Lapse and Lack of Leadership

Introduction

I want to talk to you tonight about the lapse and lack of current spiritual leadership.

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Those who are any form of spiritual leadership are accountable to God for their part in the success or failure of the flock that the Holy Ghost has made you overseers.

Many times we place this verse as the sole responsiblity of the pastor - which it does apply

but anyone in any form of spiritual leadership is also included in this actionable call.

I want to start first with the question - What is a leader?

In their 1997 book Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge, Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus reported there were more than 850 published definitions of leadership.

Hundreds more have been added since then.

The following is a sampling of the diversity of helpful definitions of leadership:

"Leadership is the process of persuasion or example by which an individual (or leadership team) induces a group to pursue objectives held by a leader or shared by the leader and his or her followers." John W. Gardner, On Leadership.3

"Leadership over human beings is exercised when persons with certain motives and purposes mobilize, in competition or conflict with others, institutional, political, psychological, and other resources so as to arouse, engage, and satisfy the motives of followers." James MacGregor Burns, Leadership.4

"Leadership is influence, the ability of one person to influence others." Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership.5

"A Christian leader is someone who is called by God to lead; leads with and through Christ-like character; and demonstrates the functional competencies that permit effective leadership to take place." George Barna, Leaders on Leadership.6

"The central task of leadership is influencing God's people toward God's purposes." Robert Clinton,The Making of a Leader.7

"A person influencing people to accomplish a purpose." Pat MacMillan, The Performance Factor.8

Each of these definitions brings focus to the leader's role. Some are secular definitions that address general leadership principles but do not take God and his purposes into account.

A leader is any person having official or practical power over other people

It is having the capacity to guide, mentor, or lead others.

I like the definition the Blackaby’s put for spiritual leaders -

“Spiritual leaders are people who seek to lead God's way, regardless of where they serve him. They are as essential in the marketplace as they are in the church.” Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 552-553). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Spiritual leadership is what we are lacking today -

In one way or another all of us are some form of leader

Leadership is crucial

The issue is not a shortage of people willing to lead. The problem is an increasing skepticism among followers over whether today's executives can truly lead. Warren Bennis observed, "At the heart of America is a vacuum into which self-anointed saviors have rushed."16 People know intuitively that claiming to be a leader or holding a leadership position does not make someone a leader. People are warily looking for leaders they can trust.

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 251-254). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Society longs for statesmen, but it generally receives politicians. Statesmen are leaders who uphold what is right regardless of the effect on their popularity. Statesmen speak out to achieve the greatest good for their people, not to identify with the shifting winds of popular opinion. Statesmen promote the general good rather than regional or personal self-interest. Statesmen can make unpopular decisions when they are called for, but in the long run they are widely respected for their integrity and for following their convictions.

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 263-267). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Leadership: In the Church Like every segment of society, the religious community has suffered from a leadership drought. Jesus warned his followers about false prophets who would rise up to lead the unwary astray (Matt. 24:11), but who could have anticipated the plethora of would-be spiritual leaders who have flooded the airwaves and descended upon churches with their books and prophecies, clamoring for followers? It is incomprehensible that well-educated professionals with lucrative jobs, upscale houses, and comfortable lifestyles would sell everything and abandon their families, friends, and reputations to follow a self-declared messiah such as Jim Jones or David Koresh. It is even more amazing that sincere people would follow such delusional prophets

Could it be there is such an enormous vacuum of genuine leaders that would-be saviors always find a ready market of followers looking for someone to enhance the quality of their lives? The modern church faces an array of challenges it must overcome if it is to thrive in the future.

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 313-316). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

The following are three major issues the church must effectively address.

LACK OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Nothing is more important than leadership."23 The church has answers to the most pressing questions people are asking, yet society views the church with increasingly skeptical eyes. Tragically, church leaders are regularly

RELIGIOUS CONSUMERISM

In our consumer-oriented society, companies inundate us with every manner of promise and incentive. Churches also compete for our allegiance, expending enormous energy and resources to attract both believers and nonbelievers. The result is a smorgasbord of congregations offering something to satisfy every palate. In some churches sin or anything "negative" is never mentioned. Other churches strive to be politically correct, changing their doctrines with every shifting wind in society. Then there are the Hollywood-driven churches seizing every new entertainment fad in their crusade to be relevant.

[What current consumerism theology says] If your current place of worship has offended, neglected, or bored you, a "new and better" religious experience is just down the street or on the next channel.

OPPOSITION

For centuries the Christian church has been preeminent in the Western world. Towns throughout Europe were dominated by cathedrals and church spires. If a public occasion called for a prayer, Americans would expect it to come from a minister in the Christian tradition. Those days are gone. In an ironic turnaround, now that American society values political correctness above all else, the Christian church is habitually ridiculed and subjected to flagrant public discrimination.

Atheists and those adamantly opposed to the Christian faith have become increasingly vocal and belligerent. Now it is de rigeur to condemn the church for being intolerant of alternative lifestyles or life choices. Church leaders who were once politely accepted in society are now just as likely to be met with ridicule and antagonism. Whereas once churches were involved in the community and their presence was expected, now the welcome mat has been decisively yanked from under the Christian community. For churches to enjoy success in an increasingly secularized culture, they need a different kind of leadership than that to which they have been accustomed.

Society's great deficit is that it is woefully in need of people from all walks of life who understand how to be spiritual leaders.

People who "get things done" are not enough.

Adolph Hitler did that.

Napoleon Bonaparte did that

Abraham Lincoln did that

The world needs professionals who know how to apply their faith in the boardroom, in the classroom, in the courtroom, and in the operating room. Jesus summed up this truth for every executive, politician, schoolteacher, lawyer, doctor, minister, and parent when he said: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you" (Matt. 6:33).

An Arab proverb says, "An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep." While it is true a team is as strong as its weakest link, we would also affirm that organizations rarely rise above their leader. An ordinary leader will produce an ordinary team. Great leaders tend to develop great organizations. While this does not make followers any less valuable as people, the unique function of leaders should not be minimized.

Whether you realize it or not - we are in a leadership crisis.

Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive Introduction

There’s an old proverb—not a Bible proverb, but a wonderful proverb—that says this: “If the gold rust, what shall the iron do?” And the import of that proverb is, if leadership, those at the top, those at the helm; if they’re not right, what’s going to happen to the rest of us? “If the gold rust, what shall the iron do?”

Now we could talk about political leadership - but we don’t have very much control over that

We could talk about the broad scope of religious leadership - but again we don’t have very much control over that.

We don’t even have that much control over the Bible Holiness Church

but we are accountable and liable for the leadership that is in our part of the world -

We need to

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

We have to realize it’s not a career its a calling -

We have to know where we are going

In Everyday Discipleship for Ordinary People,Stuart Briscoe writes: One of my young colleagues was officiating at the funeral of a war veteran. The dead man's military friends wished to have a part in the service at the funeral home, so they requested the pastor to lead them down to the casket, stand with them for a solemn moment of remembrance, and then lead them out through the side door. This he proceeded to do, but unfortunately the effect was somewhat marred when he picked the wrong door. The result was that they marched with military precision into a broom closet, in full view of the mourners, and had to beat a hasty retreat covered with confusion. This true story illustrates a cardinal rule or two. First, if you're going to lead, make sure you know where you're going. Second, if you're going to follow, make sure that you are following someone who knows what he is doing! 750 Engaging Illustrations.

To be a good leader one must be a model -

Now I’m not talking about a clothing model - I’m talking about being an example

If we want to disciple others we must be following it ourselves.

1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV 1900

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

General Eisenhower would demonstrate the art of leadership with a simple piece of string. He’d put it on a table and say: “Pull it and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it and it will go nowhere at all. It’s just that way when it comes to leading people. They need to follow a person who is leading by example.”

At another time he said, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head—that’s assault, not leadership.”

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Leadership by Example)

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

you take heed to yourself before you begin to lead and influence the flock

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Leadership

An ancient Persian proverb offers the following excellent advice on developing leaders.

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool—shun him.

He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a child—teach him.

He who knows, and knows not that he knows is asleep—wake him.

He who knows, and knows that he knows is wise—follow him.

If we want church to succeed we must be modeling what that success is to be

Preparation, punctuality, participation, it must be a priority in our life.

AMG Bible Illustrations (Following...out in Front)

Following … out in Front

The story is told of a dog who loved to go on walks with the family.

He would always run out in front of the group, then proudly walk along with his head high and his tail wagging. Undoubtedly he believed himself to be the leader.

However, he would constantly keep looking back to check the direction in which the family was walking.

When a corner was reached he would stop and wait to see which direction the family took, then run out front to resume “leading” once again.

Although the dog manifested the outward appearances of leadership, the fact was he was following out in front!

In our homes, at work, among our friends, and in the church, we are called through our daily commitment and example, we encourage others to follow along with us.

Someone once said, “A good leader not only knows the way, but shows the way!”—Al Maxey The Aloha Spirit

One must lead - must influence people

“If you think you're leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.” - John Maxwell.

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Leadership

The person who can’t lead and won’t follow makes a dandy roadblock.

Leaders influence people in two major ways. The first is by who they are, and the second is by what they do.

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Location 2309). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Leadership is all about motivating people to follow. Therefore everything in leadership hinges on the leader’s relationship to his people. It is possible to motivate people simply by sheer force, but that is not real leadership; it’s dictatorship.

John F. MacArthur

While the most powerful temptation spiritual leaders face is substituting their agenda for God's, their greatest frustration may be their inability to move people on to God's agenda.

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 2207-2208). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Two legitimate sources of influences

God’s Hand - Of the many ways leaders can exert influence on others through their life, none is more powerful than when God affirms them before others

Psalm 80:17 “17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, Upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.”

Psalm 139:5 “5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thine hand upon me.”

C. Moses was arguably the greatest leader in the Old Testament. However, he could not attribute his success to his own leadership abilities, for he was not a naturally gifted leader.

He was a poor public speaker (Exod. 4:10),

inept at delegating (Exod. 18:13–27);

and he had an anger problem which ultimately led him to commit murder (Exod. 32:19; Num. 20:9–13).

Moses' accomplishments as a spiritual leader came from the depth of his relationship with God. Scripture indicates, "The LORD spoke with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend" (Exod. 33:11).

The Israelites recognized Moses' close walk with God. Whenever Moses would return from a divine encounter, his face would glow with the glory of God (Exod. 34:29–35).

Because of his close walk with God, Moses was extremely humble (Num. 12:3).

He was so demure that when Aaron and Miriam criticized him, the Lord came to his defense, rebuking his companions for their insolence (Num. 12:6–8).

Moses did not demand respect or act with a heavy hand. Surely that is why God chose to honor him

We don’t have to become preoccupied with defending ourselves or our position - we just need to be sure our relationship with God is in tact and healthy

When President George H. Bush ordered the commencement of the Persian Gulf War on January 16, 1991, he asked Billy Graham to sit with him at the White House as he received the initial battle reports. The U.S. Army was the best equipped army in the world. The president had some of the most brilliant military and diplomatic minds at his disposal, yet the commander in chief chose a spiritual leader upon whom God's hand was clearly evident as his companion during the tense moments of the war's outbreak.14

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 2372-2376). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Not only do we lead with the hand of God - through the power of the Holy Spirit

We lead through surrender

Spiritual leadership flows out of a person's vibrant, intimate relationship with God. You cannot be a spiritual leader if you are not encountering God in profound, life-changing ways.

Blackaby, Richard; Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda (Kindle Locations 2390-2392). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Billy Graham, at thirty years old, reached a crossroad in his life.

His good friend and colleague Charles Templeton abandoned many of the beliefs he and Graham formerly shared.

Although Graham was a successful college president and itinerant evangelist, the core of his life and ministry were shaken. If those closest to him were discarding their fidelity to the Bible and its teachings, was he naïve to continue trusting them?

As that night wore on, my heart became heavily burdened. With the Los Angeles campaign galloping toward me, I had to have an answer. If I could not trust the Bible, I could not go on. I would have to quit the school presidency. I would have to leave pulpit evangelism. I was only thirty years of age. It was not too late to become a dairy farmer.

But that night I believed with all my heart that the God who had saved my soul would never let go of me. . . . "O God! There are many things in this book I do not understand. There are many problems with it for which I have no solution. There are many seeming contradictions. There are some areas in it that do not seem to correlate with modern science. I can't answer some of the philosophical and psychological questions Chuck and others are raising." . . . At last the Holy Spirit freed me to say it. "Father, I am going to accept this as Thy Word—by faith! I am going to allow faith to go beyond my intellectual questions and doubts, and I will believe this to be Your inspired Word." When I got up from my knees at Forest Home that August night, my eyes stung with tears. I sensed the presence and power of God as I had not sensed it in months. Not all my questions had been answered, but a major bridge had been crossed. In my heart and mind, I knew a spiritual battle in my soul had been fought and won.

Shortly after this event Graham began his 1949 Los Angeles campaign which God used to propel him into international prominence.

Before God elevated him, Graham yielded himself to a degree many of his colleagues were unwilling to do. The complete relinquishing of everything to Christ has been the turning point for many of history's greatest spiritual leaders.

The common factor for Finney, Moody, and Graham was their total submission to God. They did not need to be more resolved to seek God's will; they had to be more yielded in faith to God, whatever his will was. Only then did a profound assurance of God's presence come.

This my friend and fellow Wichita Bible Holiness Church spiritual leader is the key to to spiritual leadership

So many of us want an empty garden tomb resurrection morning without a Gethsemane or Calvary

But it is in the surrender - not to politics, or pressures, or money, or fads or programs - but to be completly sold out to God.

We have been tasked to

Acts 20:28 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.