Circle of Leadership

I have been so inspired lately by the Daily Faithwalkers messages (http://www.gccweb.org/scripts/gccweb/journal/). Today, Rick Whitney, one of the GCM founders, talked about the legacy of leaders. He says that church leaders don't just appear - they are the product of the investments of previous generations of leaders.

Rick advises that anyone who wants to be a leader should work to understand what character traits are important to the leaders above them. One of the qualities that is important to the leaders of Rafa and me is commitment. I think that people who are lukewarm with commitment are really tough to lead. Lukewarm people come to church when it is convenient for them. They don't invest in building the church, spiritually or financially. They expect the church to cater to their needs (when they show up) instead of serving the body sacrificially.

Rafa and I have deliberately surrounded ourselves with other Christians who are committed. Our example for this is in Philippians 3:17: “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.”

We submit to our leaders as encouraged in Hebrews 13:7: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”

By following people who live with integrity before God, we are then able to lead others like 1 Peter 5:3 says to “lead (people assigned to your care) by your good example.”

It’s a circle, all part of God’s plan to use men according to His purpose. Are you in the circle? Are you aspiring to leadership, learning from your leaders and living as a good example for people to follow?