Leadership Dynamics Among God-Fearing
Men In The Church of Christ
Six Workshops On Leadership Dynamics From A Biblical
Perspective
Dr. Ammar Saheli, Evangelist
Dynamic #1
All of the biblical leaders we can read about were men who were willing to sacrifice their will for the will of God. The men who were punished and even destroyed by God were those who refused to be a living sacrifice. Solid men of God must be willing to put God first in all endeavors (Matthew 6:33). The purpose of this workshop is to encourage you to increase your ability to become a living sacrifice for the cause of Christ by investigating the life of a few God-fearing men.
Moses:
Moses risked his life for his countrymen (Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:23-25). After settling and developing a family in Midian, at the command of God he forsook all and returned to rescue his nation from bondage (Exodus 4:18-20). Moses remained a man of sacrifice while caring for and leading his people (Exodus 15:22-24 & 16:1-3).
Abraham:
For Abraham to prove his dedication and allegiance to God, he first had to be willing to sacrifice his will for the will of God (Genesis 22:1-19). All of the biblical mighty men of God presented themselves as a living sacrifice. Even the subject of the sacrifice (Isaac) was a willing and young sacrifice (Genesis 22:7-10).
Christ our Lord:
The ultimate sacrifice was made by Christ Jesus (Matthew 16:21-28; 17:22-23). God manifested Himself in human form to redeem the world (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:16). An innocent Christ allowed Himself to be tortured for the transgressions of the world (Isaiah 53). He gave up His life so we could have life.
The men and women who live for Christ must be willing to make sacrifices for Him (Matthew 10:34-39; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23). God is seeking leaders who will finish the Christian race with power (2 Timothy 4:7-8). God is not looking for leaders who will lead, start a work or ministry and then depart (Luke 9:57-62).
The man Christ spoke of in Luke 9:62 refused to put Christ first and found himself unfit to serve.
The men who are charged to lead a body of believers or have been appointed to orchestrate a particular ministry must be willing to sacrifice there time, personal desires, energy, money and life to be successful. When done correctly, Psalms 23 is the result.
Application:
Indicate one thing in your physical life that you need to give up/sacrifice to become a more spiritual Christian. Be prepared to share it during our next workshop.
Leadership Dynamics Among God-Fearing Men In The Church Of Christ (2002)
Ten Workshops On Leadership Dynamics From A Biblical
Perspective
Luke 5:1-11
All of the biblical leaders we can read about were men who
generated and ultimately possessed influence among the people they lead. These
were men that nations and the church truly respected because of their
disposition in Christ or the Nation of Israel. The unsuccessful leaders in the
Bible abused their leadership or had a negative influential relationship with
their flock. The men who were punished and even destroyed by God were those who
refused to use their leadership for positive results. Solid men of God must
generate influence among the people they serve and put God first in all
endeavors (Matthew 6:33). The goal of this workshop is to encourage you to
build influence with members in the congregation. The purpose of this workshop
is to help you meet that goal through investigating the lives of a few
influential men in the Bible.
Joseph:
Joseph was a God-fearing man who developed a great character, which led to influence. Joseph may have begun as a bit impetuous, as indicated by him sharing his dream with his brothers, (Genesis 37:5-11) but his impetuous nature soon leveled off through experience. After being sold into bondage (Genesis 37:19-28). While in bondage Joseph gained influence because of His relationship with God that he was made an Egyptian ruler, second to the Pharaoh (Genesis 39:7-13; 41:37-44).
Joshua:
As Moses sent his men to explore the land of Canaan to see if they could overtake it, only Joshua and Caleb believed it could be done (Deuteronomy 1:35-38; Numbers 14:6-10). At this time Joshua was a man of great faith but he did not have the influence of a leader because he was still under Moses. They did not hear him, or in essence they were not persuaded by his influence. However, after the death of Moses God charged Joshua to lead the people and he eventually gained influence (Joshua 1:1-7). In Numbers 14:6-10 the people shut their ears to Joshua and were ready to kill him, but several years later in his farewell speech the people were all ears (Joshua 24:14-24). Joshua gained influence by remaining an example and maintaining his faith in God.
Josiah:
Josiah gained influence among the Nation of Judah because he was right. He started out as a mighty boy and ended his life as a mighty man. His reign as king began at the age of 8 (2 Kings 22:1-2) He overcame the negative legacy and negative influences of his father and grandfather; king Amon and king Manasseh (2 Kings 22:19-25). The people of Judah respected Josiah and he gained influence because he was committed to the will of God with passion. At the age of 18, Josiah and the people of Judah came in contact with the Law of Moses while looking for other things (2 Kings 22:3-11). Josiah was shocked after reading the book and began reforming the land with total cooperation from the people because of his leadership and influence (2 Kings 23:25).
Christ our Lord:
The character, charisma and obedience of Christ resulted in awesome influence. The disciples Christ selected were willing to leave things behind to go with Him (Luke 5:1-11). Because of the influence of Christ, they were willing to go with Him the extra mile. Through His Godly walk and miracles He gained influence with thousands of people and the Father publicly endorsed His ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). Thousands of people followed Jesus because they were attracted by His character and obedience to God (Matthew 4:23-5:1). The influence of Christ was contagious and made others want to be like Him (Matthew 14:28-33). Ultimately people were willing to be with Christ beyond obligation (Luke 22:31-34).
God-fearing men must gain influence among the people they lead. The total concept of leadership is founded upon the notion that the leader has people willing to follow him. A person without people willing to follow has no influence and no leadership. The influence of biblical God-fearing leaders went beyond obligation. Any man can have a crowed of people to lead on Sunday or Wednesday because many feel obligated to attend, but a true influential leader can lead where there is no obligation.
Application:
Find one person you can influence to become a Christian or a better Christian and begin encouraging them through your walk in Christ. Be prepared to share your selection and personal ministry next week.
Leadership Dynamics Among
God-Fearing Men In The Church Of Christ (2002)
Ten Workshops On Leadership Dynamics From A Biblical
Perspective
1 Kings 19:19-21
Dynamic #3
The majority of the leaders in the Bible were men who made strong connections with others, acted as a magnet and reproduced their leadership. They were men people wanted to be like and around because of their disposition in Christ or the Nation of Israel. Solid men of God must connect with the people they serve through having a magnetic walk in Christ and reproduce their leadership for the benefit of God's kingdom. The goal of this workshop is to encourage you to enhance your connection with your spiritual family, become a magnet and find an apprentice. The purpose of this workshop is to help you meet that goal through investigating the dyadic relationships of a few biblical God-fearing men.
Elijah
connected with Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21). Apparently, Elijah had enough
influence (magnetism) to convince Elisha to follow him. After making a type of
sacrifice Elisha left all behind to serve Elijah. Elijah must have made a
lasting impression on Elisha for such a thing to occur. Knowing God would soon
take Elijah, Elisha refused to leave his side (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6, 8). Elisha
wanted to be like Elijah and the magnetic connection that Elijah had on him
resulted in leadership reproduction (2 Kings 2:9-15).
Christ our Lord In Your Life:
Through Jesus’ magnetic personality, He was able to make connections with people and reproduce Christ-like men and women (Luke 4:42-5:1-11). The walk and power of Christ established his fame among the people He contacted (Luke 5:15). When Christ selected His men they were thankful to be following such a great leader (Luke 6:12-16).
Because of the magnetism of Jesus, Peter dedicated himself to Christ and was constantly trying to be like Him and defend Him (Matthew 16:21-23; 26:51; Luke 22:31-34). Ultimately, Peter was converted into a strong apostle. Jesus is the master and inventor of the leadership law of connection, magnetism and reproduction. This is why we and so many others in the world serve Him today.
Application:
1. Begin making a magnetic connection with a senior member. This can be a member who is ambulatory or sick and shut-in.
2. Find your Elisha and begin working on your connection, magnetism and reproduction.
Leadership Dynamics Among
God-Fearing Men In The Church Of Christ (2002)
Ten Workshops On Leadership Dynamics From A Biblical
Perspective
Dynamic #4
The majority of the leaders in the Bible were men who had a vision and a plan for bringing that vision to fruition. Our biblical leaders of antiquity navigated their course to perfection. They did not simply have a vision, they had a plan of execution, Navigation. The goal of this workshop is to encourage you to be aware of your vision and the collective vision of the congregation through investigating the vision and navigation path of a few biblical God-fearing men.
Josiah:
As we discussed earlier, Josiah was a man of great influence because of his righteous disposition toward God. However, for the first 9 years of Josiah’s kingship his vision was not directed toward God because the law books had been stored away and ignored by his father (Amon) and grandfather (Manasseh). But once Josiah found the Word of God he had a vision and began navigating his course of kingdom reformation. Keep in mind, his vision was the Word of God.
A Chart of the Navigation of
Josiah in 2 Kings chapters 22-23.
|
22:11 |
Josiah finds his vision
and responds emotionally to God by tearing his clothes and crying. |
|
22:12-20 |
Josiah sends his men to inquire of God about his next move. |
|
23:1-2 |
Josiah gathers all of the people of Judah to read the lost Word of God to them. |
|
23:3 |
Josiah and the Nation of Judah make a covenant with God to follow the Law. |
|
23:4 |
Instruments of sun-worship removed from the temple and burned. |
|
23:5-6 |
Unrighteous priests
removed from service, groves removed, burned and crushed to powder. |
|
23:7 |
Destruction of sinful sodomite houses. |
|
23:8-19 |
More removal of defiling things. |
|
23:20 |
Murdered and burned all the priests practicing sun-worship. |
|
23:21-23 |
Judah commanded to resume the Passover that had been neglected. |
|
23:24 |
Disobedient people removed from the people and region. |
Nehemiah was also a man of vision and navigation. He was a man with a plan and developed a strategy to implement his plan. Good navigators not only take themselves on an awesome journey, they take others with them. When the captain of the ship arrives at the beautiful island he is not alone. In the process, he has successfully delivered others to the destination as well. The Spirit-filled Navigators in the Bible took their people for a ride that improved their life and helped some of them become navigators as well. We will look at Nehemiah’s vision and portions of his navigation.
|
1:1-4 |
Nehemiah hears about the affliction and the destruction of the walls and gates in Jerusalem. Through this he gains a vision. |
|
1:5-11 |
Nehemiah prays to God for himself and his people. |
|
2:1-8 |
Nehemiah navigates his way through gaining permission, endorsement and materials from king Artaxerxes to travel and rebuild Jerusalem. |
|
2:11-16 |
Nehemiah
begins visually and mentally navigating his plan without informing anyone. |
|
2:17-18 |
Nehemiah informs the people of his vision. |
|
2:19-20 |
Nehemiah responds in faith to the foes of his Vision and Navigation. |
|
Chapter 3 |
The people rebuild the walls. |
|
4:6-8 |
Opposition attempts to take its efforts of sabotage to the next level. |
|
4:9,
13, 16-17 |
The people pray to God and guard their work. |
5:1-11 |
Eradication and reconciliation of abusive customs |
|
6:1-4 |
A visionary response to the opposition. |
|
7:1-4 |
Nehemiah appoints faithful men to guard the walls and gates of Jerusalem |
|
13:3-9 |
Removal of the wolf and sin elements |
|
13:9-13 |
Finances set in order |
|
13:18-21 |
Preparation to keep the Sabbath Day holy |
|
13:23-25 |
Discipline of the disobedient |
|
13:28 |
Chasing away the last wolf |
It is one thing to have a vision, but that vision must be supported by a plan of action, well thought out navigation. Josiah and Nehemiah stuck to the vision of God and with wisdom carefully navigated their course. Christian leaders must have a vision and the ability to navigate.
Application:
Find another biblical passage that shows the vision and navigation of a man or woman in the Bible and be willing to share it during out next workshop.
Leadership Dynamics
Among God-Fearing Men In The Church Of Christ (2002)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Dynamic #5
One of the elements that contributed to the successful leadership of Spiritual men in the Bible was not only their vision and navigation abilities, but also their understanding of process and timing. Successful leaders must be able to discern when the time is right to make a change, take action, remain silent, ordain and elder or deacon, install a new preacher or appoint a new trustee. Botching or ignoring this leadership dynamic can result in the complete destruction of a needed and useful ministry or person. In looking at the process designed by God in creating the world, the parable of the Wheat and Tares, the entering of the Nation of Israel into Canaan and the quixotic disposition of Simon Bar-jona (Peter), the goal of this workshop is to help you understand the importance of process and timing.
The Creation:
In Genesis chapter one we see that God created the world and everything in it. In merely glancing at God’s methodology we may not see any methodology or process at all. But when looking critically, we see that God followed a pattern/process that also included perfect timing. God did not create anything before it was time and each thing created complimented that, which was created before it. The last thing that God created was man and woman. Because of Gods perfect process and timing, Adam and Eve moved into a perfectly furnished world. Look at the chart below, depicting God’s divine order, process and timing.
Chart
inspired by W. Fields (1996) Old Testament History: An Overview Of Sacred
History & Truth, p. 24
|
Day 1 |
Gen 1:3-5 |
Creation of light and darkness |
|
Day 2 |
Gen 1:6-8 |
Creation of the sky |
|
Day 3 |
Gen 1:9-13 |
Creation of Earth, plant life & the naming the water, Seas |
|
Day 4 |
Gen 1:14-19 |
Creation of the Sun, Moon & Stars & their placement in the sky |
|
Day 5 |
Gen 1:20-23 |
Creation of water creatures and birds |
|
Day 6 |
Gen 1:24-25 |
Creation of land creatures |
|
Day 6 |
Gen 1:26-27 |
Creation of Man followed by Woman |
|
Day 7 |
Gen 2:2-3 |
God rested and blessed the seventh day |
In God’s creation of the world He did everything in perfect order and time. God created and followed a perfect process. At the time of humanity entering the world, it was supplied with everything man and woman needed.
The Parable of
the Wheat and Tares:
In
Matthew 13:24-30 we find a powerful parable about process and timing. In
this parable we find the elements of that which is prosperous and worthy of
preservation and that which is useless, worthy of destruction. We might be
quick in this situation to instantly remove the useless tares. However, in some
situations this may cause severe harm to the innocent people standing next to the
tares for various reasons. The solution of Christ is to wait until the time is
right, appropriate and good and then make the separation. The person with the
right vision and navigation abilities will know that some tares need to be
removed but will wait until the right time to act.
The Nation of
Israel & The Wilderness:
God refused to allow the
Nation of Israel to enter into the land of Canaan until all the unrighteous
were put to death or died (Deuteronomy 2:14-18). As discussed earlier, the
only two families allowed to enter into Canaan were that of Joshua and Caleb
(Numbers 14:4-8). In essence it took the Nation of Israel 40 years to complete
a journey that would have normally taken approximately two weeks. God was
not going to allow an evil generation to enter the land of promise. The process
of God resulted in Israel wandering through the wilderness but at the perfect
time He allowed them to enter into Canaan.
Simon Bar-jona (Peter, the disciple of Christ):
There
are times when leaders are placed in a situation where someone wants to be
appointed to a position of leadership. However, appointing a leader at the
wrong time could severely hurt the individual, the leader(s) and more
importantly, the congregation. This situation is similar to what Peter went
through with Christ (Luke 22:31-34). Peter thought he was ready to strengthen
his brethren, but Christ knew he was not. Christ was not about to endorse Peter
before he was fully converted. When the trial of Peter arrived, the timing of
Christ proved to be correct (Luke 22:54-62). Peter had to go through a growth
process and after it was complete he was able to preach a powerful sermon on
the day of Pentecost that resulted in 3,000 baptisms (Acts 2:14-47).
True
leaders can never disrespect the leadership dynamics of process and timing, for
the Bible says, “…Lay hands suddenly on no man” (1 Timothy 5:22).
Application:
Think
of an example in your life where the dynamic of process and timing impacted
your life in a positive or negative way and be willing to share it during our
next workshop.
Leadership Dynamics
Among God-Fearing Men In The Church Of Christ (2002)
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
Dynamic #6
King David:
None of the above occurrences in the life of David canceled him out from being
a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). As a boy, David began his life
of being a spiritual skyscraper (1 Samuel 17:22,26,32-36,42,45,49). God anointed
David as king (1 Samuel 16:11-13) and he continued to develop into a man of
spiritual elevation.
The Son of God:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate spiritual skyscraper that any Bible
student can read about. He was always elevating himself toward His Father in
heaven. When Christ was in a disturbing and distressing
situation, He always elevated himself spiritually. In Matthew 4:1-11 Christ
used wisdom and the Word of God to defeat Satan. Christ knew He had to die an
agonizing death, but He prayed to His heavenly Father and received strength.
The final destination of Christ was heaven, therefore He is the author and
finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Application:
Is there anything in your life that is hindering you from being a
spiritual skyscraper? If so, sacrifice it and reach toward the heavenly Father.