The Bridge: Leadership character

TheChristological World View of a

Leader

Saturday, 17 August 13

Leadership like Christ

The Call of GodThe Character of a Leader

The Characteristics of a LeaderServanthood

Vision and leadershipTeam ministry


Richard Chamberlain


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Which biblical references do you think are most

important for us in understanding the nature of leadership and how best to exercise leadership in the

modern church?


1 Timothy 3:1-13

1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.


4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.


8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.


11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.


Using the biblical references as a basis for

your answer:Formulate (write) your own (brief) definition of

leadership


Worth noting and asking, “why is this interesting?”

There are many diverse definitions of leadership: Burt Nanus and Warren Bennis report some three hundred and fifty definitions of "leadership" that leadership researchers have generated over the last thirty years


J Oswald Sanders,“If those who hold influence over others fail to lead towards the spiritual uplands, then surely the path to the lowlands will be well worn. People travel together; no one lives detached and alone. We dare not take lightly God’s call to leadership in our lives.”


Who is this?


William Carey laboured for 7

years before his first convert in

India.


•For six years, the Careys moved from one place to another, seeking employment and a place to get established. The list of obstacles they encountered is staggering:

•The lack of funds - They nearly starved.•The difficulty of the Bengali language.


•The defection of Ram Basu, a convert from Thomas’ former time of ministry, who at first had been a great help to them

•Opposition of the East India Company, the dominant political force

•A flood•A drought•The death of their son, Peter


•Six years, without an Indian coming to Jesus after faithful preaching

•Criticism of the Home Committee. “Why aren’t you seeing more fruit?” “Why are you wasting your time in economic employment?”

•Two new missionaries who came to help, died soon after they arrived


Dorothy, William’s wife, couldn’t take the strain. She hadn’t wanted to come in the first place. Culture shock gripped her. Her sister married an English planter and left their home. But the death of her son, Peter, was the last straw. She sank into mental illness, and never recovered.


William Carey is considered the father of modern missions - his influence lives on -what we do in church planting and

teaching and training at least in part comes out of his obedience in following

the great commission.

1793 Appointed missionary to India, 10

January; Arrived in Calcutta, 11 November.


Paul to the Corinthian church...

We are afflicted in every way...For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh

2 Corinthians 4:7ff


“Everything rises and falls on

leadership”John Maxwell


What leadership is not

Adapted from an original idea from Greg Morris


• Often the church has taken the world's definition of leadership - position, prestige, perks and privileges - and applied it to Christian leadership - the result is a wrong leadership model and practice • Christian leadership begins and

ends in a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ!


1. Leadership is not a position or a title

Reverend, doctor, pastor, evangelist....Leadership is more than a title or name. You live it every dayChristian leaders should be certain that their goal is to serve God and others, not to receive the title or honour that comes with leadership.Rehoboam 1Kings 12:6,7,10,16,17


2. Leadership is not building a personality cult (personal

following)

Leaders does not get people to follow them, instead they encourage them to walk more closely with the Lord Jesus ChristAbsalom 2 Samuel 15


3. Leadership is not being indispensable

Some leaders build followers, while others build leaders.A true leader is seen in the fact that the things must and can go on without him or her.Jesus spent his time training the 12 - when Jesus ascended to heaven then the church explodedPaul trained Timothy his ‘true son’ 1Ti 1:2, 2Tim 1:2


4. Leadership is not about blaming others

Leadership is first and foremost being honest and responsible for the decisions you make or fail to make. And often taking responsibility for mistakes of others you have trained.Adam and Eve in Eden – both looking to blame “someone else” for their failings


5. Leadership is not about privileges

Many “leaders” are seen using their position for personal or financial gain. Leaders will not use their position for their own advantage or comfort and should not ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves.David with Uriah 2 Samuel 11


5. Leadership is not about privileges

Many “leaders” are seen using their position for personal or financial gain. Leaders will not use their position for their own advantage or comfort and should not ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves.David with Uriah 2 Samuel 11

a special right, advantage available only to a particular

person or group


Only through modelling Christ's example of servanthood will our leadership effectively and strategically shape the future.The best leaders see themselves as servants


What are the most important

leadership tasks a Christian (church) leader performs?


How would you choose a church pastor (leader) -

what criteria, skills or other

factors would be important?


AnointingAbilityWisdom

CommitmentFaith

Bob Gordon


The Danger of the world

“Whenever I meet a Buddhist leader, I meet a holy man. Whenever I meet a Christian leader, I meet a manager.”

Japanese Businessman to a visiting Australian

As quoted in 9 Marks of a Healthy Church page 231


Christian congregations and church authorities repeatedly choose leaders based on their occupations, personalities or professional achievements rather than biblical qualifications for leadership. The result? Church congregations remain spiritually immature. False doctrine is taught. Biblical truth is neglected. Pastors are dismissed. Churches split apart...

The Leadership Dynamic page 53


Instead of searching for leaders with secular qualifications, we are to search for people of character, reputation, ability to handle the Word, and who display the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Those are the kind of people we should...commit the responsibility of leading a congregation.

9 Marks of a Healthy Church, Page 231-232


Titus 1:5-9

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.


He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.


The Character of a Leader


Preliminary Questions


•Do you keep your word? •Can people trust you?•Do you finish something you

promise to finish and do you do it on time?

•If you are told some gossip, what do you do with it?

•Matt 12:36


•Have you ever found it difficult under the leadership of another person?

•Do you willingly submit to authority? If not, why not?

•Eph 5:18-21http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/

watchman-on-the-wall/40613-was-money-at-the-root-of-sam-hinn-s-rapid-fire-restoration


http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/40613-was-money-at-the-root-of-sam-hinn-s-rapid-fire-restoration






•Have you ever found it difficult under the leadership of another person?

•Do you willingly submit to authority? If not, why not?

•Eph 5:18-21http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/

watchman-on-the-wall/40613-was-money-at-the-root-of-sam-hinn-s-rapid-fire-restoration

Sam Hinn was the pastor of The Gathering Place in Sanford, FL

He issued a letter to his church about an indiscretion (4 year affair) and resigned

He submitted to a process of restoration led by pastor Ron Johnson who laid out a 2-year process for him

He did not accept this and was recently “re-ordained” by another group of bishops








The things that captivate our hearts will

dominate our thoughts, and our thoughts will

dominate our lives.

What is your heart captivated by?

Matt 6:21


•Are there any people you have not forgiven or you feel you cannot forgive? Why? Matt 6:14-15

•Do you find it easy to admit that you are wrong? (What does this reveal about yourself?) Matthew 5:21-26


•How do you react when confronted with an ungodly situations or something that appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life? 2 Timothy 2:22


35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:35-38


2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

Luke 12:2-4


"The main ingredient of good leadership is good character. This is because leadership involves conduct and conduct is determined by values."

Norman Schwarzkopf


• Godliness is more important than giftedness

• Many people have been gifted but have led people into destruction

• God develops the heart of a leader producing godly character


“Possession of godly character, alone, assures true fruit, lasting influence and durable leadership. No amount of ‘fancy footwork’ or ‘bells and whistles’, ever produce a genuine, godly leader


…Although I have no suspicion or criticism to make of any zealous leader’s efforts to seek help from leadership methods or systems, true leadership ultimately is found only at Jesus’ feet and is shaped and kept only in the heart”

Jack Hayford


Define character:what words might you

use to describe it?


Character

Greek word charakter derived from a word which was used for an embosser or a stamp for making coins. Heb. 1:3 – of Jesus, stamped with the divine nature or character


• Character is the action of an individual under pressure.

• Character is the seat of one’s moral being

• Character is the inner life of a man


Circumstances do not determine your character, they reveal it, and become the occasion to refine it.

Leadership Dynamic p81


According to Scripture, virtually everything that truly qualifies a person for leadership is directly related to character. It's not about style, status, personal charisma, clout, or worldly measurements of success. Integrity is the main issue that makes the difference between a good leader and a bad one.

John MacArthur


The following section is adapted from an original by John C. Maxwell


1. Character is about more than just devotion, it involves transformation of / in your life, not simply inspiration


"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.“

Abraham Lincoln


2. Character is not what we will be in the future – it is what you are now


Character is more than talk•What you do reveals who you are• So your actions and intentions need

to be one • The development of leadership

character takes is about God shaping your heart (not just your habits)


3. Character involves how we think, our motives and attitudes, and ultimately our choices - God looks on the heart


Character is a choiceMany things you do not choose in life –

family, upbringing etcWe do create our character each time

we make a choice or take a decision


"In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do."

Stephen Covey


"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.“

James A. Froude


4. Character is revealed under pressure – how do you act and respond when the heat is on?


How a leader deals with circumstances (or a crisis) reveals his characterConsider Saul’s actions in 1Samuel 13:13


5. Character is not simply knowing how to act. We might know the Bible – we have to live out the principles


Character goes beyond obedience to rules.For us it involves the Holy Spirit speaking to our inner man, leading and guiding us


6. Character involves all people whether in or out of the KOG. This includes our families, the church and all people outside of the church that we encounter


Character involves transparency before, and accountability to other people. It is not merely a private quest for purity; it is not solely a man-to-his-God humility


7. Character brings lasting success with peopleFollowers trust people with good character – if it is flawed people will not continue to follow you


8. Leaders cannot rise above the character limitations that they have!


e.g. King SaulSometime you see successful people fall apart – why? Their character is not good enough to support their success. Character will sustain you through the stress which comes with successBe sure your sins will find you out!


The Importance of Integrity

1. I will practice what I preach 2. I will live what I teach3. I will be honest with others4. I will put what is best for others

ahead of what is best for me5. I will be transparent, authentic and

vulnerableAdapted from Leadership Dynamics Newsletter


The Importance of Integrity

1. I will practice what I preach 2. I will live what I teach3. I will be honest with others4. I will put what is best for others

ahead of what is best for me5. I will be transparent, authentic and

vulnerableAdapted from Leadership Dynamics Newsletter

the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles - the state of being whole and

undivided


Actions determine your emotions:

you don't do what you do because you feel the way you

feel, you feel the way you feel

because you do what you do!


bad character disables theman of God


Think of Biblical examples of how poor character inhibited a man / woman of God


The following examples are of men of God from the Bible – yet all sinned and so fell

short of all the Lord desired for them, or the

people under their leadership - because of poor

or flawed character


Saul

1 Samuel 10" "

Anointed king" "Strong and mighty"Great Warrior" "Excellent leader""Humble" " "


1 Samuel 10" " 1 Samuel 31

Anointed king" " Stripped of the ""(God chose)" Kingdom

Strong and mighty" Tried to murder David

Great Warrior" " Consulted mediums

Excellent leader" " Disloyal to his "" " " own son

Humble" " " Committed suicide

Major sin – an independent spirit


David

1 Samuel 17" "Anointed king" "Mighty warrior" "Great worshipper"Faithful and loyal"Great leader" "



Anointed king" " Disloyal to his menMighty warrior" " Committed adulteryGreat worshipper" Committed murderFaithful and loyal" Tried to hide his sinGreat leader" " Caused judgement to "" " " come on his family

Major sin – lust



Anointed king" " Disloyal to his menMighty warrior" " Committed adulteryGreat worshipper" Committed murderFaithful and loyal" Tried to hide his sinGreat leader" " Caused judgement to "" " " come on his family

Major sin – lust

“...he [God] raised up David to be their king, of whom he

testified and said,‘I have found in David the son of

Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’”


Solomon

2 Chron. 1:7-12 "

Anointed king" "

Humble and " "

prayerful"

Temple builder" "

Greatest kingdom" "

Great wealth &" "

wisdom " " "


2 Chron. 1:7-12 " 1 Kings 11 – Ecc. 1

Anointed king" " Turned his heart from God

Humble and " " Worshipped idols

prayerful"

Temple builder" " Did evil in God’s sight

Greatest kingdom" " Kingdom was torn from him

Great wealth &" " Became vain and

wisdom " " " philosophicalMajor sin – pride, greed, self confidence, wrong values


…and in the New Testament Peter

• Matthew 16• “You are the Christ…” (16)• “Never Lord…” (22)

• Matthew 26• “Even if all fall away…” (33)• “I don’t know the man” (74)


Key Thought

‘Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.’"

Charles Swindoll


In terms of character our aim is The Fruit of

the Spirit

• The character qualities which the Holy Spirit seeks to develop in our lives Gal. 5:22,23

• You will not be perfect but should be a good example so people see God in you


• Character is shaped by the process of transformation that takes place in you - God will use many different ways and means to shape your character

• So for character formation we need to know:• what the Bible says, and,• allow the Holy Spirit to apply those

values in your life


Simple Principles for developing good character

as a man of god how do you develop godly character?


i) The In-Out Principle


ii) The Transparency Principle - No Hiding Place


iii) The Principle of Testing


iv) The Reflective Principle


God’s leaders are only as effective as the quality of

their relationship with Him


The challenges involved in Christian leadership are powerful. All areas of your life become exposed and are open for the enemy to attack.


i) The In-Out Principle


You are in a Fishbowl


You are in a FishbowlPeople inspect every area of

your life - they see everything that is in the bowl


• People will constantly be watching you

• Jesus exemplified godliness and holiness to His disciples - his enemies (and disciples) could find no sin in him

• Is there hidden sin in your life?

Does the Gospel work in your life?


• People will constantly be watching you

• Jesus exemplified godliness and holiness to His disciples - his enemies (and disciples) could find no sin in him

• Is there hidden sin in your life?


• Our first tastes of leadership are important – making sure we keep our eyes on the Lord and not on the praise and affirmation of the people

• Success may seem to negate the need for obeying God and being dependent on Him - Success is a difficult test to negotiate


Make sure you Walk the Way of Holiness

• All leaders need to work towards the place where they do not love the world or anything in it

• God and his will should be the prime concern of their lives

• 1 John 2:15–17Saturday, 17 August 13

What are the greatest temptations in society

today?Are the temptations faced by leaders different to those of the

people they serve in the church?


Do not Love the World

• Leaders should live a life where the things of the world cannot get a hold of our lives

• Money, Sex and Power…• This often takes a great deal

of preparation of life - it involves leaving our way and going God’s way


• Our relationship with God should take priority over everything else

• Essential in order to be able to distinguish good from evil

• Hebrews 5:14; Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Timothy 6:11


Control your environment

• A bad environment does not necessarily hinder a person’s spiritual growth in God.

• Evil can become a catalyst for seeking the Lord and developing a godly character


• Most environments today have much that is sinful within them.

• Leaders need to set the example of how to live in such a world and yet not sin.

• 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4,5


• Most environments today have much that is sinful within them.

• Leaders need to set the example of how to live in such a world and yet not sin.

• 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4,5

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world...

4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?


Resist Sin

• The more you resist sin and choose to go God’s way, the more the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in your life

• Heb 12:4


iii) The Principle of Testing


Tests, Trials and

Temptations


• Are designed by God to improve the quality and genuineness of our walk with Him – Joseph, can you walk with God in the ‘darkness’

• They humble, teach and discipline• They refine us


• Throw us on the Lord and teach us to be dependent on Him – Abraham having Isaac

• They develop perseverance/overcomer spirit in us

• They strengthen our faith


• Refine or purify us spiritually – Samuel walked with the Lord in a corrupt situation

• Tests establish the pattern of our future decisions


• Show us what is real and what is not – Peter happy to confess Jesus, follow anywhere, then comes denial!

• The foundation was tested and what could be shaken taken away


• Show us what is of God and what is not – Elijah facing Ahab & Jezebel, discouragement brought unreality 1Kings 19:10


• Assess and examine our inner attitudes and sources of motivation – fear of man Pr 29:25


• Reveal to us our weaknesses and limitations so that we can depend on God more – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

• Tests show us what we are really like


Tests are part of God’s work in preparing our lives to receive the good things God desires to give usThrough tests God works into the leaders certain necessary experiences of life which will enable them to understand and help other people in ministry• 2 Corinthians 1:4, Hebrews 4:15


• Leaders need strong, godly character in order to withstand trials, persecutions and temptation

• Gifts and abilities are not enough to make any ministry ultimately successful

• But remember that simply having good character does not mean a person should be a leader.


‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’

James 1:2–4


Specific Tests of Leadership

adapted from original work by Frank Damazio


The Time Test

…the portion of a leader’s ministry in which God does not seem, at least by all outward appearances, to be fulfilling the word that was given to a leader in the past.


The Time Test

…the portion of a leader’s ministry in which God does not seem, at least by all outward appearances, to be fulfilling the word that was given to a leader in the past.

Do you know how to pray in faith for something God has said - and

then to wait upon God for his time, and his way, of fulfillment?


•Purpose–Opportunity to grow in faith–Purification of the leader’s motives and

attitudes–God to prove Himself to be a miracle-

working and faithful God


•Example–Abraham –75 when left Haran

Gen 12:1-9–100 when promise

fulfilled Gen 17:1; 18:10


The Word Test

…the experience of contradictory circumstances in relation to the written or quickened Word of God to a leaderNot being able to understand how the known will of the Lord is presently coming to pass in his life, God purposely allows contrary situations in a leader’s life and ministry


The Word Test

…the experience of contradictory circumstances in relation to the written or quickened Word of God to a leaderNot being able to understand how the known will of the Lord is presently coming to pass in his life, God purposely allows contrary situations in a leader’s life and ministry

How do you respond when things are “going wrong” - do you doubt

God’s word to you?


•Joseph - favourite son of Jacob–At 17 years of age, he received a word from the Lord in the form of two dreams (37:5-11)

–The events that followed:•Sold•Seduced•Hopes dashed


•Purpose• Cause the leader not

to depend upon his own resources

• Motivate a leader to depend solely on God’s strength

• Brings a greater influence upon more people at the end of the experience


The Character Test

…when a leader is surrounded by ungodliness that attempts to pull him in its directionAnd, also when a leader is tempted to sin in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life


The Character Test

…when a leader is surrounded by ungodliness that attempts to pull him in its directionAnd, also when a leader is tempted to sin in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life

Do you give in to temptation?Are you a ‘different person’

when talking to non-believers, to poor people, to pastors...?


•Samuel • born into a corrupt situation• Eli was a corrupt high priest and

did not discipline his sons• Samuel was a very young boy in the

midst of a corrupt priesthood yet he worshipped God and kept himself from sin


•Purpose–In order to develop positive character qualities (e.g. fruit of HS), God puts His leaders in difficult places so that they will stand strong in Him

–Show the leader the different areas of weakness

–Motivate a leader to stand up boldly against the powers of darkness around him


The Motivation Test

…a heavenly examination during which God exposes to the leader what are the real inward and outward forces that are controlling the making of his decisions


The Motivation Test

…a heavenly examination during which God exposes to the leader what are the real inward and outward forces that are controlling the making of his decisions

In using your gifts how often do you get some of the glory -

do your illustrations make you look good to others?


Balaam - Num 22-24Balak the king of Moab, had seen how Israel had defeated all of her enemies in the land, and, feared that his nation would also be destroyedAsked the prophet to curse the Israelite nation - Incentive / motivation - Money


Balaam told Balak that the Lord had told him not to go with his elders nor to curse the people of IsraelBalak kept on pressing: more distinguished representatives - the bribe seems to keep increasing 22:7; 15; 17 Balaam said he could only speak what the Lord told him toBalaam failed this test


PurposeTo purify desires and intentions God arranges situations in order that a leader’s true priorities are revealed What motivates him on the inside may be different than what seems to motivate him on the outside


The Servant Test

…when a man is asked to do menial tasks that seem below his high calling in GodThe servant test reveals whether a ministers motivation is to help and to serve, or whether it is to be in the public’s eye and to be served


The Servant Test

…when a man is asked to do menial tasks that seem below his high calling in GodThe servant test reveals whether a ministers motivation is to help and to serve, or whether it is to be in the public’s eye and to be served

Do you only do the servant job when you know it will be

noticed?


ElishaWhen Elijah found Elisha he was ploughing in the field with 12 yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:21)Was that the proper place for a man called to be a prophet over all of Israel?2 Kings 3:11 “Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah”


PurposeTo reveal true motivation for serviceTo teach those that may be called by God what it feels like to do different jobs in the local church


ii) The Transparency Principle - No Hiding Place


Maintain A Clear Conscience

• Our conscience is God’s alarm bell which goes off when we cross some boundary that we know we shouldn’t

• Our conscience needs to be trained by God’s Word


Maintain A Clear Conscience

• Our conscience is God’s alarm bell which goes off when we cross some boundary that we know we shouldn’t

• Our conscience needs to be trained by God’s Word

a person's moral sense of right and wrong, seen to act as a

guide to one's behaviour


• If your conscience is troubling you, seek God and put it right asap (repent/confession 1Jn 1:7–9)

• A leader must maintain a clear conscience towards others by ridding himself of all hatred, anger, jealousy, bitterness, and unforgiveness


Every day you should Deny your Self

• Leaders need to learn to live out Luke 9:23• Establish and live according to the

priorities the Lord has given you (do not live out someone else's ministry)

• This does not mean running around after people and never having time with family or with the Lord.


“The first lesson in Christ's school is

self-denial.”Matthew Henry


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.CH Spurgeon


• Leaders need to conquer their self-will, and trust God and do whatever He asks them to do (hard as leaders are often go-getters / achievers)

• God will ask us, at times, to give up good things like natural abilities or promises

• Self-discipline is especially important for your mind. Rom 12:1,2; Eph 4:22–24


Keep on going - Remain Faithful, persevere

Rev 2:7, to the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life

2:11 ...will not be hurt by the second death2:17 ...I will give some of the hidden

manna2:26...i will give authority over nations


Think of:Biblical or historical examples

of people who remained faithful, and who persevered in the face

of difficulty or adversityIs there something you see in

their life that helped them overcome?


John Paton and his wife Mary arrived in the New Hebrides on November 5th 1858.The people were as fierce as he had been told. Cannibal celebrations took place in sight of the Patons' home and human blood fouled the drinking water. The natives frightened Joseph Copeland so much that he lost his wits and died; they continually threatened John. Time and again they lifted their guns to shoot him, or raised their axes to bash him in the head, but always they held back as if restrained by a greater power.


Early the next year, Mary bore a son. Both mother and child came down with fevers and died. With a breaking heart, John dug their grave and laid them in it. Later he said, "But for Jesus, and the fellowship He vouchsafed me there, I must have gone mad and died beside that lonely grave!"


One of the gifts that Jesus had given him to sustain him in those days were the

words his wife spoke shortly before here death…She did not murmur against God, or resent her husband bringing her there.

Rather she spoke these incredible words— and you find them again and again where

the Bible has sunk into the heart—"I do not regret leaving home and friends. If I had it

to do over, I would do it with more pleasure, yes, with all my heart"


The first Protestant missionary set foot on Chinese soil on September 7, 1807. His name was Robert Morrison. He was a Scottish Presbyterian, and except for one furlough, he spent the next 27 years in China.


Persevering against the hostility of official opposition and the resistance of foreign merchants, Morrison baptized the first Chinese Protestant Christian, Cai Gao, on July 16, 1814. After the baptism of Cai Gao, Morrison wrote prophetically in his journal, “May he be the first-fruits of a great harvest, one of millions who shall come and be saved on the day of wrath to come."


In 2007 it was reported:At the time of the Communist takeover in 1949, there were roughly 900,000 Protestants. Today, the Center for the Study of Global Christianity... says there are 111 million Christians in China, roughly 90% Protestant and mostly Pentecostal. That would make China the third-largest Christian country on earth, following only the USAand Brazil.


• Sometimes, the going will get tough - whatever our circumstances, God wants us to remain faithful to our calling.

• Faithfulness comes as a result of knowing God, who is always faithful, Heb. 13:8, Isaiah 55:11


• Do you trust God, even if the circumstances, for a time, seem to contradict His word?

• Faith is believing God, rather than what we see or feel Hebrews 11:1,6


Many Spirit-filled leaders expect never to experience times of darkness or

confusion in which they cannot discover God’s will, unless they fall

into sin. God, on occasions, purposefully allows us to go through

tough times.Bob Gordon


iv) The Reflective Principle


God’s leaders are only as effective as the quality of

their relationship with Him


Leaders should not rely on yesterday’s bread. They need continually to be coming to God in order to get fresh material for their own delighting in God - and for those they lead


Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him

Psalm 37:7


Be still and know that I am GodPsalm 46:10


After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’Acts 13:22


• Exodus 33:7ff• Isa 40: 27-31• Psalm 42:1-11• Mark 1:35ff• Luke 6:12f


The Need

• Spiritual leadership begins and ends with a full dependence on God

• Often Christians relegate waiting on God to times of stress and difficulty

• Others try everything but waiting on God in order to find fulfillment, success and purpose in life

• God wants us to be available to hear his voice


• All God’s leaders should be people who meet with God regularly

• Waiting on God is not a one-off thing—it needs to be a daily discipline

• Many Christian leaders feel that their lives are too busy to do this


• God has made a way for us to come into His very presence through Jesus: Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 John 3:21,22

• God wants us to come to Him and to develop our relationship with Him.

• ‘Come near to God and he will come near to you.’ James 4:8


What’s important to you?

• Christianity will not seem to work unless our inner spiritual life is in order. Therefore, waiting on God needs to be our first priority of life as a Christian

• Most people spend most time and energy attaining possessions, position, friends, a good family life etc.

• The greatest commandment - Luke 10:27


• What do you think God’s priority for your use of time is?

• Jesus told Martha (who was very busy serving Him and complaining that her sister Mary was doing nothing to help) that Mary chose the better thing because she sat at His feet and was listening to Him (Luke 10:38–42).


• ‘Waiting on God is not optional, it is an essential part of every leaders life.

• Seeking God in solitude and silence is not a lazy alternative to doing something more fruitful for God nor is it unproductive, it is the foundation upon which we should build our lives and our service for God


Farewell, until we meet again...


The Bridge: Leadership character

Spiritual

Transcript of The Bridge: Leadership character