"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28, NKJV
I love leaders and I love to watch them lead. Although they are all gifted differently their gifts all come from the same source— God.
Today's text lists a variety of gifts within the Body of Christ; did you notice that leadership is one of them? It's found in the word, "Administrations." In Latin, the word administration means, "to steer." It is a great and simple definition of what a good leader does, they steer the organization.
Sometimes people misunderstand the importance of administrative positions within a church and think they are not very spiritual. However, spirit-led leadership is essential and it is what guides the church to success.
I want to share with you three things that successful Godly leaders bring their organizations.
#1 - They Chart The Course
A good ministry leader understands that people often come with their own agendas and their own vision, so it’s the leaders job to get everyone on board with one vision. Then, they need to steer the ship properly. To do this successfully they know three things:
They know where they are going. What's the target that everyone is shooting for?
They know what they need to get there. What human and financial resources will it take to get there?
They know who needs to be where. Who is on the team and how can they be best utilized?
#2 - They Seek Wisdom
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7, NKJV
What kind of wisdom is this verse talking about? We find the answer in James 3:17:
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” NKJV
Wisdom from above is of great value to a leader. That kind of wisdom is purse, it's peaceable, it's gentle, not pushy, and it's extremely fruitful to the organization. To be successful in any leadership position you have to get wisdom and understanding, and then operate in it. This word "understanding" is an interesting one; it means to “separate mentality.” To do this requires three things:
Think Strategically. Break things down into smaller pieces.
Think Systematically. Whatever systems you create make sure that they are so simple, anyone could do it— repeatedly.
Think Successfully. Always think win not lose, think yes not no. As a leader, people will follow your confidence and enthusiasm.
How do we get this kind of wisdom? Well, according to God it's pretty simple: just ask for it.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5, NKJV
Isn't that awesome? God just told us that if we're smart enough to know that we don't know everything, we can ask Him and he will give us all the wisdom that we need.
The other way we get wisdom: seek the counsel of others.
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14, NKJV
My wife and I, for decades, have sought the counsel of people who are doing what we're doing but are just further down the road. It's amazing what you can learn from other people's successes and even from their mistakes.
#3 - They Maintain Organizational Focus
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper where you go.” Joshua 1:7, NKJV
Godly leaders understand that people and circumstances will often try to pull the leader, as well as the organization, off course. So they are constantly helping their people maintain focus. They help keep everyone's eye on the ball.
So today, let's thank God for the grace that He has given the leaders in our life and let's pray for them.
Today's text lists a variety of gifts within the Body of Christ; did you notice that leadership is one of them? It's found in the word, "Administrations." In Latin, the word administration means, "to steer." It is a great and simple definition of what a good leader does, they steer the organization.
Sometimes people misunderstand the importance of administrative positions within a church and think they are not very spiritual. However, spirit-led leadership is essential and it is what guides the church to success.
I want to share with you three things that successful Godly leaders bring their organizations.
#1 - They Chart The Course
A good ministry leader understands that people often come with their own agendas and their own vision, so it’s the leaders job to get everyone on board with one vision. Then, they need to steer the ship properly. To do this successfully they know three things:
They know where they are going. What's the target that everyone is shooting for?
They know what they need to get there. What human and financial resources will it take to get there?
They know who needs to be where. Who is on the team and how can they be best utilized?
#2 - They Seek Wisdom
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7, NKJV
What kind of wisdom is this verse talking about? We find the answer in James 3:17:
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” NKJV
Wisdom from above is of great value to a leader. That kind of wisdom is purse, it's peaceable, it's gentle, not pushy, and it's extremely fruitful to the organization. To be successful in any leadership position you have to get wisdom and understanding, and then operate in it. This word "understanding" is an interesting one; it means to “separate mentality.” To do this requires three things:
Think Strategically. Break things down into smaller pieces.
Think Systematically. Whatever systems you create make sure that they are so simple, anyone could do it— repeatedly.
Think Successfully. Always think win not lose, think yes not no. As a leader, people will follow your confidence and enthusiasm.
How do we get this kind of wisdom? Well, according to God it's pretty simple: just ask for it.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5, NKJV
Isn't that awesome? God just told us that if we're smart enough to know that we don't know everything, we can ask Him and he will give us all the wisdom that we need.
The other way we get wisdom: seek the counsel of others.
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14, NKJV
My wife and I, for decades, have sought the counsel of people who are doing what we're doing but are just further down the road. It's amazing what you can learn from other people's successes and even from their mistakes.
#3 - They Maintain Organizational Focus
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper where you go.” Joshua 1:7, NKJV
Godly leaders understand that people and circumstances will often try to pull the leader, as well as the organization, off course. So they are constantly helping their people maintain focus. They help keep everyone's eye on the ball.
So today, let's thank God for the grace that He has given the leaders in our life and let's pray for them.
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