mind and will in no uncertain manner to individuals at a personal level. Everyone may not have a dramatic Damascus road experience in Christian conversion like Paul, but all may know and experience some of the things that he spiritually sensed at the outset. He did pray at the start: “Lord, what will you have me do?” – Acts 9:6 and he received an immediate reply – “Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you shall do.” The rest is history. Because he was immediately and continually submissive he was able to achieve what he was personally summoned to be and do. The climax of his life and ministry are worth noting – 2 Timothy 4:7.It is Christ who calls to the ministry and sustains it –1 Timothy 1:12.

·          Service is placed highest on the agenda for Christ himself and for all that will be identified with His leadership – Mark 10: 35-45. It is treated with utmost respect and placed into true focus by Christ. He sought to teach and implant right at the outset in His calling to people the chief objective that was labouring in ministry to and for the good of others. It was and is to be regarded as an honourable vocation to be greatly involved in working for the well-being and blessedness of other people. Self had to be forgotten in service; in fact, it had to be sacrificed.

“I have now concentrated all my prayers into one, and that one prayer is this, that I may die to self, and live wholly to him.”               Spurgeon

It was to be treated as a noble thing to be invited by Him to serve and the service had to be treated as a distinctive and commendable mission and ministry all men. Paul made himself the servant to all - 1 Corinthians 9: 19.

“When a man turns to God desiring to serve Him, God directs his attention to the world and its need”.                                                                                                     Brunnner

“It is high time that the ideal of success should be replaced by the ideal of service.”

Eintstein

2/.  EACH ARE TO HAVE A MEMORABLE ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST

·          Christ met and spoke to each one individually thus making them feel special to Him and were given a unique experience of His grace and input that became unforgettable. They may have felt very ordinary as many of them were placed in very ordinary professions and lowly circumstances when He confronted them, but somehow, He transformed the occasion by His presence and invitation and prompted a divine response. in and from them. They felt the electric and dynamic of His presence and word. Those who would be involved in Christian leadership and work essentially require an audience and experience with Him from which life and service follows and flows. This is paramount if there is to be any real, effective service and ministry. Being sure of Him and the task to be performed by, through and for Him are vital at the outset.

·          This is possibly the most imperative aspect of Christian Leadership: meeting and knowing Christ. It can be justifiably argued, how can we lead others to know Christ and come under His headship and leadership unless He has personally impacted us? The base of operation must essentially commence with the person experiencing Christ before there can be an actual, realistic serving Him. Discipleship and leadership emerge and develop through an initial and continual meeting with Christ. The important factor is not our natural status, whatever that embraces, but our union and communion with Him that has been created by a definite encounter and from which all proceeds.

4/.    EACH ARE TO BE INDIVIDUALLY TUTORED AND EQUIPPED BY CHRIST

·          It is a choice thing that those who are truly Christian leaders are taught, armed and enabled by Him to succeed in what He assigns. He does not leave it to anyone else to superintend and supervise those who are elected to be His servant-leaders. All His leaders come under His tutorials and are given abilities by Him so that they can perform according to His expectations. He has power not only to impart truth and major instruction, He can and does grace the life and work with divine potential that make the leadership effective.

Illustration:  William Carey was but a cobbler in Northampton but then became a great missionary-teacher under the calling, inspiration and empowering of Christ.

·          Whilst Christ even employs, uses and aids other Christian leaders to coach and inspire, He is the mainspring behind the whole training and enablement. He does use men of God to summon and issue out the divine call and gift them so they can help to form both character and gift but He is the supreme One stirring and empowering. He is the best, equipped person to perform the rewarding task of imparting and releasing the divine potential in those called to serve Him and the cause of Christendom. There is no way that he is incapable of giving the highest and greatest instruction that prepares for effectual service. What He produced in the band of men called to be His apostles give evidence that He is well able to achieve His role as the principal Teacher and Coach.

·          It is encouraging to know that the Lord does not sponsor flops. His servants and leaders may fail at times but He is there to equip with gift and give the essential moral and spiritual boost when required. Throughout the course of Church history, He has laid hold of the most unlikely candidates, inspired and trained them to fulfil outstanding work and they have left a memorable record behind, a testimony to His personal tuition.

Illustration:  When Billy Graham first embarked on his major New York ministry, Ethel Walters the famous film star was asked the question with regard to him. Her reply was apt and true: “God does not sponsor flops.”

Rev. E. Anderson

GENERSOITY

By John Maxwell – Leadership Bible                                     

Reading     Ruth 2: 8-4: 10

Boaz Doesn’t Keep Score, He Just Keeps Giving

Leaders must be generous, predisposed to give their resources to others. They believe a candle loses nothing when it lights another.

No one models this better than Boaz, the spiritual leader who became Ruth’s husband He owned a large field, and like other landowners, employed reapers to gather his harvest. When the reapers finished, the less fortunate were allowed to ‘glean’ in the field, taking whatever remained of the harvested crops. Ruth was such a person.

Boaz’s generous spirit surfaced immediately when he saw Ruth. He asked the reapers about her identity, then expressed his generosity to her. Boaz displayed his generous leadership in several ways:

1.      He was generous with his compassion – 2: 8, 9

He told Ruth to glean anywhere else; she would get all she need from him.

2.      He was generous with his compliments – 2: 11, 12

He noticed her sacrifice and complimented her efforts.

3.      He was generous with his courtesy – 2: 14

He invited her to join his staff for a meal, kindly serving all she wanted.

4.      He was generous with his crops – 2: 15, 16

He told the reapers to put out extra bundles of grain for her to find.

5.      He was generous with his credibility – 3: 11-13

He showed respect by doing what was right by her request.

6.      He was generous with his commitment – 4: 9, 10

He committed himself to ensuring that Ruth’s former husband had offspring to carry on his name.

You can give without loving, but you love without giving. Leaders who fail to display generosity should ask themselves, Do I really love the people I lead? When great leaders err, they always err on the side of generosity. If they err in paying salaries, they err in paying too much. If they err in firing a staff member, they err on the side of excessive emotional support, severance package, and affirmation. No leader gets ahead by mimicking Ebenezer Scrooge.

Jesus talked about this generous spirit when He said, ‘If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two’ – Matthew 5: 40, 41.

A generous spirit drove Boaz to go the second mile with Ruth, even before he suspected she might become his wife. (He assumed she would be attracted to a younger man – Ruth 3: 10). Even so, Boaz gave her extra time, attention, grain, respect, favour, and  honour.

How about you? Would you describe your leadership as generous?