Speaking the Truth, without Self-Seeking
When Paul calls us as leaders to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), he clearly wants what we speak to be true. But when he explains that love is “not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:5), Paul goes deep into our hearts to expose the reasons why we speak truth. What we say matters but our […]
Leadership Temptation: Using Calling for Provision
Leaders face temptations like everyone else, but they also face unique temptations because of their leadership gifts, calling and roles. Jesus faced these temptations at the beginning of His leadership journey, and shows all servant leaders how to identify these tests and how to resist them. In the first of three temptations, Matthew records the […]
Quality Assurance: Respectable
Issue #102, March 27, 2013 Paul’s next instruction to Timothy is to find leaders who are “respectable” (1Timothy 3:2). Being respectable is much deeper than looking good on the outside or impressing people with charisma or leadership skills. Paul recognized that followers will not long follow a leader they do not genuinely respect. He understood […]
Leading From or Towards Intimacy—Part 1
Issue #94, November 14, 2012 Servant leaders live in an intimate relationship with Jesus which profoundly shapes all aspects of their leadership. Their leadership flows from this relationship. Those who don’t walk in intimacy unconsciously seek it through their leadership, leading towards intimacy. In the next three issues, we’ll explore this concept in more detail. […]
Nehemiah: Visions Respond to Need
Issue #77, March 14, 2012 We have examined the foundation of Nehemiah’s vision to build the wall. It was based on his character and birthed in prayer. In this issue we’ll observe that Nehemiah’s vision was not about himself but about others. It came as a response to the report he received about Jerusalem. They […]
Nehemiah: Vision is based on Character
Issue #75, February 15, 2012 With this issue we begin a series of reflections on the life of Nehemiah, a great servant leader with strengths in many areas. We will focus on one aspect of his leadership which every leader needs: vision. Nehemiah lived in exile, born and raised in the Persian empire where he […]
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). […]
Leading More With Less
Issue #16, October 8, 2009 We live in a world looking for ‘more.’ Marketers encourage us to buy because the product has ‘25% more!’ Businesses look for more customers and more profit. Churches look for more members and bigger budgets. Those who have more are highly esteemed. Leaders, as agents of change, naturally join the […]