Leadership is an important attribute that must be developed by those who can lead. Some people may not desire the aggravation or required commitment to adequately prepare themselves to set an example for others to follow and make necessary judgment calls. We live in a society that boldly quotes, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) as a means to live any way they choose. Self-serving mentalities must be squelched to foster a leadership mentality, and we must establish daily disciplines. It is only through self-denial that Christ can indeed be formed in us. This semester was filled with a wealth of experience and knowledge to help identify time-tested practices to engage us toward the characteristics of Christian leadership.
This particular class is titled Pastoral Studies I. I have never knowingly received a call to pastor, but we have a mandate to reconcile. In leading someone to Christ, there needs to be a proper level of ethical leadership in place. God may not call us into a “leadership” position, but we must be responsible with mentorship or the level of trust others place in us. When dealing with souls, we must remember that Jesus paid the price for those souls and that they are to be handled with care. There is also an established hierarchy of Spiritual authority. When in doubt, the authority we submit to will have the insight, experience, and wisdom to address any situations that arise or help petition the Master for an appropriate course of action.
In our first meeting, we were given the number one leadership principle to apply and follow: examine yourself. “Your attitude and behavior has to match your mission.” Your mission should look like God’s mission because it is! We all have an active part to play in this mission. We should personally devote ourselves to “creating and maintaining an atmosphere of growth,” “Realizing our potential, and getting our strategy from God to reach that potential.” Growth occurs when we connect to the life source. Without an intentional connection to Jesus, we cease to prosper as He planned. When our daily motives are not shaped by the basic life requirements available from the True Vine, we fall short of our purpose and fail to yield the intended fruit. “No plan, no fruit.” There are four transformational attributes to determine if our daily disciplines are profiting in a way that will be beneficial for our souls and for the Kingdom work at hand:
- An abundance mentality will defeat jealousy and a victim mentality. There are plenty of opportunities to explore their talents and gifts to bring positive change within the local assembly and the surrounding community.
- Having a serving heart will destroy the entitlement mentality. Some expect specific treatment from brothers and sisters in the church, but serving others shows that each person is worthy of God’s attention.
- Using a blessing tongue will overcome criticizing and backbiting. It is easy to get into a cycle of criticism or a group of complainers. When we bless, we will almost immediately notice those who would rather armchair quarterback leave to find other complainers rather than get involved to make a positive impact in the situation.
- We must propagate a “yes spirit” in a world of negativity and doubt. Only through faith and an attitude of accomplishment can growth become substantial.
God is able and wants to do great things in this day and age. What exactly? I don’t know, but I do know that we will never reach our potential if we succumb to fear, entitlement, criticism, and negativity. Some things we try will fail, but we get back on the horse and try the next idea. Each of these transformational attributes has to do with our mental state. Our benchmark of comparison amid self-examination is Jesus Christ. We strive to become a little more like Him every day, and in doing so, we discover a supernatural encouragement to press toward the mark, but we must make up our minds!
In speaking to our mental state, the next semester’s meeting dealt entirely with how we think. “Thinking and thanking go together. There is no higher expression of faith than thanksgiving and no lower expression of faith than worry.” Society lives in the grasp of fear. The therapeutic industry is made wealthy over psychosomatic diagnosis, therapy of various sorts, and pharmaceutical treatments. As a part of our nation’s military, I have visited some foreign lands and have seen some things that most people would not ordinarily be exposed to. Still, it is through the power of the Holy Ghost, a renewed mind, and an inner resolve that keeps me on task. I am thankful that I am not who I once was! When we “switch our complaining for praise,” our outlook changes from despair to deliverance, our prison becomes our testimony, and chains become the building blocks that lift us to a higher level of mental security and stability. “If Christ is in your life, there is nothing that you cannot do!” In fulfilling our ministry, we encounter push-back and strongholds because we “challenge people to accept responsibility and not blame others.” An optimistic viewpoint and “believing what the Bible says about you” will propel us in the correct direction and into the lives of those willing to accept the molding of the Potter’s wheel.
Our third class of the spring dealt with a few different topics. Primarily, we talked about Spiritual authority. Submission is a dirty word in the vocabulary of those unwilling to give up their past or if the things of this world have a grip on them. Pressing toward the mark involves moving toward Jesus, and any step in the direction of Jesus is a step in the direction of Jesus!
“Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:32). Three small words comprise this verse, four if you count the conjunction, but so much is being said. One glance back by his wife changed Lot’s life forever; she was lost, and his daughters caused formidable obstacles for years to come. Years earlier, Lot chose the well-watered plains and “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” Later generations would wander through the wilderness, but the Israelites would pitch their tents in a manner that would have them facing the Tabernacle and the presence of God.
We learned that “the most important gift is the gift that is needed at a particular time.” The definition of a “gift” would probably come up for debate, but one of the first lessons I learned at our church is that repentance will come, but it may not be the immediate need. God can use anyone in a way that reaches a hurting heart, and in my estimation, that is truly a “gift.” I do not take away from THE Gifts of the Spirit, but each experience is “needed to grow stronger spiritually.” Where would I be had I not personally experienced healing and miraculous feats that undeniably point toward a Living God? These faith-building sessions strengthen my walk and enable ease of submission to God’s will and authority, knowing that God controls everything!
Our final class of this semester once again dealt with leadership and the proper mindset. “Kingdom leaders are forged in the furnace of affliction.” Each experience helps to develop the necessary skills of a leader, if we let it. “The fellowship of His suffering brings a unique perspective you cannot get anywhere else: forgiveness.” Through the eyes of Jesus, we observe compassion on a whole new level! Through our born-again nature, we receive God’s nature. What an incredible example as Christ forgives those who beat and crucified Him!
We learned an excellent quote: “To live in obedience is the mark of a true disciple.” Obedience in itself could be a behavior of the heart and thought process. When we are deliberate in applying Kingdom principles to our life, we bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5). There are several ways to help bring an excellent spirit and grow a personal culture of obedience. For example, “the prayers of others for your success, our initiative, and being committed to the cause.” David said, “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29) and then proceeded to lop the head off of a “giant” problem!
In conclusion, there is a trend regarding leadership and pastoral classes at Purpose Institute. Leadership is an area where your mentality will determine the type of leader you will be. Depending on the kind of leader you are will also determine who follows, if anyone. When our mind is fixed on the mission of God, and we deliver our ministry with compassion, the results will be evident, and those results will bring glory to the King of kings. A made-up mind will live in a way that ensures that the heartbeat of Jesus leads past personal motives and aspirations to the greater good. It would not be Purpose Institute without the tools that equip us for our purpose, and for that, I am grateful!