Who you are is who you are ‘in Christ.’ The most important thing about you is that you are in Christ and Christ is in you. As a leader, it’s’ tempting to put your sense of identity and worth in what you do for God or in how well you do it. Big mistake. You are nothing more or less than ‘God’s beloved.’ Firmly rooting your identity in that reality changes everything!
Your mission in life is to join Jesus in his. What’s Jesus’ mission? Check out his mission statements. Jesus said that he was sent by the Father to message the Kingdom, friend sinners, shine light in dark places, care for the poor and powerless, and do the will of the Father. Jesus said, “As the Father sent me, so send I you.”
Your ultimate purpose is to become a ‘Jesus-Junior.’ God predestined you to be conformed to the image of his Son: To be like Him… to think, speak, and act like Jesus
The greatest among you is the servant of all. It’s great that you want to serve by leading. How about leading by serving? Jesus said, “I am among you as one who serves.” Love and serve others well… and you’ll be a leader.
Your attitude will determine your altitude. It never ceases to amaze me how many ministry workers are negative about ministry. People don’t want to follow a depressing, unhappy leader. Be joyful! Be positive! Celebrate! God is doing good things!
Nurturing your inner life is far more important than grooming your outer image. Ministry workers often get caught up in impression management. We know that our influence is only as good as how people perceive us. Sadly, we can spend so much time and energy in protecting and promoting an image, that we let the care and keeping of our inner lives slide. Eventually, it catches up with us (usually in bad ways).
You’re in the family business… but only to the extent that you are actively & intentionally making disciples. Jesus made disciples. He commanded us to do the same thing. Disciple-making is more than throwing up more programs. Disciple-making happens best in the context of relationship… walking individuals through the inward look, the upward look, and the outward look. It’s not all that complicated. It’s just about asking good questions… with the intent of seeing Christ being formed within the other person.
To love and lead well, you’ve got to listen well. Jesus asked great questions and listened actively to the response. What if Christians were known for being good question askers… and active listeners? How cool would that be!
If you want people ‘up-on-it,’ you need to get them ‘in-on-it.’ People don’t want to be told what to do! Invite their participation in the process of defining and achieving outcomes. They’ll own it!
Success is being loved, trusted, and respected by those closest to you. It’s great that you want to be loved, trusted, and respected by lots of people… but it’s sad to lose those close to you in the process. Too many ministry guys sacrifice their wives, kids, and grandkids on the altar of ministry. Not worth it! Not pleasing to the Father! Keep your family 1st!
