Friday, January 2, 2015

EFFECTIVE MINISTRY LEADERSHIP

The beginning of a new year can mark a new chapter in one’s life and ministry in the pursuit of God’s very best for us individually and for His church.  As we begin 2015 let me share some biblical bullet points of key elements for “lay” and pastoral leaders in the local church.

First of all one must be a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, if they hope to be an effective leader.  Not just a casual Christian but one who is deeply committed to Christ and demonstrating mature Christ-like characteristics.  Effective ministry leadership requires obedience to God, and a dependence upon Him resulting in his favor.

Second, effective ministry leaders discover and live in the will of God.  Square pegs in round holes don’t work very well.  Service in God’s kingdom usually involves a progression from working where there is an immediate opportunity moving toward one’s sweet spot of natural and spiritual giftedness.  The body of Christ is very diverse and each member has a God given contribution to make.  Finding one’s place in God’s plan requires preparation and discovery.

Third, effective ministry leaders are united with the church.  Arrogant, self-serving attitudes diffuse effective ministry.  Effectiveness in God’s kingdom requires a humble spirit, respect for authority in the church, and a perspective that we all are working together to achieve one purpose.  They seek the success of other ministries within their church as well as their own.

Fourth, effective ministry leaders honor the body of Christ.  They lead with a servant’s heart, and treat people with love and respect.  They understand that each member of the body of Christ is equally important to God and do not make the mistake of projecting their gift set and passion for a specific ministry on others.

Fifth, effective ministry leaders are visionaries.  They have a God given passion for and are students of their area of ministry.  They can picture the desired results of their ministry and develop a plan to achieve the objective.  They are collaborative in the fine tuning of the plan welcoming the input of others engaged in leadership with them.  They develop a vision for their ministry that is harmonious with the mission and vision of their church.

Sixth, effective ministry leaders administrate diligently.  They engage and develop others in the work.  They are accountable.  They communicate with those in authority over them and with those under their authority.  They listen and learn; remaining flexible so as to move the ministry forward efficiently.  They pray – a lot – for the work they are doing.

Seventh, effective ministry leaders overcome the perils of leadership.  They learn how to successfully deal with criticism, disappointments, change, spiritual opposition, burn out, and success.

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:11-13

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