Spiritual leaders have great responsibility. As believers, we all have the call to make disciples. For example, I️ recall a time early on in our marriage when my hubs and I were having a heated discussion. We couldn’t agree on the best parenting approach with our young kiddos. For example, let me paint a picture…Kids are screaming. You’re beat. The bad cop wants to do one thing. The good cop has a different idea. It was at one of these moments my hubs reminded me, “Hey, we’re on the same team!”
Spiritual Leadership Requires TeamWork
Of course, we are! We aim to raise responsible, respectful, God-fearing, Jesus loving adults out of these little ones. But wow–it is difficult to stay on course.
The same is true within the church. We have the same mission. And the Great Commission tells us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19). However, when it gets down to the nuts & bolts of how to implement our mission, things can get messy. Besides, we are jealous, prideful, stubborn, ugly, left-out, ignored, or slighted.
Live on Mission
Read 2 Cor. 8:16-24. Paul was all about mentoring those around him. Like Paul, we must raise future leaders, mothers, fathers, teachers, and disciple-makers. We make disciple-makers who will make disciple-makers. Let’s learn a bit more…
- Great spiritual leaders are servants. The brother who is famous among all the churches (v. 18) is nameless. Interestingly, so is the one who was tested and found earnest in all matters (v. 22). Nameless. Not seeking recognition. Not with an agenda. Rather, seeking earnestly to serve.
- Great spiritual leaders have unquestionable integrity. Paul appointed someone over the financial gift from the Macedonian church who had proved himself trustworthy. He went to great lengths to ensure that there would be no criticisms or complaints. Integrity is someone who lives above reproach. Honest. Truthful. Fair.
- Great spiritual leaders delegate authority. No one can do it all and do it well. You have unique gifts, talents, and abilities. Where you are weak, someone else is strong. A diverse team is a better team, able to minister to people from all walks of life with varying personalities.
- Great spiritual leaders encourage. In closing, Paul urges the church to show the proof of their love to their new leaders. He handed the baton off and expected unity amongst his team.
In some realm, our calling is to raise future leaders. And in another, we’ve been called to be on the team. Think about your various roles today. How can we be better spiritual leaders in our marriage, our church, our home, our workplace, and our neighborhood? Any ideas out there?