My friend, preaching colleague, and fellow Hoosier, Max Dawson, writes a wonderful weekly column about Kingdom Leaders. Recently, he posted a lesson we can learn from a man outside the Kingdom. It’s a powerful example of how to deal with conflict, be a voice of reason, and pursue peace.
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“Everything rises and falls on leadership,” is the core philosophy of renowned leadership expert, John Maxwell.
This is true in the business world. In the home. In government. In sports. And also in the Lord’s church.
Our reading today is about leaders in the church. It lists what is commonly called the qualifications of elders. They’re better characterized as qualities. Too often we look at this text as a mere checklist, applied superficially, instead of a description of the spiritual attributes required for God’s leaders. Continue reading
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“It is one’s attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome” wrote William James, often called “the father of modern psychology.”
Today’s Bible reading, Numbers 12-14, is a great illustration of that fact. It describes a familiar Bible narrative when Israel stood on the brink of inheriting the land of Canaan. Moses sent out 12 men to spy out the land and their report resulted in death and disaster for Israel.
By the way, do you know how many men of war died during the wilderness wanderings? (I’ll give you the answer at the end of this post). Continue reading
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Our Wednesday Bible Class at West Main is studying the history of the Old Testament this quarter. Last night we surveyed the book of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah led the third group of Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity in about 445 B.C. His mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Although he was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, he demonstrated tremendous wisdom and leadership in his role not only in rebuilding the walls but in spiritual and moral reform. Continue reading
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This week finds me in Anderson, Indiana, with my good friends Carl (Mac) and Lorna McMurray, where I am preaching in a meeting at the church where Mac ministers.
Our theme this week is “Spiritual Leadership: Every Believer’s Commitment to Growth.” In the business world we think of a leader as the CEO or president of the company. On a sports team the coach or manager is the leader. And in the church we consider our Elders or Shepherds as the spiritual leaders. Continue reading
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