Seven Most Important Relationships in a Leader's Life

Mentoring Message

“Seven Most Important Relationships in a Leader’s Life”

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture:            Luke 6:12-16; I Timothy 3:1-13

Jesus built successful relationships.  Leaders must also develop and maintain healthy relationships.  Leaders will usually develop many relationships.  Some relationships are more important than others.  Successful leaders must learn how to prioritize their relationships.

1.         Relationship with God

            a.         You cannot give what you have not received.

                        1)         Acts 3:6 and Acts 4:13

            b.         You cannot lead where you have not been led.

c.         Acts 6:1-7  The word of God spread when the apostles put their priorities in order

d.         2 Timothy 2:15  You must spend time in His word

e.         You must pray.  Your ministry cannot grow beyond your prayer life.

2.         Relationship with your spouse

            a.         I Timothy 3       Leadership begins at home

            b.         Make each other your best friends

            c.         Make spending time with each other a priority

            d.         Go places together often---it speaks to those you lead.

e.         Protect your family from family time invasion---phone calls, etc.  Your home is not the shock absorber for the world around you

f.          Don’t try to force each other into a mold of expectation based on what another person’s spouse is or is not doing.

g.         If your marriage is not strong, your ministry is not strong, no matter how it may seem.

3.         Relationship with your children

            a.         Leadership begins at home

b.         I Timothy 3:4    Children are to be in subjection with all gravity.

1)         Amplified:  “He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful.”

            c.         Make time for fun and recreation

            d.         Speak heart to heart with your children

4.         Relationship with your mentor/leader and pastor

            a.         Keep communication open

            b.         Keep your heart right

            c.         Pray for your leaders

            d.         Protect your leaders

5.         Relationships with your key leaders

            a.         Jesus looked for key leaders before He looked for great multitudes

            b.         Spend time with them

            c.         Impart purpose, mission, and vision

d.         Train them

            e.         Take them with you

            f.          Invest in them

            g.         Involve them in new levels of ministry

            h.         Evaluate their progress.

                        1)         Are they faithful to commitments and responsibilities?

                        2)         Are they tithing and giving of themselves?

                        3)         How are those under them doing?

4)         Are they demonstrating good leadership and the ability to work with people?

5)         Are they teachable?

6)         Are they accountable?

6.         Relationships with non-leaders under your care

            a.         Teach

            b.         Preach

            c.         Minister

            d.         Fellowship in general settings

7.         Relationships with Outsiders

            a.         Members from other churches, friends, workmates, associates, the lost, etc.