The Leader's Goal

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (I Peter 1:13-16)

“Is it possible that we may become so focused on the journey that we lose sight of the destination?” I think that’s one of the most important questions Blackaby asks thus far in his book on Spiritual Leadership. As church leaders, we can become so focused on nickels, noses, and numbers, that we forget our true agenda: “Moving people on to God’s agenda.” I have often heard the analogy: I have been so busy taking care of the alligators, that I forgot my original intention was to drain the swamp!

Henry Blackaby says the three most common, “and perhaps most subtle,” goals that disorient leaders are:

Bottom Line Mentality – We start to think in terms of results instead of building a strong organization. “Spiritual leaders do not use their people to accomplish their goals; their people are the goal. Spiritual leaders have a God-given responsibility to do all they can to lead their people on to God’s agenda.”

Perfectionism – Churches that concentrate more on tasks, (i.e. excellence) than people, often miss what God considers most important. We must always strive to give our best in service to our king. But our task is to take people from where they are to where God wants them to be.

Bigger, Faster, More – Joel Osteen, the cults, sports, etc. There is a BIG difference between drawing a crowd and building a church. Remember: God is not impressed with numbers; He is impressed with Faithfulness!

So, what are the goals spiritual leaders ought to seek as they serve Christ’s Church? Henry Blackaby lists three:

Spiritual Maturity – Our goal is to take people from where they are to where God wants them to be. God is not looking for results, but relationship. I was personally convicted when Blackaby stated, “Leaders will never move their people beyond where they have gone themselves.” As pastor of a growing congregation, I have been reminded in my studies that my congregation will not move forward in their intimacy with Christ unless I am moving forward in my intimacy with Christ. May God grant us favor as we seek to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Leaders Lead Followers – Blackaby says, “Great leaders lead followers.” Leader development must be a core if we are to effectively lead. Again, here is another area of conviction and challenge: What am I doing to enhance our staff, our deacons, and our leadership teams’ spiritual maturity. Now, I recognize that there are times when church leaders are focused on things other than growth in Christ, whether it’s unhappiness in ministry and the people who are to blame, unconfessed sin, or a host of reasons for the lack of development. As leaders, we must know when to confront and when to encourage. Blackaby lists four habits leaders must practice in their quest to grow their leadership:

Leaders delegate.

Leaders give people freedom to fail.

Leaders recognize the success of others.

Leaders give encouragement and support.

Bringing Glory to God – My goal ought to be to glorify God in the way I shepherd the congregation God has entrusted to my care. Our staff ought to be seeking God’s glory in their respective ministry areas, our lay leadership ought to be striving for God’s glory in their servant opportunities. Paul urged the Corinthians: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Cor. 10:31)

Here lies the ultimate evaluation, the ultimate measuring stick of all that we do: Is it for God? Is it for His glory? Is it for the praise of His name? We must always remember that God’s glory is what we should desire for the watching world to see. Do the residents of Calhoun County see us living our lives for Christ and the advancement of His kingdom? Or do they sense that we live for ourselves and not the One who has saved us and called us to a holy calling?

Will you examine your heart as I have done in these days? Will you enter your prayer closet, shut the door, and be still before the One who knows you better than you know yourself? And will you ask yourself…What evidence of redemption do my neighbors see in me?

What signs of maturity in Christ are plain to see?

What yardstick do I use to measure…

The depth of my prayer life?

My time spent in the Word of God?

My love for people?

My desire to see our staff reflect Christ in all they do?

My desire to move our lay leaders to maturity?

My desire to glorify God with my life and my family?

It is only when we seek Him with all our hearts, that we will move ourselves and our people on in their pursuit of God’s agenda! Will you join me in the journey to the destination: Christlikeness!

Until Next Week,

Dr. Derek