Brief Summary
This video outlines key principles for effective Christian leadership and discipleship. It emphasizes the importance of prayerful decision-making, personal exposure to potential leaders, embracing diversity, and focusing on potential rather than problems. The video underscores the radical difference between Christian and secular leadership, highlighting servant leadership as the model exemplified by Jesus Christ. It stresses that true Christian leadership involves submission to authority, selfless love, and courage to uphold and communicate God's truth.
- Bathe choices in prayer and seek God's guidance.
- Focus on developing people's potential and building God's word in their lives.
- Emulate servant leadership, prioritizing the needs of others and following Jesus' example.
Bathe Your Choices in Prayer
The first principle is to always pray before making choices, especially when selecting individuals for ministry or discipleship roles. The speaker emphasizes that every time he has chosen someone for a ministry role without first praying about it, he has regretted it, without exception. This underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and discernment in leadership decisions.
Never Choose Without Personal Exposure
The second principle is to never make a choice without personal exposure to the individual. It's important to look for both strengths and weaknesses, as everyone has both. The speaker shares an insight from Dr. Hohner, suggesting that leaders should have significant exposure to potential candidates, possibly up to two years, before making a decision. Spending time with people in various settings, like watching a game or asking them to do a task, can reveal their true character and dependability.
Your Word Is Your Bond
The speaker shares a lesson from his father, emphasizing the importance of commitment and keeping one's word. He recounts how his father, though not a believer, always valued honesty and truthfulness. This principle highlights the significance of integrity and reliability in leadership, contrasting it with the inconsistency sometimes seen even among Christians.
Don't Avoid Diversity
The third principle is to not avoid diversity when choosing leaders or team members. There is a natural tendency to select people who are similar to oneself or who have a good track record and are popular.
Surface the Basic Qualifications
The fourth principle involves identifying basic qualifications, which the speaker outlines as five key attributes: faithfulness, availability, initiative, teachability, and a heart for God. Faithfulness means being reliable and exceeding expectations. Availability refers to being present and willing to serve. Initiative involves taking the lead and running with assigned tasks. Teachability is the willingness to learn and be corrected. A heart for God signifies a genuine desire to follow and serve Him.
Recruit People to a Cause
The fifth principle is to recruit people to a cause, not an organization. People are drawn to something bigger than themselves, something worth investing their lives in. The speaker expresses humility and gratitude for being chosen by God, emphasizing that any sacrifices made are insignificant compared to what God has given.
Choose Men and Women for Their Potential
The sixth principle is to choose individuals based on their potential, not their problems. Everyone has problems, and that's why they need guidance and discipleship. The speaker shares the story of Chuck Swindoll, who was initially an unpolished candidate but was recognized for his potential and drive. This illustrates the importance of seeing people for what they can become through God's grace.
Christian Leadership vs Secular Leadership
The speaker contrasts Christian leadership with secular leadership, emphasizing that Christian leadership is rooted in serving others, following the model of Jesus Christ. He highlights the story in John 13, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating servant leadership. True Christian leadership involves submission to authority, an attitude of selfless love, and the courage to stand firm on God's truth.
Characteristics of Servant Leadership
The characteristics of servant leadership include submission to authority and an attitude of love, driven by a deep love for God and His children. This results in selfless, sacrificial, and sensitive leadership, always seeking to manifest Christ's love. The speaker notes that the current climate is often hostile to this type of leadership, requiring courage to stand firm on God's truth.
Servant Leadership Illustrated
The video concludes with a story about Leroy Eims and a young man named Johnny in Africa. Johnny focused on discipling a few young men, while a veteran missionary followed a more traditional approach. Years later, the missionary realized that Johnny's method had produced lasting fruit, with his disciples leading and multiplying disciples in various countries. This story illustrates the profound impact of servant leadership and focusing on developing individuals rather than merely maintaining an organization.
