A Leader Is;

“A leader is; one who walks with God, works with people, to accomplish a vision.“

I’ve had the honor to serve with many spiritual leaders over the last twenty years. Each leader and season offered new insight and growth I’d likely not take a hold of otherwise. Often people ask what it was like, what working in ministry is like. My response. The most challenging and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

To stand in stadiums throughout North America and witness tens of thousands of men called to be Godly men, to step into the challenge from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong; let all that you do be done in love.”

Listening to men and women share their stories of transformation, I once was, but God, and now. Gripping. Inspiring. Often behind the camera, a few times in first-person, Myra and I sharing our own story.

Sharing a meal with committed men and women, chewing on what it means to love God, love others. To actually, Go and make disciples. Responding to the call, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.

Spiritual Leadership requires spirit-filled people. — SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP, BY J. OSWALD SANDERS

After serving a little more than two years on a remote island in Alaska. Where I accepted a role as lead pastor with a smaller and mighty church I found myself on the potter’s wheel, as my sending pastor and friend prescribed both confidently and when caution. I had not heard this phrase before in 17 years of serving in full-time ministry, mostly on special project teams, innovation, creative. I asked, what do you mean?

The potters wheel is the place where God has you, and he is shaping you like never before, through His word, His people, and His spirit.

Since accepting a role in full-time ministry I have sensed, felt, recognized a prompting to stay in the Word, be obedient to the truth and to give in or maybe better expressed release control over what is ahead. To release my plans, my way of doing, and trust His plan, His way. If this sounds grey, not clear, even a bit confusing, but simple enough to acknowledge, then you’ve got some idea of what I was wrestling with.

This new season, I found myself in 17 years ago, I still find myself in today. I remember asking a friend and leader who would take me to lunch often and speak into my life and understanding, I asked how do you have a five year plan or prepare for what’s ahead, when it seems as if we can’t see but two feet in front of ourselves?

He quoted, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. We don’t always get to see everything that is ahead, but when we say in the Word, in prayer, with the spirit we will have light for our path.

I am thankful for those who God put in my path, to be discipled by, to pass on this truth, the way of following Jesus, leaning into the Word and obeying the Spirit. I am so grateful.

“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”” Acts 6:3-4

Choose those known to be full of the spirit, those that have spent time with Jesus.

This is the way for Spiritual Leadership. It’s not a solo sport, rather a counter-intuitive inter-dependency on God, the son, Holy Spirit and those who follow him.