Comments on: Spiritual Leadership–So What?

By: Bayelgne Tesfaye

Bayelgne Tesfaye — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:15:45 +0000

I have leadership potential, so I would like to develop that. Please send me any resource. God bless your activity. BAY

By: Linda Campbell

Linda Campbell — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:25:26 +0000

I like the power of God. It is so good. The power of God is His love, which is stronger than death.

“for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame [like the very flame of the LORD].” Song of Songs 8:6

It is as we draw near to God that His love burns away the things in us that are not of Him, and we become more like Him. It is as we draw near to God in dependence and adoration that the power of God is released in and through us.

By: Mel Lawrenz

Mel Lawrenz — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:31:53 +0000

Sue – thanks for the follow-up comment. It is so great when someone with the gift of encouragement lets us know that our efforts are not in vain, even when they seem to be. It is so important that we try to do the right thing, even if the acknowledgment isn’t there immediately. And maybe we never will be acknowledged. But God knows. Anyone tuning into this–please give the gift of encouraging words as often as you can (authentically).

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:15:22 +0000

Sue – I can relate to your experience from several different angles – but let me pick just one for now – the delayed encouragement from a former co-worker/employee/supevisor in the secular world. My observation is that people don’t actually see or appreciate what they have in their midst when a spiritual leader is part of the workforce; however, when the spiritual leader is gone, the hole left in the social fabric quickly becomes obvious and significant.

The lessons learned can actually become more important to those “left behind” – the differences made by the spiritual leader may become the inspiration for real change on the part of others.

The encouragement and validation for the spiritual leader is important, when we get the blessing of having someone share with us “the rest of the story”. But, we don’t always get to hear that part of the story – and believing that we DID do some good, even when the (superficial?) evidence says otherwise, may be one of the biggest challenges for spiritual leaders, regardless of whether we are talking about the secular world or not.

By: Sue

Sue — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:10:34 +0000

In an attempt to keep my last comment brief I just realized I left out the most important part of the whole story! 8 months after I left my job I started to lose heart and was almost convinced that all my years of “spiritual leadership” had no impact on the people I led. Within 24 hours of the conception of that thought I ran into an employee from my former company. She had absolutely no knowledge of my state of mind or current situation. She said she had meant to talk to me because she heard so many positive things said about me since I had left and wanted me to know that even after all the time that had past I was still influencing the people I worked with. She cited several examples, each one a healing balm. God used this woman to speak to me in very specific terms that my time had not been wasted and my attempts to serve were not futile. So when you asked what practical issue we need to deal with I would have to suggest the topic of encouragement. It is critical that we not only encourage those we lead but also one another as spiritual leaders. It can get pretty lonely out there.

By: Mel Lawrenz

Mel Lawrenz — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 04:13:41 +0000

Thanks, Josh, for the comments about trust. It certainly is a make-or-break issue. In the weeks to come we’ll have to get into the matter of how trust is built.

I’m also noting how many people were given the Sanders book as a kind of touchpoint. Reminds me of when I was given a compass for the first time.

By: Josh Sofaer

Josh Sofaer — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:52:39 +0000

I too was given Oswald Sanders’ book at the beginning of my ministry. I loved it! I remember having the sense that it was not just a good book, but a great book. Not because of what the book said or any particular chapter or lesson, but because of who gave me the book. A spiritual leader in my life whom I looked to as a mentor. I trusted this person as I saw them trust the Lord with their life and ministry. When I got the book, I immediately read it cover to cover.

For spiritual leadership to work, there must be an environment of trust. If trust isn’t present, any good intention or desire to care for another person will be seen with suspicion.

By: Mel Lawrenz

Mel Lawrenz — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:10:35 +0000

That is a great point, Lee. We’ll have to come back to that issue and flesh it out.

By: Lee Heyward

Lee Heyward — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:02:24 +0000

Thanks Mel for this conversation. I particularly appreciate your beginning point–the Imago Dei. I wonder if the arc we are supposed to follow as spiritual leaders often goes in misguided directions because we start conversations about leadership in the wrong place. Instead of beginning the conversation in Genesis 1-2 which reinforce human dignity, all too often we seem to begin in Genesis 3, which reinforces human depravity. When we ignore the issue of human dignity our practice of leadership easily becomes manipulative, coercive and most of all unspiritual. Thanks for this stimulating reminder!

By: Mel Lawrenz

Mel Lawrenz — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:01:48 +0000

I’m glad you put this issue on the table, Sue. We certainly will have to address the battle that spiritual leadership sometimes is. The clash of values in the workplace is a reality, and oftentimes is the place where spiritual leadership is tested. You’ve had to make tough choices. I hope people will take from your comment the sober reality of what we face. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and I pray that the path forward to a new position happens in the right way and at the right time.

By: Sue

Sue — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:43:46 +0000

In your article you stated “I find myself thinking a lot about the specific ways in which this world would be different if Christian leaders of all sorts saw their calling in these terms. The consequences would be enormous.” I personally have felt the enormous consequences since 2009 when I resigned from a secular leadership position that I held for the past 17 years and lost the lion’s share of our family income. I was a passionate spiritual leader-I always tried to measure my decisions with God’s word. In the aftermath of a company reorganization I suddenly found myself a lone “Christian” leader on a management team that operated contrary to almost every Christian value I hold dear. After several months of disagreements and terribly uncomfortable situations I resigned when I was forced to compromise my beliefs to uphold the appearance of a united management team. I realize your statement was most likely speaking to the enormous positive response if Christian leaders would have a greater infiltration of all vocations but I am hoping you will address the tough situations these leaders may face when exercising their spiritual beliefs in the workplace. I am not an expert but assume the challenges might differ from those within a Christian organization. I look forward to your series and hope to gain some insight and wisdom I might apply in the next position I hold!

By: William R Ellefson (Bill)

William R Ellefson (Bill) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:18:27 +0000

Hello Mel:

This is explosvice material.

I have been sitting here absorbing your words and am anxious to read more together with the comments and further input.

By explosive I mean within and outside the church doors. When, not if, this catches on by God’s Spirit moving among us just sit back and imagine the outcome. We forget how simple it can be for every Christian to be a cold drink of water to all of those around us no matter who they may be, very convcting. A most welcome topic Pastor.

Thank you.

By: Mel Lawrenz

Mel Lawrenz — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:21:19 +0000

Thanks, Carole. Yes, we’ll have to explore that.

By: Carole Kratoska

Carole Kratoska — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:10:11 +0000

I like the basic foundation of connecting spiritual leadership and the mysterious power and movement of God. It would seem to me that if one does not begin here, one does not have spiritual leadership at all. And to begin here, I would think, would require a priority of alone time with God- both in prayer and the scriptures daily. And this alone time with God ought to take priority over everything else one would do. I know that Charles Spurgeon, before he preached, spent three hours alone with God in prayer; that just covered his preaching. Unless we slow down and make communion with God a priority – over all else – including our schedules- how would we ever expect to be a spiritual leader? If we spent more time in prayer, everything else would fall into place.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:54:08 +0000

I think if we restored spiritual leadership, we would see a dramatic contrast between the world and the Church. I think risk would be a term to describe christians, instead of financial portfolios.

as for practical issues: find creative ways to give roles of responsibility to every christian, because we see that they are all made in the image of God. My passion is a gift from God primarily, but older christians encouraged me to use it by giving me “ownership” in ministry. The question wasn’t “how you can help us complete this program” it was, “how can you make this program better?”