Tame that Tongue: Too Many Words
Issue #69, November 16, 2011 In the last issue we acknowledged the amazing power servant leaders have in their tongue, “The power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). James cautions leaders that they will be held accountable for how they use their tongue and warns us that “no man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). […]
The Art of Avoiding Immorality
Issue #67, October 19, 2011 Far too many Christian leaders have lost their ability to influence because of sexual immorality. I am certain that each reader of this issue can give a personal story of this sad situation. My intent is not to condemn those who have fallen, but to help each of us deal […]
The Art of Avoiding Temptation
Issue #66, October 5, 2011 Servant leaders know what to avoid! The Bible provides many instructions for servant leaders to ‘avoid,’ ‘run away from’ or ‘stay away!’ As I evaluated these instructions I found most of them centered around two categories: people and evil. In the last issue we looked at the kind of people […]
The Art of Avoiding People
Issue #65, September 21, 2011 Leaders pursue their goals with intensity and focus on their objectives. But effective leaders also know what to avoid. The Bible provides many instructions for servant leaders to ‘avoid,’ ‘run away from’ or ‘stay away!’ As I evaluated these instructions I found most of them centered around two categories: people […]
Leading with Joy
Issue #45, December 1, 2010 Paul was chained up in prison, struggling, not sure whether it would be better to live or die, and opposed by people determined to undermine his leadership. In this situation he wrote four chapters of inspiration summarized by one of his opening statements, “And because of this I rejoice. Yes, […]
When Time is Up
Issue #44, November 17, 2010 Perseverance is a great attribute of leadership and the apostle Paul is a great example of this attribute. But servant leaders also know when their time is up and they should change direction. Luke’s simple statement of his experience with Paul provides profound insights for servant leaders. “But when our […]
Battlefield Leadership
Issue #42, October 20, 2010 Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #6 Fight. Conquer. Win. Now we’re talking leadership! After emphasizing the importance of knowing our identity, the power of prayer, and leadership from the bottom, Paul closes his book with a call to engage in the cosmic battle that is raging around us. But his reflections […]
Influence from the Bottom
Issue #41, October 6, 2010 Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #5 Servant leaders practice the art of influencing from the bottom rather than dictating from the top. It’s an upside down approach to leadership that goes directly against our flesh and against most of the models we have experienced. Influencing from the bottom is hard to […]
Gifted to Lead
Issue #40, September 22, 2010 Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #4 Servant leaders are uniquely gifted to lead in ways that produce results. Paul recognizes the power of leaders who use their gifts for God’s glory when he says, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, […]
Knee Power
Issue #39, September 8, 2010 Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #3 Leaders recognize and often seek power. Paul, in Eph. 3:14-21, prayed for power, but a very different kind of power than we often look for in leadership. He recognized that servant leaders operate with knee power. He opened his prayer with these words, “For this […]