Will you be prepared to lead when your name is called?
Are you prepared or qualified to lead?
During WWII the Germans began to kill American officers in an attempt to disrupt the chain of command. However, it backfired, because if an American soldier is killed or unable to lead it is the next man up regardless of if he is an officer or regular enlisted man. But this wasn’t true with the German soldiers when an officer was killed, there was no next man up, and the troops were left in disarray.
Hence, leadership is essential. An effective leader must pray and intercede for the people, an effective leader must be able to communicate. A leader must consistently deliver the truth of God’s word to the people. Then people will become attentive to the word of truth through the leader’s consistent life of grace and compassionate leadership. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” ~John 10:27-28 God doesn’t call then equip, He equips then send or release. “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” ~Romans 8:30. The church leadership is a vital element of New Testament teaching. Hosea 4:9 said, “Like people like priests.” In other words, people are like those who lead them.
In conclusion, whoever leads in the church will determine what that church becomes. New Testament teaching is an integral part of effective leadership. The life of the church, the ministry of the church, the impact of the church, and the character of the church is dependent on the leadership of the church. You can look at a church and determine by the nature of its ministry the kind of leadership it has.
Father, I pray for congregations everywhere that they might have leaders who are single-minded and attuned to the moving of your Spirit in their hearts to lead your people. Leaders who do not desire the title but are willing to serve because they are moved by their love for you and concern for your Kingdom and for the lost and hurting. Amen
Written by: Deacon David Caldwell
