I'm taking a few guys through a book called Spiritual Leadership by Henry & Richard Blackaby. It's an outstanding leadership book that all Christians should read, regardless of if you're in ministry or business. I will share some highlights and lessons from the book as we work through it this summer. Here are some key points from the first two chapters.
What motivates people?
“Except for the financially desperate, people do not work for money alone. What also fuels their passion for work is a larger sense of purpose or passion. Given the opportunity, people gravitate to what gives them meaning, to what engages to the fullest their commitment, talent, energy and skill.” Connect people to God’s purposes accomplishes this.
Leadership: Human Strategies vs. God’s Strategy
1 Samuel 8:10-22—Israel insists on having a king
· Israelites assumed spiritual concerns like righteous living and obedience to God belonged in the religious realm while practical issues of governance, battle and the economy were secular matters.
· The human strategy at the time was for each nation to have a king.
· God’s strategy was for the people to follow Him directly.
· “Israelites didn’t realize that God was just as active on the battlefield as he was in the worship service.” “The world needs people in business who know how to apply their faith in the boardroom as well as in the Bible study room.”
· “One’s calling as a Christian not only takes precedence over his or her career; it actually gives direction to that career.”
Spiritual Leader’s Task…
1) Move people from where they are to where God wants them to be.
2) Depend on the Holy Spirit.
3) Are accountable to God.
4) Can influence all people, not just God’s people.
5) Work from God’s agenda.
Some Temptations Christian Leaders Face
Jesus’ Temptations in the Desert (Matthew 4; Luke 4:1-13)
1) Instead of God’s way there’s an easier way with lower personal cost.
2) God’s way is not the only option in achieving the desired goals.
3) God needs me to accomplish His purposes, so I should develop my own plan to get the jog done.
—> Jesus established the model for Christian leadership: Absolute obedience to God’s will.
If Christians around the world were to suddenly renounce their personal agendas, their life goals and their aspirations, and begin responding in radical obedience to everything God showed them, the world would be turned upside down.
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