LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

LIDERSHIP AUDIT ANALYSIS I

SUBMITTED TO DR. RICHARD G. HALCOMBE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE LEAD 510 BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

BY JOSE MIGUEL MERCEDES

SAN PEDRO DE MACORIS, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 9th, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................2 CHRISTIAN LEADER AUDIT ......................................................................................................3 SERVANT LEADER AUDIT .........................................................................................................4 CREDIBILITY AUDIT ...................................................................................................................5 SPIRITUAL GIFTS AUDIT............................................................................................................6 NATURAL GIFTS AUDIT .............................................................................................................7 PASSION AUDIT ...........................................................................................................................8 CHARACTER AUDIT ....................................................................................................................9 CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................................................10 BIBLIOGRAPHY ..........................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION When Jesus was on earth, He established by His own example that one of the characteristic that should be present in a good leader was this man or woman was a servant. As a servant, the leader is called to have a teachable spirit in order to become a good representative of his/her Master. In the case of Jesus, He is perfect. He didnt have to improve any area of His life, but although He was perfect, chose to walk and live as a servant to set the parameters that anyone who holds a leadership position should look at. We, as Christian leaders, must improve different areas in our lives in order to become what God has called us to do in His work. A Christian leader also has a duty. Christian leaders are servants with the credibility and capabilities to influence people in a particular context to pursue their God-given direction.1 Credibility and capabilities do not grow on trees or can be purchased at the supermarket. They have to be developed. If we really want to influence others, and specifically lead people to do Gods will, we ought to purposely and diligently allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and mold it. One of the ways to accomplish this task is to be evaluated. The following assignment presents seven leadership audits (Christian leader, servant leader, credibility, spiritual gifts, natural gifts, passion and character) that look for assessing various components of leadership. These audits do not represent an exhaustive list of what a leader must work on in order to progress in his/her development, but they cover enough ground to determine where this leader is. As a Christian, I am honored to be called a leader. Falling far from perfection, these audits will serve to the purpose of assessing my own life and allow God to shape me and form me to become the type of leader that pleases Him.

Aubrey Malphurs, Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013), 10.

CHRISTIAN LEADER AUDIT I was saved when I was 16 years old. When I was about to turn 18 years old, I felt Gods call in my life to live and work for Him the rest of my life. I did not have any clue about Christian leadership, except for the fact that I was highly impressed by some charismatic preachers. I thought leadership was about to become a pastor. After attending a Bible Institute for three years, I returned to my home church with the hope to be able to help my pastor and be his mentee. His answer was a direct No. I went through some difficult times and ended up working in a secular job as a book designer in Santo Domingo, the capital of my country (one and a half hour from home). A friend of mine, who was a pastor, introduced me to another pastor to receive some counseling. I wont ever forget my first appointment with this pastor. I told him I was really concern about remaining in the ministry. His answer still resounds in my ears, Im not going to talk to you as a minister; Im going to talk to you as a child of God. From then on, I have put more attention to grow as a Christian believer rather than grow as a minister. The Christian leader audit is about growing as a Christian believer and being able to fulfill Gods call in ones life. In order to keep this principle in my mind, I always introduce myself with this title, Brother, because it is a reminder that what I do as a leader is not about a position, but the result of who I am in Christ instead. I cannot be more agreeing with Malphurs when he says that not all leaders in our churches are at the same level of competence or expertise. Most likely, the difference is the leadership gift.2 This gift doesnt come as a result of a degree on a seminary, but from God. And the way to acknowledge it is by walking faithfully as a believer, reading His Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Ive looked behind me and I can see people following me. That just can come from God. All the glory to Him!!!
2

Ibid, 21.

SERVANT LEADER AUDIT I do not know anybody among the leaders that Ive ever met, not even one, that wouldnt like to be recognized as a servant. In fact, leaders call each other servants. We suppose thats the type of character every leader should reflect. But that doesnt happen in reality. Servanthood is so important. It is a constant teaching in the Bible. Ted W. Engstrom concludes rightly when he says, The leadership of the New Testament lies not in brilliant public relations or platform personality, but in humble service to the group. God's work must be carried forward by spiritual power and not by personal magnetism...3 Because I could find not seeing myself properly and just following a desire of what I could not be, I found very key to ask others about this audit. Although I was afraid to face reality, the desire to improve whatever was needed in this area of my life took me to not hesitate about sharing the questionnaire about the servant leader. I was under the scrutiny of six people (which I think probably is not enough), following the instructions that these people should know me well. According to their rating, I am a strong servant. This conclusion take me to reflect in two important things: first, I do really enjoy serving others. It is a real pleasure to be able to not only see opportunities to serve but doing something about it. Secondly, service helps in keeping me humble because I know that if I can be a blessing to others is just because Gods grace working in and through me. I know this is not my work, but Gods. I know His work must be done in His power, not mine. If I try to boast, I remind myself these penetrating words: In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, We are good for-nothing slaves; weve only done our duty (Luke 17:10, HCSB).

Ted W. Engstrom, Un Lder no Nace, se Hace (Grand Rapids, MI: Editorial Betania, 1980), 50. Translated from Spanish.

CREDIBILITY AUDIT In Christendom, leadership is about people following leaders. If we look behind us and we see anybody following us, we would have to ask ourselves if we are true leaders. Being on certain position could be misunderstood as being a leader. Furthermore, although there are leaders in high positions, the true leader does not necessarily require a position to have followers. However, character plays a key role in the life of a true leader. His life must show a consistency not only in his/her words, but also in his/her behavior. He/she must be confidence in his/her plan in order for people build the necessary confidence from the followers. And the leader who believes in his followers has people who believe in him.4 I have found myself constantly saying that people need to follow Jesus and not me. I have been wrong. When I saw the results of this audit, I can see clearly that people look at me as a model of Jesus. Malphurs says, Though trust begins with God, its extended to people and is vital to human relationships in general and relationships with leaders in particular.5 The apostle Paul says it in this way, Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.6 My weakness in this area of credibility is that I do not see myself having the necessary skills to be a competent leader. Sometimes I think I need a position to become a better leader, although I believe with all my heart it is not necessary. God has used people to remind me that I have a blessing to them and I am encouraged to continue giving the best I can in His power. I have also experimented that when I have trusted God and His Word to give an advice, God has blessed me being able to see lives changing. It requires courage to keep believing what the Bible says instead of taking the easiest way and please the people. I have gain a lot of confidence now that I know I am working toward being trusted.
4 5

Elmer L. Towns, Biblical Models for Leadership (Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning, 2011), 2. Malphurs, 51. 6 1 Corinthians 11:1 (HCSB).

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AUDIT Spiritual gifts are very important for a healthy development of the local church. That is the way God designed it. So many churches today are looking for the recipe of church growth and concentrate in everything except the spiritual gifts. It is my conviction that a good leader must emphasize what the Bible emphasize. And the emphasis of the Bible is that the local church must be built by the use of spiritual gifts from its members (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). It is the task of the leader to make this emphasis in the local church so its members focus on Gods design on this matter. When I saw this audit, I was bias because I learnt that trying to identify your spiritual gift through a questionnaire was just a loss of time. Although I am not totally convinced this is the best way, I can see the confirmation of what I already knew. And since this assignment isnt about the book but me, I cannot but take the most of it. According to this audit, my spiritual gift inventory consists of teacher, pastor and encouragement. I have considered being involved in other things besides these main three but I havent seen fruit in it. I know that the best way to contribute with my local church is by the use of my spiritual gifts. I have learned that all spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are also principles and commands we need to obey. It is in the exercise of being proactive in practicing them that an individual could find himself or herself doing things more easily. There is a sense of joy and delight when I practice my spiritual gift. It will not be long until the people around will start recognizing that that person is a blessing to them, which also can be translated in this way, the person that live by his/her spiritual gift edify the people around them. In resume, there are principles and commands to obey. Some of those will be easier to do than others and people will start responding. I am encouraged to teach this as a leader.

NATURAL GIFTS AUDIT Natural gifts are also important. According to Malphurs, the difference between a spiritual and a natural gift is that God gives natural gifts to unbelievers as well as believers, based on his common grace (Mathew 5:45), and usually he bestows them at birth.7 It is a unique, God-given ability to serve others (especially in Christendom). Concerning the vocational topics in this audit, I find myself having the natural gift for music and teaching. Music is a passion of mine. I have put this ability to Gods service in leading the music at my local church. I also enjoy teaching at all levels. In our church we have a small Bible Institute which and leading. I get really excited when I put together materials for teaching and also enjoy watching the students to get into the content of what I am teaching. I do not conform just to communicate a teaching point, I make sure they understand and explain the point in their own words instead. Occupation wise, I do really enjoy spending time as a counselor. I am constantly facing situations among our college group where we have to give advice. I also enjoy singing, because I love music. I use this talent to lead the music at church. One last thing I enjoy doing is driving. I can see Gods protection constantly and it is a blessing to be able to transport groups and individuals to different places. Reflecting on these natural gifts, several things come to my mind. First, I do not give Gods glory as often as He deserves it. Sometimes I think it is about me and not Him. Thinking about these abilities come from Him ought to help me understand better that much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more (Luke 12:48, HCSB). Secondly, I must look for the training of people to help them develop if they have been given the same abilities.
7

Malphurs, 76.

PASSION AUDIT Malphurs says that leadership is much more that counseling, pastoral care, or preaching and teaching the Bible, as important as those are. Its also about positioning Christs mission for his church constantly before the people. This call for passion.8 My reaction to this audit will be carried out in the answer of key selected questions that reflect my passion at this particular moment of my life. The first question I picked up was this, If God granted you one wish regarding what you would like to do for the rest of your life, what would it be?9 The only thing I would like to keep doing is to be dedicated for Gods service. Not long after become a Christian, I was motivated by gratitude to serve God for the rest of my life. Why? Jesus gave his life for me on the cross and gave me everlasting life. Do you have a burning conviction that a certain ministry is the most important place where God would use you? What is that ministry?10 For years, I have been struggling trying to find the place God wants me to be in. Although I recognize that He has used each and every place I have been to teach valuable lessons, right now I am surer than ever that ministry of developing a healthy, self-sustaining and visionary local church is what God wants for me. Having been involved in the local church for more than twenty years in different leadership scenarios and level of responsibilities, I have never been a lead pastor. In fact, I have been rejecting the position because I thought it was not needed to accomplish all I wanted to do. But God has placed a vision on me and my heart is burning, longing to see something distinct of everything I have done before. I am praying for that to become a reality soon, but most important, in Gods time.
8 9

Ibid., 78. Ibid., 193. 10 Ibid.

CHARACTER AUDIT Character is the foundation of Christian leadership11 Godly character is crucial for a healthy leadership. I am convinced that this is one the toughest areas for the life of a leader. In fact, if it wasnt for Gods grace, I shouldnt be where I am. Although according to this audit I am a leader of a strong character, I recognize that I have a lot to work on. Studying the character audit made me remind of sad moments in my life. Great Bible characters were used in a mighty way, like Joseph. His constant dependency in God and godly life took him to become the second man after Pharaoh in Egypt. But what about Bible characters like David, Paul, Peter, etc., who made serious mistakes and had a past that went wherever they went? Those examples make me ask the question if character is indispensable for success. While some people may think it is not, I am convinced that from Gods perspective it is. There are some areas that I need to work on in my life that this audit has brought out. One of these areas I feel really ashamed of is my temper. I still explode really easily. I have offended my wife, my children and the people around me. Sometimes I want to justify a bad reaction showing myself as a zealous of the things of God, but sadly I have to admit it is anger. I am also ashamed when my bad reactions affect my testimony in front of others. No doubt I need to improve this area in my life, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me. Although I have had some victories, there is still plenty of work to do. There are no shortcuts to success in this area. Discipline must characterize me as I work hard to have a Christ-like life. As Jeff Comment said, When we leave this world, we should only be remembered for two things: our relationship with Christ, and our character.12

11 12

Ibid., 80. Rod Handley, Character CountsWhos Counting Yours? (Grand Island, Nebraska: Cross Training Publishing, 1999), 29.

CONCLUSION It has been a fantastic but also challenging journey going through these audits. No questions there are several areas to work on. These audits have been a great blessing because through them I have seen positive areas in my life that I wasnt aware of their importance. It has been a time to confirm that the Lord is been working in my life as a Christian with the responsibility of leadership. I am committed to become Gods man in reality. In the area of my temper I need to take specific steps like confessing my sins in order to manage the act of sin and guiltiness. Being able to forgive others and in allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of every detail in my life. It is a challenging task, but I am confidence God is there to bless me step by step. When dealing with what I believe God has placed in my heart to do in the near future, I would like to fuel that passion burning in my heart. It will require steps of faith, but thats the only way I can get to know God better. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6, I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I believe those words with all my heart. He has placed a call to His service and I want to live and act with integrity.

10

BIBLIOGRAPHY Engstrom, Ted W. Un Lder no Nace, se Hace. Grand Rapids, MI: Editorial Betania, 1980. Handley, Rod. Character CountsWhos Counting Yours? Grand Island, Nebraska: Cross Training Publishing, 1999. Malphurs, Aubrey. Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013. Towns, Elmer L. Biblical Models for Leadership. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning, 2011.

11