250101 ALR Plenary Script Topic 1, “Surviving Struggles as a Leader,” Draft v2, DCLM Global Leadership Strategy Congress 2025

Presented by Larry Ross, Founder & CEO

A. Larry Ross Communications

Deeper Life Christian Ministry (DCLM) Global Leadership Strategy Congress 2025

@The Deeper Life International Conference Center (DLICC)

Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria, December 30, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Plenary Session Description:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him (turned away and deserted him/returned to their former way of life). Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’

“Then Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,’”

John 6: 66–68 (KJV).

There are moments in leadership when people abandon ship. Even Jesus experienced this dynamic, prompting Him to ask the twelve disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is congruence between one’s life and leadership, including consistency in character worthy of following. But how does a leader deal with being abandoned or other disappointments that come with being out front or having the microphone?

Combining practical principles of Jesus from Scripture with anecdotal insights from a career spanning more than 49 years representing influential leaders such as evangelist Billy Graham, Pastor Rick Warren, Bishop T. D. Jakes, U.S. Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Tony Evans, Mel Gibson (“The Passion of The Christ”) and numerous other catalytic world changers, A. Larry Ross will provide practical insights into the underbelly of leadership and how one can remain an overcomer, rather than being overcome.

(INTRO SLIDE ) – ALRC LOGO

(SLIDE 1) – “SURVIVING STRUGGLES AS A LEADER”

· Good morning.

· I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. W. F. Kumuyi, and the leadership of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry Global Leadership Strategy Congress 2025 for the invitation to share with you today as fellow pastors, evangelists and Christian leaders representing, I understand, 222 nations around the world.

· I thank the Lord for Dr. Kumuyi’s faithfulness to the Lord’s calling out of the Academy to pastoral teaching and preaching for more than 50 years more recently as an evangelist conducting monthly crusades, one of which I was privileged to attend in Ahouda, Nigeria, back in September.

· But it is his anointed vision of encouraging, engaging, equipping and empowering leaders of this movement that brings us together at this extraordinary DCLM Training Center that brings us together this week.

· I am honored to be with you and commend each of you in your critical role – not only in the church or ministry organization you serve – but also as “Brand Ambassadors” of Deeper Christian Life Ministries and Deeper Life Bible Churches and the Kingdom of God.

· Beyond teaching and preaching, no doubt you are often called upon to be the face or voice of both your church and the larger Deeper Christian Life association, and you have the privilege and responsibility to steward your story well.

(SLIDE 2) – ALR PHOTO AND ALRC LOGO

o My name is Larry Ross, founder and CEO of the eponymously named A. Larry Communications, which my wife and I started in 1994 to provide crossover communications emanating from or targeted to the Christian market.

o Following a career in secular corporate and agency public relations– with The General Motors Corporation and a large Madison Avenue firm in New York City – for nearly 45 years, I have been providing crossover communications and consultation at:

(Slide 3) – THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND CULTURE

o We are currently in the 30th Anniversary year since the founding of our Agency, our team of 15+ professionals based in Dallas, Nashville and Charlotte that has grown to be the oldest and one of the most respected firms in full-service Christian communications.

o In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands all of us to “…Go (ye) into all the world and preach the Gospel,” which for me has encompassed Marketplace Ministry, leveraging the power of story to extend the influence of Pastors/Christian leaders and the impact of the churches and organizations they lead to and through the media and direct via digital platforms.

(SLIDE 4) – OUR EXPERIENCE (ALRC CLIENT LOGOS)

o In some respects, our Agency is a metaphor for the integration of faith in the marketplace. We have a foot in both the ministry world as well as secular mainstream media and regularly interpret and transpose one to the other.

o Lately that has included a significant amount of crisis communications and reputation management.

(SLIDE 5) – BILLY GRAHAM HEAD SHOT

o For nearly 34 years, I was privileged to serve as personal media spokesperson for evangelist Billy Graham and have a front row seat on all God did through more than half of his ministry of global evangelism spanning six decades, including more than 70 crusades.

o During my tenure, in addition to Mr. Graham I have had opportunity to observe and work with many other leaders up close and personal, such:

Pastor Rick Warren,

Bishop T. D. Jakes,

Dr. Ben Carson (Communications Director for his 2016 Presidential Campaign),

Mel Gibson (and his release of “The Passion of The Christ,”) and others.

o I am forever grateful for and blessed by their exemplary leadership overall and toward me personally.

(SLIDE 6) – “SURVIVING STRUGGLES AS A LEADER”

o Most books and seminars on Leadership provide practical tools and tips to better encourage, inspire and motivate individuals whom they manage or lead. Titles like:

o “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

o “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”

o “The 48 Laws of Power”

o “The Power of Positive Leadership”

o “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

o …to name a few.

o But my topic today is, “Surviving Struggles as a Leader” – what do we do with that?

o As a wordsmith, I want to clarify the meaning behind this question, which could imply:

(SLIDE 6.5) “SURVIVING STRUGGLES AS A LEADER”

o Surviving struggles in one’s leadership traits or abilities?

o Surviving personal struggles in a leader’s private life? (including health, marriage, family, tragedy or loss?)

o Surviving corporate struggles of the church or organization one leads? (such as losing your building due to a fire or weather incident; attacks from activist groups or critics, etc.)?

o Actually, it can be any – or all of the above.

o The key is to flip it…

o Perhaps it’s not about Surviving Struggles, but rather Surrendering to the Struggle?

(SLIDE 7) - SURVIVING STRUGGLES VS. SURRENDERING TO THE STRUGGLE?

Keeping in mind that all of us in ministry can always draw upon the wisdom and strength of the Lord. But:

o If we survive the struggle, we do so on our own;

o Many leaders feel lonely, but they should never be isolated;

o If they become lone wolves, they often revert to their weaknesses;

o But if we surrender, we can rally others around us.

I. THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

(SLIDE 8) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

1. BURNOUT - new pastors only last five years before they feel burned out from:

o Stress

o Loneliness

o Isolation

· (A Spring 2022 Barna Study determined that pastor burnout had risen from 29 – 42 percent of pastors in the previous year who had given serious consideration to quitting ministry – primarily due to one of these factors)

o Moral Failure due to PMS (Power, Money and Sex) - it’s a man thing

While in Korea for the Lausanne Congress on Evangelism last September I interviewed for an hour with the religion writer for The New York Times for a story focusing on 17 North Texas Pastors within 30 miles of my home who had been fired or resigned due to moral failure in the previous four months.

I shared with Pastors at the crusade Pastor Conference in Ahouda that God says in His Word, “Be holy, because I am Holy,” not act holy so that others may come to Christ - otherwise, we are living the IMPOSTER SYNDROME…

That article ran on the front page of the Sunday edition the day after I arrived Lagos for my first visit to Nigeria later that month, which is in September, and was a sobering reminder of the personal and collective responsibility we have as Christian leaders to uphold our individual witness and be accountable - to the Lord and each other.

(SLIDE 9)

“We need sages who advise us, leaders to direct us or hold us accountable, peers to remind us we aren’t alone, healers to dress our wounds and companions who carry us when we can’t carry on.”

Dr. Glenn Packiam, Author, “The Resilient Pastor.”

(SLIDE 10) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

2. ABANDONMENT

o One of the things I have observed is that there are moments in leadership when people abandon ship.

o We learn from Scripture that even Jesus experienced this dynamic:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’”

John 6: 66, 67 (KJV)

o In that moment, Jesus is asking the disciples a question that suggests they might be contemplating or could leave as well (many of his followers did turn away and returned to their former way of life).

o Eventually, even his disciples left him metaphorically – (such as falling asleep in the Garden and Peter’s denial in the courtyard).

o But to be abandoned means that the followers were actually leading… (He tells them to deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Him…)

o If you think you are leading and now one is following, you are actually just taking a walk…

(SLIDE 11) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

3. SEDITION

“So David and his men came to the city (Ziklag), and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters…”

I Samuel 30: 3,4, 6a (KJV)

o In his zeal to take his defeat the Amalkites, David committed a grievous mistake. Though they experienced a great victory in battle, he had left their families, including wives and children, unprotected in their home village of Ziklag.

o When they returned to the village of Ziklag, they found that the Amalkites had circled back and burned the village and taken captive all its inhabitants – their families.

o David was distraught at this tragedy, partially of his own making, rivaling that of Job but multiplied by 600 as it involved not just his family, but of each of his men as well. Each of them became embittered, and talked of stoning their leader.

(SLIDE 12) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

4) BEING CRITICIZED OR FALSELY ACCUSED

o Ex: Mel Gibson – “The Passion of The Christ”-

When the Hollywood veteran returned from to the States after 9 mos. on-set in Italy, he found he was being sued by an ad-hoc group of theologians convened on the Internet.

We were involved in Crisis Communications for the first four months before we could even focus on publicizing the film. He followed the

In our first meeting, I shared a quote with him a quote:

“The Word of God is like a lion; you don’t need to defend it, just turn it loose,”

Charles Spurgeon

Following the example of the lead character in the film, Mel never defended himself, rather let others – and the film – do so on his behalf.

(SLIDE 13) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

5. BEING DRIVEN, NOT CALLED

o When one is driven to things, often their calling is revealed in time of turmoil.

o Indeed, COVID demonstrated that leadership is often formed from catastrophe.

(SLIDE 14) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

6. IGNORING PROPER FAMILY/MINISTRY BALANCE

Ex: Bishop T. D. Jakes – Emergency Oxygen Mask

In time of emergency – put yours on first, then your child. It sounds counter-intuitive, but is the right thing to do - because while you can care for your child, they can’t take care of you.

(SLIDE 15) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

6. PURSUING POSITION OR POWER OVER OBEDIENCE

Ex: John 3 – Nicodemus:

o Does a leader go all in, or do what is safe?

(SLIDE 16) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

7. INCONGRUENCE BETWEEN ONE’S LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

o Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is:

congruence between one’s life and leadership, including

consistency in character worthy of following.

accountability (to spouse, small group, leadership team).

II. LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

(SLIDE 17) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

As Christian leaders, our job is not to be successful, but faithful – to allow God to work in and through us

It is not our ability, but rather our availability that will determine our Kingdom impact.

“Leadership is Not a Lofty Pillar but a Long Embrace of Knowing Who we are in the Love of God.”

(SLIDE 18) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

1. Burnout

o Know Who You Are

“You will Know the Truth and the Truth will Set You Free. In This Abiding You will Know the Truth about who you are, and That Knowing Will Be Your Freedom.”

John 8:32 (MIR)

Jesus offers freedom and liberating power when we embrace His truth, which transforms lives held captive by sin and fear into lives of freedom and peace, granting believers - and leaders - a renewed sense of identity and freedom.

o Know Whose You Are

God can use us far greater in our brokenness than our giftings and grandiosity.

o Pivot from living as a “Human Doing” to a Human Being”

Be a Mary, not a Martha

o Jesus was never in a hurry but he was always on-time.

(SLIDE 19 ) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

2. Affirm Faith Amidst Abandonment

Remember my reference to Jesus’ conversation with his disciples after seeing many followers turn back and no longer walk with him, when He said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?”

o But that wasn’t the case with the disciples, as confirmed by Simon Peter in the next verse, when he answered:

Peter’s Reply to Jesus:

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

John 6: 68 (KJV)

Peter recognized Jesus as the sole provider of eternal life. As a result, he was able to to declare and affirm his faith, while others turned away and abandoned Jesus, because of the hardness of His teachings.

In a world full of uncertainties, we must choose to stand firm in the face of doubt and remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in Jesus as the source of life., especially when societal pressures lead others to doubt.

Peter’s faith serves as an example to us all to answer life's challenges with resolve, secure in the Savior, knowing that true sustenance and hope are found only in Jesus and His promises as found in His Word.

Likewise, Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' unbelief provides a teaching moment for leaders in strengthening the faith of your congregation in times of doubt. Jesus commissioned His disciples with a powerful mission, correcting them in humility and providing opportunity for growth and transformation. He helped them understand that their disbelief didn’t disqualify them from impactful ministry.

Starting with Peter, Jesus Commissioned his disciples in the Crisis, transforming them from doubt to agents of faith, empowered by His authority to fulfill His mission amidst their inadequacies.

(SLIDE 20) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

3. Seek and Strengthen Yourself in the Lord Amidst Sedition

After Ziklag, David discovers the antidote for his distress:

“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

I Samuel 30: 6b (KJV)

Faith is Strengthened in Struggle

In response to doubt and despair, David strengthened himself in the Lord despite overwhelming adversity, finding strength to get up and continue to lead by leaning on His promises and faithfulness.

As David turned to God, the Lord restored hope and direction; our trials do not signal and end to leadership, but are often the start of God being able to do a new work in us and through us.

From Despair to Divine Deliverance

In the midst of despair at his darkest hour, David sought strength and put his trust in God, who transformed a moment of utter loss into a victory.

(SLIDE 21) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

4. Dismiss Rather than Defend Against False Accusations or Criticism

o Ex: Mel Gibson – “The Passion of The Christ”-

When the Hollywood veteran returned from to the States after 9 mos. on-set in Italy, he found he was being sued by an ad-hoc group of theologians convened on the Internet.

We were involved in Crisis Communications for the first four months before we could even focus on publicizing the film.

In our first meeting, I shared a quote with him a quote:

“The Word of God is like a lion; you don’t need to defend it, just turn it loose,”

Charles Spurgeon

Following the example of the lead character in the film, he never defended himself, rather let others – and the film – do so on his behalf.

(SLIDE 22) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

5. Remain Called, Not Driven

(Even if you are a Type-A personality)

Operate out of your calling and giftings, rather than being driven out of your pathology by avoiding or running from past wounds.

Stop Posing, and Pursue Holiness

The Bible says, “Be holy,” not “Act holy, so that others may come to Christ.

(SLIDE 23) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

6. Restoring Proper Family/Ministry Balance

Ex: Bishop T. D. Jakes – Emergency Oxygen Mask

In time of emergency – put yours on first, then your child. It sounds counter-intuitive, but is the right thing to do - because while you can care for your child, they can’t take care of you.

(SLIDE 24) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

7. Replacing Pursuit of Position of Power with Obedience

Nicodemus a “Quiet Disciple” who started safe by later went “All In” (John 3)

Nicodemus came to Jesus in the Night, and experienced transformative New Birth in being “born again.” His journey from confusion to understanding exemplifies the profound impact of faith on one's life and direction, in order to find true identity and purpose.

In John 3, we read about Jesus encounter with Nichodemas, a Pharisee and one of the 71 in the Sanhedrin (think Jewish Supreme Court.), who came to Him under the cover of darkness.

Pharisees in the Bible often get a bad rap, synonymous with hypocrite. But in Jesus’ day, they were theological rock stars, not self-righteous phonies, they knew the Scriptures and were at the top of the religious food chain.

Perhaps Nichodemas spent all day reading the Scriptures, and only got evenings off; or more likely, he didn’t want to be seen talking to Jesus.

Jesus refers to him as “Israel’s teacher” – the best of the best among the religious leaders, the Billy Graham or Pope of Judaism, if you will.

When he meets Jesus face-to-face, you would think Jesus would say, "Nichodemas, you’re the greatest, there is no doubt you are going to heaven. Instead he said, "Nichodemas, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again." Nichodemas thought he would have said unless you are a Jew. But Jesus said, "Unless you are born again."

Stunning, that Jesus would say this to a leader of his stature. But it applied even to him.

Jesus reprimands Nichodemas for not understanding to what he was saying. He knew his Old Testament:

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh,” (which is a description of being born again).

Ezekiel 36: 26

Nichodemas knew it applied to nations, but not individuals, which is why he missed it. In vs 7 of John 3, Jesus chastises him for missing it, as he was a teacher among teachers who knew the Scriptures.

Most interesting is the first question Nichodemas asks Jesus in their nocturnal encounter: “Rabbi, WE know you are a teacher who has come from God.” To whom is the WE referring? Jews? Everybody?

The clue is from the two other times Nicodemas is mentioned in Scripture (in John 7:45-53 and John 19:38).

When Nichodemas said WE, he was likely also speaking for his fellow senior Pharisee, Joseph of Arimethea. My former pastor in America once mused they likely held parking lot meetings. “I think He might be the one; let's talk to him. You go, no you go.”

Regardless, they became secret Jesus followers. All the other disciples were saying they would die with Jesus. But these two men were actually there. They chose this moment to come out of the closet. All of Jerusalem had to see them take him down off the Cross.

Two Jewish leaders, who may have been secret disciples, chose this time to come out of the closet, as it were, AND SAVED EASTER! People who were crucified weren't given a burial, rather thrown on the garbage heap. Easter could have been a little awkward if He was thrown out to the buzzards for three days where they could have eaten away at his flesh.

That is the way it is with many followers of Jesus - here in Nigeria, as you challenge your members how to be “all in” with their faith and become ”salt and light" in society.

I thank The Lord for Dr. Kumuyi’s example of faithfulness to the Word of God and the Gospel of Salvation as well as the Gospel of the Kingdom in speaking truth to power in this nation.

The story of Nichodemas and Joseph is encouraging - you don't have to be a brash disciple. These two men grew into their faith quietly, then stepped into what God had at the right moment.

What about you? Whatever happened to what happened to you? How is God calling you:

to live out your faith?

to influence both your congregation and culture for His Kingdom?

to Impact your congregation and sphere of influence for His Kingdom?

to influence a lost and dying world desperately searching for purpose and meaning to life - with the light of the Gospel.

The Lord may not call you to "save Easter," but your bold witness where he plants or places you could make a transformational difference in the lives of others.

(SLIDE 25) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

7. Incongruence Between One’s Life and Leadership

o Practice “Intrinsic Leadership”

Most leadership development programs focus on the “how-tos”:

how to lead a team,

how to influence others,

how to get others to follow you.

While how-tos are important, they are secondary to Intrinsic Leadership – the inner practice of cultivating the essential, best and whole self through honing skills of becoming more aware, grounded, engaged and resilient, leaning into your anointing and trusting the Lord for your message and message.

Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is congruence between one’s life and leadership, including consistency in character worthy of following.

But it is not just a simple question of whether one has good character; leaders also need accountability.

o Recognize there is no such thing as a leader – we are all followers.

Ex: Bishop Ken Ulmer – “I am not a Servant Leader; I am a Servant Follower…”

Ask other to “Follow Me” (as you follow Jesus)

Doug Coe - “Have you ever asked anyone to follow you?” He encouraged him to do so at his next weekly Bible class – out of 30, a dozen raised their hands… It sounds pompous and presumptuous, but what he was saying is, “Follow me – as I follow Jesus…”

o Develop a Personal Mission Statement

A. Larry Ross Personal Mission Statement

“Like David, I will continue to serve God’s purpose in my generation until He calls me home, by leveraging my vast experience and expertise as a senior statesman to provide strategic communications and crisis consultation for passion projects; mentoring next generation PR counselors in relational best practices; and growing into thought leadership through speaking and writing including Op-eds, blogs and books; while serving as a global ambassador of friendship, peace and reconciliation according to the Principles of Jesus.”

o Remain Purpose-Driven

(The Morning after Jesus had taught and healed huge crowds) “Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’

“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, ‘If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. ‘And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, ‘I will; be thou clean.’”

Mark 1: 36-38; 40, 41 (KJV)

Why did He run from crowds and yet wanted to help a leper (make him clean vs. heal)?

It became impossible for him to show his face in towns and so had to stay in lonely places. That was BG, and I assume it is the same for Dr. Kumuyi.

(SLIDE 25.5) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

o Follow the leadership example of Jesus, who:

Emphasized RELATIONAL INTEGRITY over INTELLECTUAL ACCURACY

ex: made Judas treasurer and gave him the purse, even though He knew he would rip Him off and betray Him.

Was Present in the Moment –

Jesus was never in a hurry but he was always on-time.

I used to have FOMO – Fear of Missing Out, but in studying the life of Jesus, I realized He didn’t strive to be where things were happening; rather He made things happen wherever He was…

o Went beyond “Servant Leadership” to “Servant Think-manship.”

Reframe the limitations of the social media prompt, “What are you doing today,” to letting followers know what you are thinking, that prompts thoughtful dialogue and discussion.

Jesus’ impact was less in the answers given than the questions asked (“Who do you say that I am?”)

(SLIDE 26) - CONCLUSION

Many, if not all of us have, are or will experience one or more of these Underbelly Elements of Leadership:

BURNOUT

ABANDONMENT

SEDITION

FALSE ACCUSATION/CRITICISM

DRIVEN, NOT CALLED

IMPROPER MINISTRY/FAMILY BALANCE

PURSUIT OF POSITION/POWER OVER OBEDIENCE

INCONGRUENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

(SLIDE 27) - CONCLUSION

Be encouraged, as each has an antidote, found in:

Knowing who and whose we are

Putting our faith and finding our strength in the Lord

Remaining true to our calling, rather than driven out of our pathology

Practicing Intrinsic Leadership

Remaining Purpose Driven, and

Following the leadership example of Jesus