Problem Solving: Leaders must maintain perspective with problems

Intro

Thank you all for being here tonight.

I pray it has been a blessing to you. Seeing you here and willing to be apart of Liberty at this level encourages me and gives me great hope about the future of our ministry.

The Bible is full of leadership principles and truths that when we obey, I believe we see God bless.

Relationships are key to being a servant leader. That’s why we are going through that book.

Being a servant leader in the church is more than just knowing people and loving them. What it takes for a church to operate is something that surprises people every time they get a peek behind the scenes.

Except for Amy who came here with ministry expereience every secratary, here and Yuma, that came into the church expressed their amazement at what it takes to operate a church.

One of the reasons I wanted to open this night up to leaders like you is so that we could see the needs of the church and how they can be met.

While we are doing that, I believe we need to also be growing as leaders.

That’s why I’d like for you to look with me tonight at James 1:1-8

It’s in this passage we see a process of problem solving. Problem solving is the fastest way to leadership and when solving problems we must maintain the proper perspective.

James was not an Apostle, it is believed he was the half brother of Jesus. He wrote around 62 AD to believers. He was a pastor and very direct in His communication.

Let’s read this and break it down.

James 1:1–8 KJV 1900

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Notice how he teaches us to approach problems.

1. Contemplation

James 1:2–4 KJV 1900

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

It’s been said “We can find joy in the midst of problems only when we recognize their purpose and results. he key is perspective. Leaders must think correctly about problems and see that their followers grow stronger through them.”

When we recognize a problem, we must think about them correctly.

Let’s talk about church problems.

Decorations: areas remodeled but not finished.

Leadership of ministries: childrens department, hospitality team, parking lot,

Groups: need more space

People: The more we have to minister to, the more ministers we need. Every member a minister.

What are some areas you see lacking in the church? Is there anything you have noticed?

2. Supplication

James 1:5 KJV 1900

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Some have said “God gives us trials in such a way that we lack nothing in the ennd. James says, however, that if we do lack wisdom, we should ask God for it. It is no sign of weakness for a leader to pray for wisdom when facing problems.”

I’ve been doing this and spoke with others pastors and you know what I learned in praying for God to send us leaders?

I believe there are some areas where God will have to send us leaders but for the most part, I believe God answered my prayer by letting me see that we have people to be leaders, they just need to be discipled and trained. Here we are.

Would you begin praying with me over this next month about how God would have you involved at Liberty?

3. Expectation

James 1:6–8 KJV 1900

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

John Maxwell wrote “If we do ask God for wisdom, we must ask in faith, expecting His answer. Once leaders gain perspective and trust God for wisdom, the only thing left to do is to anticipate solutions and exude optimism.”

Seeking wisdom and believing by faith God will answer as you take action to solve problems is great but if it is done without love, it will be done in vain.

Leaders don’t walk around talking about everything that is wrong. leaders don’t talk about what others are doing wrong. Leaders don’t express their dissaproval for something publicly.

Leaders exude optimism as they pursue Jesus and serve others.

Have you ever worked with or for someone that is excellent at their job but a jerk?

What was that experience like?

Our Sunday morning experience, our online experience, and any interaction with our ministry or some one from our ministry should leave a person feeling happy about the interaction and not upset.