The One Question for Every Leader
Leadership is complex. It is a bowl full of spaghetti with interwoven relationships, vision, values, projects, communication and direction. It is not easy!
Leadership is mostly two things in my mind. It is influence and decision making. Eventually, if not sooner, you will be judged by the quality of your decisions, and that will determine the amount of influence and success you have. With all this in mind, there is really one question that we have to keep in mind as leaders. It is this: “What is best for this ministry or organization?” In my case, “What is best for Horizon Community Church?” Mind you, this is not always what is best for me. Saying yes to God’s revealed will for me to lead a financial campaign or even yes to letting go of an employee whom I love dearly are extremely difficult things! Yet since we work to serve God and His people, the bottom line has to be, “Jesus, what is the best thing for this overall ministry organization that you have called me to lead?” The bottom line is long-term health in every way, not necessarily making these next few days more enjoyable for myself or a few friends I’m close with.
When Jesus was in the garden, he was troubled greatly and He prayed,
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39) And yet, when He considered what was best, He decided to do the hard thing so that all of those He had come to serve would be blessed in the best way possible.
In Hebrews 12:2, speaking of Jesus, it says: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV)
Jesus kept the good of the whole over the long haul as His main focus and I am so glad He did. Because we are that “joy,” we have experienced His incredible love. That was selfless and amazing leadership.
I don’t want any of us to have a messiah complex, but I think it is wise to learn from our Savior and remember to lead with the heart that asks, “Lord, what is the best thing to do overall, over the long run for these people that you have called me to serve?”
If we remember to ask this question, then we will more often than not find ourselves, as servant leaders, leading healthy and vibrant ministries with maximum results for the Kingdom of God.
Grace and Truth,
Pastor Stan
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