Leading in the Kingdom

There are so many needs in our communities, nations, and world that cry out for the touch of Jesus. His people are called to move toward these needs as His hands and feet. Jesus calls us who are His leaders in workplaces, churches, ministries, neighborhoods, schools, and networks to lead in a different way with different realities.

Leading in the kingdom is not the same as leading in any other aspect of culture. It is wholly different at its core and in its motives, values and perspective.

These are decisions each leader must make:

Am I willing to submit to Jesus’s rule in my leadership?
Am I willing to partner with other leaders and ministries for specific ministries?
Am I willing to let go of control?
Am I willing to not get the credit?
Am I willing to encourage other expressions of similar ministry?

Ask the Spirit to speak to your heart as you ponder these questions this week.

Maranatha,

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Multiplying Leaders Modeled

How did Jesus take a political radical, a national traitor who raised money for the Romans, small-business owners, doubters, self-centered and personally ambitious followers and make them into a band that turned the world upside down? He changed their perspective from the here and now to the present and forever kingdom. He demonstrated what leading in the kingdom is all about and teaching them the simplicity of leading in His kingdom. He affirmed their faith and admonished their fears. He rebuked their selfishness yet was patient with them as they grew in leading in His kingdom.

He did not transfer content to them at a head level. He did not teach them programs, methods, or procedures. But He did teach them to serve people, meet needs in faith, and die to themselves. Jesus, the Lord, the One who came to show us the way, intentionally built leaders not masses. He personally spent time with individuals and small groups.

When I came into the kingdom, I had to start over. I had to unlearn much of what I learned in business and military leadership. Manipulative practices and command and control leadership are out of bounds for Jesus’s leaders. I had to learn (and I am still learning) to move away from fleshly patterns, values, motives, and strategies of the world and move toward His ways of leading and developing people. The practices, values, character, motives, heart, and goals for leading are radically different in Jesus’s kingdom.

I learned that the way of Jesus is to develop others, who develop others, who develop others…

Maranatha,

Leading from the Inside Out

People evaluate us from the outside. That’s all they can see. But God looks at the heart. To lead in light of eternity is to lead from the inside out, staying in fellowship with Jesus; walking in His ways; and constantly checking our heart, character, motives, and values.

The issues are these: Are my character, heart, values and motives aligning with Jesus? Am I living and walking in the Spirit? Am I abiding in Jesus? These are questions and issues any leader wanting to honor Jesus will be asking.

No matter what we know, what our accomplishments or credentials are, our inside-out walk with Jesus is vital. Our relationship with Jesus is revealed by how we walk. Filling our heads with knowledge does not mean our walk with Jesus will be faithful.

Knowing the right things and living them are two different things.

Ponder this today.

Maranatha,

Spiritual Movements

There are three indicators of spiritual movements; they multiply spiritual fruit, they have many leaders, and their organizations and expressions are being used by God to change lives.

Spiritual movements grow by the work of the Spirit. Our role is to create environments that are conducive to spontaneous growth. But we cannot manufacture a movement. However, we can focus on meeting real needs and use spiritual tools of prayer, the Scriptures, and the love of Christ to serve people in need, but it is the Spirit that gives growth. Then we watch where the Spirit of God is moving, and we follow the trail.

Movements happen when people are released to innovate and follow the Spirit’s lead in new ways or new places of ministry. If we long to see the Gospel of Christ reach the nations, we will have to de-emphasize our structures and empower average, called people to minister according to their gifts and calling.

How does this speak to you today?

Maranatha,