The Bridge: Leadership Character

The Christological World View of a Leader
Saturday, 17 August 13
Leadership like Christ

The Call of God The Character of a Leader The Characteristics of a Leader Servanthood Vision and leadership Team ministry
Richard Chamberlain
Contacting me: http://rdcramblings.com/ richard.ltci@gmail.com +91 9593 816284 Visit my home Facebook Skype: rdc2506 Twitter: @rdcramblings
Which biblical references do you think are most important for us in understanding the nature of leadership and how best to exercise leadership in the modern church?
1 Timothy 3:1-13
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must rst be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Using the biblical references as a basis for your answer: Formulate (write) your own (brief) definition of leadership
Worth noting and asking, why is this interesting?

There are many diverse denitions of leadership: Burt Nanus and Warren Bennis report some three hundred and fty denitions of "leadership" that leadership researchers have generated over the last thirty years
J Oswald Sanders,
If those who hold inuence over others fail to lead towards the spiritual uplands, then surely the path to the lowlands will be well worn. People travel together; no one lives detached and alone. We dare not take lightly Gods call to leadership in our lives.
Who is this?
William Carey laboured for 7 years before his rst convert in India.
For six years, the Careys moved from one

place to another, seeking employment and a place to get established. The list of obstacles they encountered is staggering:
The lack of funds - They nearly starved. The difculty of the Bengali language.
The defection of Ram Basu, a convert

from Thomas former time of ministry, who at rst had been a great help to them Opposition of the East India Company, the dominant political force A ood A drought The death of their son, Peter
Six years, without an Indian coming to

Jesus after faithful preaching Criticism of the Home Committee. Why arent you seeing more fruit? Why are you wasting your time in economic employment? Two new missionaries who came to help, died soon after they arrived
Dorothy, Williams wife, couldnt take the strain. She hadnt wanted to come in the rst place. Culture shock gripped her. Her sister married an English planter and left their home. But the death of her son, Peter, was the last straw. She sank into mental illness, and never recovered.
William Carey is considered the father of modern missions - his inuence lives on -what we do in church planting and teaching and training at least in part comes out of his obedience in following the great commission.
1793 Appointed missionary to India, 10 January; Arrived in Calcutta, 11 November.
Paul to the Corinthian church... We are aficted in every way... For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus sake so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal esh 2 Corinthians 4:7ff
Everything rises and falls on leadership

John Maxwell
What leadership is not

Adapted from an original idea from Greg Morris
Often the church has taken the world's denition of leadership position, prestige, perks and privileges - and applied it to Christian leadership - the result is a wrong leadership model and practice Christian leadership begins and ends in a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ!
1. Leadership is not a position or a title

Reverend, doctor, pastor, evangelist.... Leadership is more than a title or name. You live it every day Christian leaders should be certain that their goal is to serve God and others, not to receive the title or honour that comes with leadership. Rehoboam 1Kings 12:6,7,10,16,17
2. Leadership is not building a personality cult (personal following)

Leaders does not get people to follow them, instead they encourage them to walk more closely with the Lord Jesus Christ Absalom 2 Samuel 15
3. Leadership is not being indispensable

Some leaders build followers, while others build leaders. A true leader is seen in the fact that the things must and can go on without him or her. Jesus spent his time training the 12 - when Jesus ascended to heaven then the church exploded Paul trained Timothy his true son 1Ti 1:2, 2Tim 1:2
4. Leadership is not about blaming others

Leadership is rst and foremost being honest and responsible for the decisions you make or fail to make. And often taking responsibility for mistakes of others you have trained. Adam and Eve in Eden both looking to blame someone else for their failings
5. Leadership is not about privileges

Many leaders are seen using their position for personal or nancial gain. Leaders will not use their position for their own advantage or comfort and should not ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves. David with Uriah 2 Samuel 11
a special right, advantage 5. Leadership is not about availableprivileges only to a particular person or group
Many leaders are seen using their position for personal or nancial gain. Leaders will not use their position for their own advantage or comfort and should not ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves. David with Uriah 2 Samuel 11
Only through modelling Christ's example of servanthood will our leadership effectively and strategically shape the future. The best leaders see themselves as servants
What are the most important leadership tasks a Christian (church) leader performs?
How would you choose a church pastor (leader) what criteria, skills or other factors would be important?
Anointing Ability Wisdom Commitment Faith

Bob Gordon
The Danger of the world

Whenever I meet a Buddhist leader, I meet a holy man. Whenever I meet a Christian leader, I meet a manager. Japanese Businessman to a visiting Australian
As quoted in 9 Marks of a Healthy Church page 231
Christian congregations and church authorities repeatedly choose leaders based on their occupations, personalities or professional achievements rather than biblical qualications for leadership. The result? Church congregations remain spiritually immature. False doctrine is taught. Biblical truth is neglected. Pastors are dismissed. Churches split apart... The Leadership Dynamic page 53
Instead of searching for leaders with secular qualications, we are to search for people of character, reputation, ability to handle the Word, and who display the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Those are the kind of people we should...commit the responsibility of leading a congregation. 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, Page 231-232
Titus 1:5-9
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7For an overseer, as Gods steward, must be above reproach.
He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, selfcontrolled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold rm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
The Character of a Leader
Preliminary Questions
Do you keep your word? Can people trust you? Do you nish something you
promise to nish and do you do it on time?
If you are told some gossip, what do

you do with it?
Matt 12:36
Have you ever found

it difcult under the leadership of another person?
Do you willingly
submit to authority? If not, why not?
http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/ watchman-on-the-wall/40613-was-money-at-theroot-of-sam-hinn-s-rapid-re-restoration
Eph 5:18-21
Sam Hinn was the pastor of The Have you ever found Gathering Place in Sanford, FL it difcult under the He issued a letter to his church leadership of another about an indiscretion (4 year affair) and resigned person? He submitted to a process of restoration led by pastor Ron Do you willingly Johnson who laid out a 2-year submit to authority? If process for him not, why not? He did not accept this and was http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/ watchman-on-the-wall/40613-was-money-at-therecently re-ordained by root-of-sam-hinn-s-rapid-re-restoration Eph 5:18-21 another group of bishops
The things that captivate our hearts will dominate our thoughts, and our thoughts will dominate our lives. What is your heart captivated by? Matt 6:21
Are there any people

you have not forgiven or you feel you cannot forgive? Why? Matt 6:14-15
Do you nd it easy to
admit that you are wrong? (What does this reveal about yourself?) Matthew 5:21-26
How do you react

when confronted with an ungodly situations or something that appeals to the lust of the esh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life? 2 Timothy 2:22
Matthew 12:35-38
35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Luke 12:2-4
2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
"The main ingredient of good leadership is good character. This is because leadership involves conduct and conduct is determined by values."
Norman Schwarzkopf
Godliness is more important than giftedness Many people have been gifted but have led people into destruction God develops the heart of a leader producing godly character
Possession of godly character, alone, assures true fruit, lasting inuence and durable leadership. No amount of fancy footwork or bells and whistles, ever produce a genuine, godly leader
Although I have no suspicion or criticism to make of any zealous leaders efforts to seek help from leadership methods or systems, true leadership ultimately is found only at Jesus feet and is shaped and kept only in the heart Jack Hayford
Define character: what words might you use to describe it?
Character
Greek word charakter derived from a word which was used for an embosser or a stamp for making coins. Heb. 1:3 of Jesus, stamped with the divine nature or character
Character is the action of an individual under pressure. Character is the seat of ones moral being Character is the inner life of a man
Circumstances do not determine your character, they reveal it, and become the occasion to rene it.
Leadership Dynamic p81
According to Scripture, virtually everything that truly qualies a person for leadership is directly related to character. It's not about style, status, personal charisma, clout, or worldly measurements of success. Integrity is the main issue that makes the difference between a good leader and a bad one. John MacArthur
The following section is adapted from an original by John C. Maxwell
1. Character is about more than just devotion, it involves transformation of / in your life, not simply inspiration
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
Abraham Lincoln
2. Character is not what we will be in the future it is what you are now
Character is more than talk What you do reveals who you are So your actions and intentions need to be one The development of leadership character takes is about God shaping your heart (not just your habits)
3. Character involves how we think, our motives and attitudes, and ultimately our choices - God looks on the heart
Character is a choice Many things you do not choose in life family, upbringing etc We do create our character each time we make a choice or take a decision
"In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do."
Stephen Covey
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.
James A. Froude
4. Character is revealed under pressure how do you act and respond when the heat is on?
4. Character is revealed under pressure how do you act and respond when the heat is on?
How a leader deals with circumstances (or a crisis) reveals his character Consider Sauls actions in 1Samuel 13:13
5. Character is not simply knowing how to act. We might know the Bible we have to live out the principles
Character goes beyond obedience to rules. For us it involves the Holy Spirit speaking to our inner man, leading and guiding us
6. Character involves all people whether in or out of the KOG. This includes our families, the church and all people outside of the church that we encounter
Character involves transparency before, and accountability to other people. It is not merely a private quest for purity; it is not solely a man-tohis-God humility
7.Character brings lasting success with people Followers trust people with good character if it is awed people will not continue to follow you
8.Leaders cannot rise above the character limitations that they have!
e.g. King Saul Sometime you see successful people fall apart why? Their character is not good enough to support their success. Character will sustain you through the stress which comes with success Be sure your sins will nd you out!
The Importance of Integrity

1. I will practice what I preach 2. I will live what I teach 3. I will be honest with others 4. I will put what is best for others ahead of what is best for me 5. I will be transparent, authentic and vulnerable
Adapted from Leadership Dynamics Newsletter
the quality of being honest and having The Importance of strong moral principles the state of being whole and Integrity undivided
1. I will practice what I preach 2. I will live what I teach 3. I will be honest with others 4. I will put what is best for others ahead of what is best for me 5. I will be transparent, authentic and vulnerable
Adapted from Leadership Dynamics Newsletter
Actions determine your emotions:
you don't do what you do because you feel the way you feel, you feel the way you feel because you do what you do!
bad character disables the man of God
Think of Biblical examples of how poor character inhibited a man / woman of God
The following examples are of men of God from the Bible yet all sinned and so fell short of all the Lord desired for them, or the people under their leadership - because of poor or flawed character
Saul
1 Samuel 10" "
Anointed king" " Strong and mighty" Great Warrior" " Excellent leader"" Humble" "
"
1 Samuel 10" Anointed king" " (God chose)" Great Warrior"
" "
1 Samuel 31 Stripped of the " Kingdom Tried to murder David Consulted mediums Disloyal to his own son Committed suicide
Strong and mighty" " Excellent leader" " " " " Humble" " "
Major sin an independent spirit

David
1 Samuel 17" "
Anointed king" " Mighty warrior" " Great worshipper" Faithful and loyal" Great leader" "
1 Samuel 17"
"
2 Samuel 11 Disloyal to his men Committed adultery Committed murder Tried to hide his sin Caused judgement to come on his family
Anointed king" " Mighty warrior" " Great worshipper" Faithful and loyal" Great leader" " " " "
Major sin lust
1 Samuel 17"
...he [God] raised up David Anointed king" " Disloyal to his men to be their king, of whom he Mighty warrior" " Committed adultery testied said,Imurder have Great worshipperand " Committed Faithful and loyal " Tried the to hide his sin found in David son of Great leader" " Caused judgement to Jesse a man after my heart, " " " come on his family who will dosin all Major my lust will.
"
2 Samuel 11
Solomon
2 Chron. 1:7-12 Anointed king" Humble and " prayerful" Temple builder" " " " "
Greatest kingdom" " Great wealth &" wisdom "

" "
"
2 Chron. 1:7-12 Anointed king" Humble and " prayerful" Temple builder"
" " "
1 Kings 11 Ecc. 1 Turned his heart from God Worshipped idols
"
Did evil in Gods sight Kingdom was torn from him Became vain and philosophical
Greatest kingdom" " Great wealth &" wisdom " " " "
Major sin pride, greed, self confidence, wrong values
and in the New Testament
Peter
Matthew 16 You are the Christ (16) Never Lord (22) Matthew 26 Even if all fall away (33) I dont know the man (74)
Key Thought
Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny." Charles Swindoll
In terms of character our aim is The Fruit of the Spirit

The character qualities which the Holy Spirit seeks to develop in our lives Gal. 5:22,23
You will not be perfect but should be a good example so people see God in you
Character is shaped by the process of transformation that takes place in you - God will use many different ways and means to shape your character So for character formation we need to know: what the Bible says, and, allow the Holy Spirit to apply those values in your life
Simple Principles for developing good character

as a man of god how do you develop godly character?
i) The In-Out Principle
ii) The Transparency Principle - No Hiding Place
iii) The Principle of Testing
iv) The Reflective Principle
Gods leaders are only as effective as the quality of their relationship with Him
The challenges involved in Christian leadership are powerful. All areas of your life become exposed and are open for the enemy to attack.
You are in a Fishbowl
People inspect every area of You are in a Fishbowl your life - they see everything that is in the bowl
People will constantly be watching you Jesus exemplied godliness and holiness to His disciples - his enemies (and disciples) could nd no sin in him Is there hidden sin in your life?
Does the Gospel work in your life?
People will constantly be watching you Jesus exemplied godliness and holiness to His disciples - his enemies (and disciples) could nd no sin in him Is there hidden sin in your life?
Our rst tastes of leadership are important making sure we keep our eyes on the Lord and not on the praise and afrmation of the people Success may seem to negate the need for obeying God and being dependent on Him - Success is a difcult test to negotiate
Make sure you Walk the Way of Holiness

All leaders need to work towards the place where they do not love the world or anything in it God and his will should be the prime concern of their lives 1 John 2:1517
What are the greatest temptations in society today? Are the temptations faced by leaders different to those of the people they serve in the church?
Do not Love the World

Leaders should live a life where the things of the world cannot get a hold of our lives Money, Sex and Power This often takes a great deal of preparation of life - it involves leaving our way and going Gods way
Our relationship with God should take priority over everything else Essential in order to be able to distinguish good from evil Hebrews 5:14; Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Timothy 6:11
Control your environment

A bad environment does not necessarily hinder a persons spiritual growth in God. Evil can become a catalyst for seeking the Lord and developing a godly character
Most environments today have much that is sinful within them. Leaders need to set the example of how to live in such a world and yet not sin. 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4,5
4Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is Most environments greater than he who is in the is today have much that world... sinful within them. 4 For everyone who has been Leaders need to set the born of God overcomes the example of how to live world. And this is the victory in such a world and yet that has overcome the world not sin. our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes except 1 John the 4:4;world 1 John 5:4,5 the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Resist Sin
The more you resist sin and choose to go Gods way, the more the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in your life Heb 12:4
Tests, Trials and Temptations
Are designed by God to improve the quality and genuineness of our walk with Him Joseph, can you walk with God in the darkness They humble, teach and discipline They rene us
Throw us on the Lord and teach us to be dependent on Him Abraham having Isaac They develop perseverance/ overcomer spirit in us They strengthen our faith
Rene or purify us spiritually Samuel walked with the Lord in a corrupt situation Tests establish the pattern of our future decisions
Show us what is real and what is not Peter happy to confess Jesus, follow anywhere, then comes denial! The foundation was tested and what could be shaken taken away
Show us what is of God and what is not Elijah facing Ahab & Jezebel, discouragement brought unreality 1Kings 19:10
Assess and examine our inner attitudes and sources of motivation fear of man Pr 29:25
Reveal to us our weaknesses and limitations so that we can depend on God more 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Tests show us what we are really like
Tests are part of Gods work in preparing our lives to receive the good things God desires to give us Through tests God works into the leaders certain necessary experiences of life which will enable them to understand and help other people in ministry 2 Corinthians 1:4, Hebrews 4:15
Leaders need strong, godly character in order to withstand trials, persecutions and temptation Gifts and abilities are not enough to make any ministry ultimately successful But remember that simply having good character does not mean a person should be a leader.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must nish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:24
Specific Tests of Leadership

adapted from original work by Frank Damazio
The Time Test

the portion of a leaders ministry in which God does not seem, at least by all outward appearances, to be fullling the word that was given to a leader in the past.
The Time Test

the portion of a leaders ministry Do you know how to pray in faith in which God does not seem, at least for something God has said and by all outward appearances, to be then to wait upon God for his fullling the word that was given to time, and a leader inhis the way, past. of fulllment?
Purpose
Opportunity to grow in faith Purication of the leaders motives and attitudes God to prove Himself to be a miracleworking and faithful God
Example
Abraham 75 when left Haran Gen 12:1-9 100 when promise fullled Gen 17:1; 18:10
The Word Test

the experience of contradictory circumstances in relation to the written or quickened Word of God to a leader Not being able to understand how the known will of the Lord is presently coming to pass in his life, God purposely allows contrary situations in a leaders life and ministry
The Word Test

the experience of contradictory circumstances in relation to the written or quickened Word of God to a leader
How do you respond when things Not being able to understand how the are going wrong - do you doubt known will of the Lord is presently Gods word to you? coming to pass in his life, God
purposely allows contrary situations in a leaders life and ministry
Joseph - favourite son of Jacob At 17 years of age, he received a word from the Lord in the form of two dreams (37:5-11) The events that followed: Sold Seduced Hopes dashed
Purpose Cause the leader not to depend upon his own resources Motivate a leader to depend solely on Gods strength Brings a greater inuence upon more people at the end of the experience
The Character Test

when a leader is surrounded by ungodliness that attempts to pull him in its direction And, also when a leader is tempted to sin in the lust of the esh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life
The Character Test

when a leader is surrounded by ungodliness thatin attempts to pull him Do you give to temptation? in its direction
Are you a different person And, also when a leader is tempted to when talking to non-believers, sin in the lust of the esh, the lust of to poor people, to pastors...? the eyes, or the pride of life
Samuel born into a corrupt situation Eli was a corrupt high priest and did not discipline his sons Samuel was a very young boy in the midst of a corrupt priesthood yet he worshipped God and kept himself from sin
Purpose
In order to develop positive character qualities (e.g. fruit of HS), God puts His leaders in difcult places so that they will stand strong in Him Show the leader the different areas of weakness Motivate a leader to stand up boldly against the powers of darkness around him
The Motivation Test

a heavenly examination during which God exposes to the leader what are the real inward and outward forces that are controlling the making of his decisions
The Motivation Test

a heavenly examination during In using your gifts how often which God exposes to the leader what do you get some of the glory are the real inward and outward do your illustrations make you forces that are controlling the making look good to others? of his decisions
Balaam - Num 22-24 Balak the king of Moab, had seen how Israel had defeated all of her enemies in the land, and, feared that his nation would also be destroyed Asked the prophet to curse the Israelite nation Incentive / motivation Money
Balaam told Balak that the Lord had told him not to go with his elders nor to curse the people of Israel Balak kept on pressing: more distinguished representatives - the bribe seems to keep increasing 22:7; 15; 17 Balaam said he could only speak what the Lord told him to Balaam failed this test
Purpose To purify desires and intentions God arranges situations in order that a leaders true priorities are revealed What motivates him on the inside may be different than what seems to motivate him on the outside
The Servant Test

when a man is asked to do menial tasks that seem below his high calling in God The servant test reveals whether a ministers motivation is to help and to serve, or whether it is to be in the publics eye and to be served
The Servant Test

when a man is asked to do menial tasks that seem below his high calling Do you only do the servant job in God
when you it willabe The servant test know reveals whether ministers motivation is to help and to noticed? serve, or whether it is to be in the publics eye and to be served
Elisha When Elijah found Elisha he was ploughing in the eld with 12 yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:21) Was that the proper place for a man called to be a prophet over all of Israel? 2 Kings 3:11 Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah
Purpose To reveal true motivation for service To teach those that may be called by God what it feels like to do different jobs in the local church
Maintain A Clear Conscience

Our conscience is Gods alarm bell which goes off when we cross some boundary that we know we shouldnt Our conscience needs to be trained by Gods Word
a person's moral sense of right Maintain A Clear and wrong, seen to act as a Conscience guide to one's behaviour
Our conscience is Gods alarm bell which goes off when we cross some boundary that we know we shouldnt Our conscience needs to be trained by Gods Word
If your conscience is troubling you, seek God and put it right asap (repent/confession 1Jn 1:79) A leader must maintain a clear conscience towards others by ridding himself of all hatred, anger, jealousy, bitterness, and unforgiveness
Every day you should Deny your Self

Leaders need to learn to live out Luke 9:23 Establish and live according to the priorities the Lord has given you (do not live out someone else's ministry) This does not mean running around after people and never having time with family or with the Lord.
The rst lesson in Christ's school is self-denial.

Matthew Henry
The rst lesson in Christ's school is self-denial.

Matthew Henry
I have now concentrated all my prayers into one, and that one prayer is this, that I may die to self, and live wholly to Him.
CH Spurgeon
Leaders need to conquer their self-will, and trust God and do whatever He asks them to do (hard as leaders are often go-getters / achievers) God will ask us, at times, to give up good things like natural abilities or promises Self-discipline is especially important for your mind. Rom 12:1,2; Eph 4:2224
Keep on going - Remain Faithful, persevere

Rev 2:7, to the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life 2:11 ...will not be hurt by the second death 2:17 ...I will give some of the hidden manna 2:26...i will give authority over nations
Think of: Biblical or historical examples of people who remained faithful, and who persevered in the face of difficulty or adversity Is there something you see in their life that helped them overcome?
John Paton and his wife Mary arrived in the New Hebrides on November 5th 1858. The people were as erce as he had been told. Cannibal celebrations took place in sight of the Patons' home and human blood fouled the drinking water. The natives frightened Joseph Copeland so much that he lost his wits and died; they continually threatened John. Time and again they lifted their guns to shoot him, or raised their axes to bash him in the head, but always they held back as if restrained by a greater power.
Early the next year, Mary bore a son. Both mother and child came down with fevers and died. With a breaking heart, John dug their grave and laid them in it. Later he said, "But for Jesus, and the fellowship He vouchsafed me there, I must have gone mad and died beside that lonely grave!"
One of the gifts that Jesus had given him to sustain him in those days were the words his wife spoke shortly before here deathShe did not murmur against God, or resent her husband bringing her there. Rather she spoke these incredible words and you find them again and again where the Bible has sunk into the heart"I do not regret leaving home and friends. If I had it to do over, I would do it with more pleasure, yes, with all my heart"
The rst Protestant missionary set foot on Chinese soil on September 7, 1807. His name was Robert Morrison. He was a Scottish Presbyterian, and except for one furlough, he spent the next 27 years in China.
Persevering against the hostility of ofcial opposition and the resistance of foreign merchants, Morrison baptized the rst Chinese Protestant Christian, Cai Gao, on July 16, 1814. After the baptism of Cai Gao, Morrison wrote prophetically in his journal, May he be the rst-fruits of a great harvest, one of millions who shall come and be saved on the day of wrath to come."
In 2007 it was reported: At the time of the Communist takeover in 1949, there were roughly 900,000 Protestants. Today, the Center for the Study of Global Christianity... says there are 111 million Christians in China, roughly 90% Protestant and mostly Pentecostal. That would make China the third-largest Christian country on earth, following only the USAand Brazil.
Sometimes, the going will get tough whatever our circumstances, God wants us to remain faithful to our calling. Faithfulness comes as a result of knowing God, who is always faithful, Heb. 13:8, Isaiah 55:11
Sometimes, the going will get tough whatever our circumstances, God wants us to remain faithful to our calling. Faithfulness comes as a result of knowing God, who is always faithful, Heb. 13:8, Isaiah 55:11
Do you trust God, even if the circumstances, for a time, seem to contradict His word? Faith is believing God, rather than what we see or feel Hebrews 11:1,6
Many Spirit-lled leaders expect never to experience times of darkness or confusion in which they cannot discover Gods will, unless they fall into sin. God, on occasions, purposefully allows us to go through tough times.
Bob Gordon
Gods leaders are only as effective as the quality of their relationship with Him
Leaders should not rely on yesterdays bread. They need continually to be coming to God in order to get fresh material for their own delighting in God - and for those they lead
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him

Psalm 37:7
Be still and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10
After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testied concerning him: I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do. Acts 13:22
Exodus 33:7ff Isa 40: 27-31 Psalm 42:1-11 Mark 1:35ff Luke 6:12f
The Need
Spiritual leadership begins and ends with a full dependence on God Often Christians relegate waiting on God to times of stress and difculty Others try everything but waiting on God in order to nd fulllment, success and purpose in life God wants us to be available to hear his voice
All Gods leaders should be people who meet with God regularly Waiting on God is not a one-off thingit needs to be a daily discipline Many Christian leaders feel that their lives are too busy to do this
God has made a way for us to come into His very presence through Jesus: Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:1922; 1 John 3:21,22 God wants us to come to Him and to develop our relationship with Him. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8
Whats important to you?

Christianity will not seem to work unless our inner spiritual life is in order. Therefore, waiting on God needs to be our rst priority of life as a Christian Most people spend most time and energy attaining possessions, position, friends, a good family life etc. The greatest commandment - Luke 10:27
What do you think Gods priority for your use of time is? Jesus told Martha (who was very busy serving Him and complaining that her sister Mary was doing nothing to help) that Mary chose the better thing because she sat at His feet and was listening to Him (Luke 10:3842).
Waiting on God is not optional, it is an essential part of every leaders life. Seeking God in solitude and silence is not a lazy alternative to doing something more fruitful for God nor is it unproductive, it is the foundation upon which we should build our lives and our service for God
Farewell, until we meet again...


The Bridge: Leadership Character

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The Bridge: Leadership Character

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The Christological World View of a Leader

Leadership like Christ

Worth noting and asking, why is this interesting?

For six years, the Careys moved from one

The defection of Ram Basu, a convert

Six years, without an Indian coming to

Everything rises and falls on leadership

What leadership is not

1. Leadership is not a position or a title

2. Leadership is not building a personality cult (personal following)

3. Leadership is not being indispensable

4. Leadership is not about blaming others

5. Leadership is not about privileges

Anointing Ability Wisdom Commitment Faith

The Danger of the world

The Character of a Leader

If you are told some gossip, what do

Have you ever found

Are there any people

How do you react

Define character: what words might you use to describe it?

The following section is adapted from an original by John C. Maxwell

The Importance of Integrity

Actions determine your emotions:

bad character disables the man of God

1 Samuel 10" Anointed king" " (God chose)" Great Warrior"

Major sin an independent spirit

Major sin lust

Greatest kingdom" " Great wealth &" wisdom "

" " "

1 Kings 11 Ecc. 1 Turned his heart from God Worshipped idols

Major sin pride, greed, self confidence, wrong values

and in the New Testament

In terms of character our aim is The Fruit of the Spirit

Simple Principles for developing good character

i) The In-Out Principle

i) The In-Out Principle

ii) The Transparency Principle - No Hiding Place

ii) The Transparency Principle - No Hiding Place

iii) The Principle of Testing

iii) The Principle of Testing

iv) The Reflective Principle

iv) The Reflective Principle

i) The In-Out Principle

i) The In-Out Principle

You are in a Fishbowl

Does the Gospel work in your life?

Make sure you Walk the Way of Holiness

Do not Love the World

Control your environment

iii) The Principle of Testing

iii) The Principle of Testing

Tests, Trials and Temptations

Specific Tests of Leadership

The Time Test

The Time Test

The Word Test

The Word Test

The Character Test

The Character Test

The Motivation Test

The Motivation Test

The Servant Test