Who's Next

April 21, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

________________________________________________________________________________

Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “Who’s Next?”

Scripture Passage: I Samuel 16:6-13

What is a leader? Webster…something that leads….guide, conductor

At church….SS teacher, deacon, committee member, etc.

Illustration:

John Maxwell quotes:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”

“-You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s lonely at the top” associated with leadership. But is isolated leadership really effective? I don’t think so.

In fact, I believe that, “He that thinketh he leadeth, and hath no one following, is only taking a walk.” If you’re all alone as a leader, are you really leading?

Losing touch with your people is a huge leadership landmine. It will damage your credibility and destroy your influence.”

Introduction:

Lessons from Samuel's Anointing of David

In I Samuel 16:6-13, we find a very profound lesson on leadership development as the prophet Samuel is tasked with anointing the future king of Israel.

Through this narrative, we gain insights into the qualities of a true leader and the importance of nurturing leadership potential. So, let’s look at this passage and draw parallels to our own journey of leadership development, and evaluate how we develop leaders at FBC.

Scripture Passage: I Samuel 16:6-13 (ESV)

[Read the passage]

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.”

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”

9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”

10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”

11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”

12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

PRAY

Three Points:

1. Identify the Called

2. Instruct & Equip

3. Inspect & Evaluate

I. Identify the Called & Develop:

In this text, we witness Samuel's search for the next king among the sons of Jesse.

Initially, Samuel is drawn to Eliab, the eldest son, assuming that he must be the chosen one due to his outward appearance.

However, God reminds Samuel that He does not judge by outward appearances but looks at the heart.

This crucial lesson teaches us that true leadership is not merely about outward charisma or prominence but about inner character and integrity.

As leaders in our own churches, we must learn to discern potential beyond surface-level attributes.

Just as Samuel looked beyond Eliab's exterior, we need to seek individuals who exhibit qualities such as humility, wisdom, and servant-heartedness.

Once we identify them, it is our responsibility to invest in their development, providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for growth.

By nurturing the talents of those around us, we contribute to the flourishing of future leaders who will impact their communities for the better.

Mac Lake: “What is your leadership development strategy?”

Most churches do not have one…

II. Instruct & Equip:

As Samuel proceeds to assess Jesse's sons, he discovers that the chosen one is the youngest, David, who was tending the sheep.

Despite his youth and humble position, David possesses the qualities that God seeks in a leader—a heart after God's own heart.

**is that what we seek in leadership here….a heart after God’s heart???

-Ray Boltz…..”When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a King.”

This unexpected choice emphasizes the importance of Instructing & Equipping in leadership development.

Mac Lake, shares a leadership pipeline…

Just as David was groomed for kingship while tending sheep, we must create pathways for growth and advancement within our church.

We have to & need to establish clear frameworks for instructing and equipping that ensures that leadership roles are filled by individuals who embody the values and vision of the church.

Also, investing in the development of emerging leaders prepares them to navigate the challenges of leadership with courage and integrity.

**Ask young people…are you called to ministry? Vocationally, pastor, missionary, etc.

III. Inspect & Evaluate:

The anointing of David marks the beginning of his journey toward kingship, a journey filled with trials and triumphs.

Likewise, our own leadership development is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluation and adjustment.

David's ascent to the throne was not without setbacks, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God.

As leaders, we must be willing to evaluate our own performance and that of our team members, identifying areas for improvement and adaptation.

Embracing a culture of feedback and learning enables us to respond effectively to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities.

Just as David learned and grew through his experiences, we can also learn valuable lessons from both successes and failures, shaping us into more resilient and effective leaders.

Closing:

In closing, the story of Samuel's anointing of David offers timeless wisdom on leadership development.

Through the lens of this narrative, we are reminded of the importance of identifying and nurturing those called, establishing a structured pipeline to Instruct & Equip , and to embrace continuous evaluation and inspection to make adjustments.

May we strive to cultivate leaders who, like David, are characterized by a heart after God's own heart.

Real-Life Applications:

1. Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs within your church to provide guidance and support for emerging leaders, cultivating their ministry and personal growth.

2. Succession Planning: Develop a comprehensive succession plan that identifies potential leaders and provides them with the necessary training and opportunities to prepare for future leadership roles.

3. Continuous Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and development among your ministry team, facilitating ongoing skill-building and adaptation to evolving challenges in the church.

Jay Strack says: Leaders are Learners… Leaders are readers

He also says; you’ll be the same person 5 years from now except for: the people you meet, the places you go, the books you read, and the things you memorize.

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?