Posts Tagged ‘Leadership’

Courage as a Disciple

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Nowhere did Jesus demand His followers to show great courage. Nowhere did He say, “Never compromise on your values.” He didn’t need to! His example was enough.

In John chapter 2 Our Lord stood against all the Jewish leaders of His day because they had made a place of worship into a trading house. He chased them out with whips and overturned their tables. He castigated them for their wicked practices.

The church needs disciples that will courageously give direction. We need disciples who know and will tell the truth. We do not need to be told our duties, we need the Christ like courage to do what we already know we should do.

Discipleship is a battle, and the fight requires courage.  Having courage doesn’t mean that you will never fear or tremble. Having courage means that you will do what is right, regardless of the consequences.

Martin Luther, the 16th century reformer, was a true disciple of courage. He defied the church of his day. In 1521 he appeared before the German Diet  in the city of Worms; though promised safe escort, he knew he risked his life by going. The same promise had been given to John Hus a century before, and they had burned him at the stake. Church leaders had promised Luther forgiveness if he would repent of his “errors” and return to “true faith”. Luther knew this promise had little value since they considered promises to heretics as nonbinding. He also knew the history of the two previous centuries, when thousands of Christians underwent torture, sometimes death, during the infamous Spanish Inquisition.

Luther arrived safely, but the court allowed him no opportunity to defend his beliefs. Instead he was presented with a list of his “errors”.  Knowing that the court would decide whether he lived or died,  Luther said the following:

Unless I am convicted of error by the testimony of Scripture (since I put no trust in the   unsupported authority of Pope or of councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves), by manifest reasoning I stand convicted by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, I cannot and will no recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.

Through the centuries our disciples have made their stands. They have stood for truth integrity, and righteousness, no matter what their field of labor. God has promised that He will honor those who honor Him.

(1 Samuel 2:30)

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Discipleship Requires Teamwork and Humility

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Jesus told his disciples that the fields were ready to harvest, obviously using this as a symbol of spiritual readiness. He added,

Those who gather the crop are already getting paid. They are already harvesting the crop for eternal life. So those who plant and those who gather can now be glad together.

“Here is a true saying. ‘One plants and another gathers.’  I sent you to gather what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work. You have gathered the benefits of their work.” (John 4:36-38)

Jesus wanted His disciples to know that they owed a debt of gratitude to those who had labored before them.  He could have easily reminded them that the very land they stood on had been won in combat by Joshua and the faithful Israelites. He could have mentioned the rabbis and the other leaders who kept the Jewish faith and taught the people.

When the Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians, he had a similar idea in mind. The Corinthians had begun to elevate the leaders they liked and align themselves with them.

After all, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? We are only people who serve. We helped you to believe. The Lord has given each of us our own work to do. I planted the seed. Apollos watered it. But God made it grow.

So the one who plants is not important. The one who waters is not important. It is God who makes things grow. He is the One who is important. The one who plants and the one who waters have the same purpose. The Lord will give each of us a reward for our work. We work together with God. You are like God’s field. You are like his building. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)

Jesus came to His own ministry, but only after John the Baptist had prepared the way. Peter owed his connection with Jesus to his brother Andrew, who invited him to follow the Lord too. And the Book of Acts implies martyrdom of Stephen had a powerful effect on Paul, which helped make way for his conversion.

Why did Jesus, after training His followers, send them out by twos? (Luke 10:1) Having a second person along obviously would encourage a traveler in a strange place. But I wonder whether Jesus had an additional reason in mind.

Might Peter have come back after visiting a city all by himself saying, “Look what I did?” Could it be for the start that Jesus wanted His followers to see their dependence on one another- and on the Lord? He may have even wanted to prepare them for the “one body in Christ” idea. Later Paul’s writings would constantly call the church back to that concept (Rom. 12:3-8, 1Cor. 12:12).

Jesus Himself could have taken credit for everything from Creation onward. But He acknowledged the rules of the faithful, readily pointing to Abraham as the father of the Hebrew nation, for example (John 8:53).

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Jesus is the Model Rule Breaker

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2:23-27)

Jesus puts people first, regulations second. Human needs come first, traditions second. The kingdom of God comes first, and everything else second. In practical terms, that means leaders must sometimes violate “sacred” traditions and tear down barriers. Sometimes that takes great courage.
We should not break traditions for the sake of breaking them. Customs can have their place or benefits. Usually they come into place for good reasons. Yet when custom interferes with human need, riles need to be broken. Human need comes before custom and tradition.
Jesus could have used hundreds of examples to show the religious leaders of His day had exploited and spiritually enslaved the people, but He selected one of the most important ones, the law of the Sabbath. Perhaps He did so to so that people would examine other customs, rituals, and regulations by the same criteria.
Sound custom breaking goes back to Jesus’ definition of the first commandment, loving God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. He tied this to loving our neighbors as ourselves so tightly that it is practically the same commandment. How better can we show our love to God than by the way we treat people? A Mountain Mover uses love as the measure for breaking human customs to meet human needs.

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Our Sacred Duty (adapted from the U.S. Navy SEAL Code)

Saturday, September 19th, 2009

My loyalty to God is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Christians, always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my calling, placing the welfare of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the congregation’s property. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. Where Scripture is silent, I will take charge, lead my fellow believers, and accomplish the mission that our Lord commanded. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Lord expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time, on the account that it is my Lord advancing through me. I am His humble slave. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish the mission. I am never out of the fight because the Lord is and has been in me since my baptism.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The eternal lives of others and the success of the mission depend on our total dependence on our Lord and Savior — my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail are a gift from Him. My training is never complete, I will continue in His Word, always.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of His combat power to bear in order to achieve His mission and the goals established by through His Word. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required, yet guided by the very principles I serve to defend.

Brave, broken sinners have fought and died and are with Him enjoying His heavenly banquet. They built the proud tradition and reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of the Church steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail. This I do so intend with the help of God.

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Informing Minds, Maturing Hearts

Saturday, June 7th, 2008

The word for “disciple” in the Greek is “mathêtês.” This word, as a noun, is used only in the Gospels and Acts. As a verb, the word “mathanô” means “to learn, to conform to.” Therefore, a disciple was a learner and follower – one who adheres to someone’s teaching or instruction (see, Mt. 5:1). In fact, it was a common first century designation given for students. We find that there were disciples of John the Baptist (Mt. 11:2), disciples of the Pharisees (Lk. 5:33), and disciples of Moses (Jn. 9:28). Accordingly, what does a disciple of Jesus look like? What are some characteristics of Jesus’ disciples?


First and most importantly, a true disciple of Jesus is one who believes the good news of the gospel (Acts 14:21). This involves believing Jesus for who he is (Jn. 1:41, 45, 49; 6:69).
Second, being a disciple means the devotion of our entire lives for our entire life. Jesus urges us to count the costs before becoming his disciple (Lk. 14:25-33), as well as all throughout our journey here on earth (Lk. 9:23). Of course, not everyone who calls themselves a disciple of Jesus is truly a disciple (Jn. 6:66). One can be closely associated with Jesus without becoming a true disciple of his (for example, Judas Iscariot). This makes sense when we consider that being a disciple is not entirely voluntary. One must first be called by Jesus to become a disciple of his (Mk. 1:17-20; 19:26; Jn. 6:70; 15:16).
Third, being a disciple in the early Church involved sacrificial service to others (Mt. 14:19-20; Jn. 13:14-17; Acts 6:2-3).
Fourth, Jesus’ disciples are part of an obedient community (Mt. 12:49-50; Acts 6:7). Just as marriage is a genuine expression of love, so too is obedience a genuine expression of discipleship.
And, fifth, disciples of Jesus share in the privilege of duplicating themselves (Mt. 28:19-20). Jesus commands his first disciples to continue the work he began in them.

Being a disciple of Jesus is not merely gaining knowledge, but integrating what is learned into our lives. We want not only to be informed of our Master’s life, but transformed by his life as well. Jesus says that a “student” (”mathêtês”) will not only learn from his teacher, but will be “like his teacher” (Lk. 6:40). This principle of being changed by what we learn comes out loud and clear in Phil. 4:9 where Paul encourages the Philippian believers to take what they have “learned” from him (a variation of the verb “mathanô”) and “put it into practice.” How exciting to know that we are pupils of the living God who personally trains us to be like him!

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Five Biblical Dynamics of Leadership

Tuesday, February 5th, 2008

Five Biblical Dynamics of Leadership

I. Servant Leaders Identify and Respond to Problems in a Timely Fashion.

Luke defines the problem the Apostles faced. “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. (Acts 6:1 NIV)

The Apostles understood that it was their responsibility to see that the problem was solved. They didn’t close their eyes and pretend that a problem didn’t exist. They said, “We will solve the problem now.”

I’ve seen parents pretend that a problem doesn’t exist in their home. No one assumes leadership to see that the problem is corrected. The neglected issue may be financial, health, discipline or relational and it degenerates to the point where permanent damage is caused.

Every time I’ve run from a problem, the problem grows and I lose ground. Fear and selfishness cause us to run from problems. Servant/leaders face the issues and addresses the problems.

Is there a responsibility that you have been running from? Right now look up to Heaven and say, “God, I accept the mantle of servant/leadership. I will face this issue in a timely fashion.

II. Servant Leadership Functions Within Roles That God Has Assigned.

Problems cry out for our immediate attention. The urgency of the moment lures us into roles in which God has not called us to serve. In this passage we see that servant/leaders stick to their roles. “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” (Acts 6:2 NIV)

The Twelve apostles were not lazy, but God did not call them to solve ethnic problems among widows. They had a clear picture of their ministry roles. Their highest priority was prayer and the ministry of the word. v.4, ” . . . give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” They said, “We will diligently fulfill our primary calling and release others to meet this need. When New Hope began, I was involved in nearly everything. I’ve been learning that I can’t solve all the problems. As God sends leaders we can release them to find and implement solutions for the challenges New Hope faces. This same process needs to happen in your home. Parents need to give children the opportunity to solve simple domestic problems. That builds initiative and analytical skills in the child’s life.

Are you a parent who does everything for your child? Learn from the apostles example and delegate chores to your children. See that they do the chores in a timely, efficient manner. Today, you can accept the mantle of leadership God has for you.

III. Leadership That Serves Establishes the Essential Qualifications for Servers.

Every area of responsibility requires it’s own set of skills and expertise. What qualifications are necessary to solve an explosive racial issue among widows?

Some were saying to the Greek widows, “Go back where you came from and let your friends back home feed you. We’ll even give you a boat ticket so you can get back home and not be a burden to us.” This looks like a no win situation. How many men would volunteer for this assignment?

Notice the minimum qualifications the Apostles set. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. (Acts 6:3-5a NIV) Let’s examine the Apostles three qualifications.

1. “Of honest report.” They had to be men who were respected by the congregation. This responsibility required men who had the confidence of the congregation. Men who when you mention their name the people would say, “He’s a good honest man.”

2. “Full of the Holy Ghost.” When dealing with explosive racial situations this qualification is absolutely necessary. How can you tell if a person is full of the Holy Ghost? Answer, are the fruit of the Spirit evident in his/her life?

Ask the person’s spouse or close friend if ” . . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” characterize the individuals life.

We can fake the fruit of the Spirit but in an unguarded moment fakers reveal their true spirit.

3. “Full of wisdom.” I have seen people with an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control approach a difficult problem and get ground to pulp. What went wrong? They didn’t have the gift of wisdom. They made some foolish decisions.

Other times I’ve seen churches appoint people with loads of business smarts. They too failed to solve the problem because they lacked Godly wisdom. They were not able to view life from God’s perspective. Notice who the congregation chose. “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.” (Acts 6:3-5 NIV)

All seven have Greek names and appear to be from the minority group. It appears that the church turned over their entire program and funds for needy widows to the minority group that had been discriminated against.

Today we would stack the board with three Greeks, three Jews and one Apostle to break the tie vote. When service is the objective and when the board members are honest, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, it’s not necessary to stack the board so your own interests are kept before the decision makers. These qualified men will minister in fairness. Question. How would those three qualifications change the impact of your parenting leadership? Are your children proud to introduce you as their mom and dad? How would the fruit of the Spirit change the dynamics in your home?

How many confrontations would have been avoided if you had a little more wisdom? Accept the mantle of leadership God is giving to you and don’t forget to ask Him for wisdom.

IV. Leadership That Serves Often Sees The Blessing of God When leaders address a problem in a timely fashion, when they function within their ordained roles and establish spiritual qualifications for servers, when they take risks and release others in ministry, then God is free to bless.

Notice what happened in Jerusalem. “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:6-7 NIV)

Why did the church grow? First, it was a disciplined church (Ananias and Sapphira). Second, the Apostles focused on prayer and ministry of the word. Third, Urgent problems were dealt with in an open and timely manner by empowered people. Parents who accept these same three factors will see positive changes in the atmosphere of their homes.

If God is calling you to leadership, accept His mantle of responsibility and you will experience the blessing of God on your life.

V. Leadership That Serves Releases Anointed Leadership.

Some people quickly out  grow their appointment. Their gifts, talents and abilities are better used in other areas of ministry. This was true of Stephen. “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8 NIV)

God had plans for Stephen that went beyond waiting on tables. He had a dormant gifting that others did not recognize. It was in the ministry of waiting on tables that people noticed God’s gifting, grace and power upon his life. In the course of waiting on tables he had opportunity to do great wonders and miraculous signs.

I look at each of you and wonder, “What gift lies dormant beneath the surface of your life? We’ll never know unless you accept an opportunity to serve. Then God may surprise you and the church and accomplish great and mighty things with your life. Will you say, “Lord, I’m available?”

Conclusion:

Leadership in the church of the living God is a high and holy calling. The Apostle Paul said to young Timothy, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Tim 3:1 NIV)

This tells me that God places leadership in the hearts of people.

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Leadership and Prayer

Friday, February 1st, 2008

Leadership and Prayer

1. Luke 11:1   Prayer must be taught to the leaders. It does not just happen.

2.Acts 6:3       Leaders are to be men “filled with the Holy Spirit” and willing to grow spiritually.

3. 2 Tim. 2:2   A priority of the pastor is to work with the leaders and train the leaders, part of which includes prayer.

4. Luke 9:23, 14:25-33   In raising up leaders, don’t ask for anything less than what Jesus asked for.

5. Acts 14:23   Selection of leaders must be done in prayer, so that the leaders of the church are the ones God has chosen.

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Human Resources is Leadership Development by Wayne Hamit

Tuesday, January 15th, 2008

Human Resources is Leadership Development.

Leadership Development centers around a person’s value system. The values of Mountain Movers are Love, Giving, Serving, and Enjoying.

All of those happen to be extensions of the founder’s values which are expressions of his personal faith tradition.

The marketplace is beginning to come to the realization that values drive everything. A number of studies have helped those in the arena of Leadership Development and Corporate Coaching realize that a person’s values are an expression of their personal spirituality.

Our employees are on a journey beyond achievement and success. Our goal is to help develop them from their inner core so that they will be able to lead from their souls. It is a great avenue to help individuals identify their core competencies. A big part of Mountain Movers deals with unifying all aspects of the person into a totally integrated person, this includes a person’s spirituality. It also includes a number of other human components as well. We want to discourage “compartmentalization” of the person.

To limit the assessments to only spiritual concerns would be a huge mistake. We are looking at the whole person and in so doing helping the individual:

- Know Themselves (various assessments and tools)

- Know God (various events and spiritual opportunities so that we protect their religious freedoms and help them to grow in their

spirituality)

-Serve Others (community events, charitable giving, volunteering with various nonprofits)

Leaders need a resource so that the can truly care and nurture those under their supervision. A “go to” person is needed at the director level for the people of Mountain Movers. We need to do a better job in for and developing our employees and team.

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Servant Leadership

Thursday, January 10th, 2008

Servant Leadership

Applying Lessons from Jesus to Business

Training by Wayne Hamit

If you are a person that is called upon to lead, motivate, or transform others, this course is a must. Business People in today’s world will profit from learning how Jesus did it. This practical guide is a no-holds-barred approach that deals with the challenges that are in the marketplace today. This course outlines a number of scenarios involving conflict, change, teamwork, communication, and competition. In each scenerio there is a simple power tactic that Jesus utilized.

A tactical process for leadership that goes from transactional to relational and from relational to transformational. The purpose of this course is to analyze and clarify in a simple, direct way the subtle people-moving methods of Jesus so that today’s leaders can model them.

Business needs to be transformed. This is today’s challenge. The human cost for doing business has never been greater. Ethical and moral compromises are a matter of course. Mission statements, business plans, and market share mean little when the rank and file feel underutilized, unfairly treated, and unloved, and customers feel poorly served. The power of Jesus and His leadership was centered on three pivotal principles.

Principle1: Vision through Values

Integrity

Responsibility

Commitment

Vision

Principle 2: Synergy through Community

Communications

Conflict Resolution

Optimism

Positive Change Management

Principle 3: Investment through Empowerment

Empowerment

Courage

Example

Preparation

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