Godly Preparation For Leadership In Ministry

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10 Ways to Be a Better Youth Leader

A lot of Christians think they aren’t cut out for youth ministry. But if you love Jesus and you care about kids, everything else falls into place.

In my five years working with middle school students I’ve met multiple 80 year olds who are incredible youth leaders—and it’s not for their spunky personalities and crazy dance skills. They love Jesus and they love kids. When you boil it down, that’s what really matters.

If you start with Jesus, all of the intricacies of youth leading should align conceptually, biblically, and practically. You should be able to trace everything back to Jesus.

Here are ten things every youth leader should know:

1. Have a purpose for everything

Let’s be honest. From the outside looking in, there’s a lot of weird stuff that happens at youth groups. Beach ball ballet, cricket-spitting contests, fruit baseball, and an endless list of games, skits, and programs that don’t seem in any way connected to sharing the gospel.

But if you know the purpose behind each component, then even the goofy and weird parts make sense.

Some games give lonely, left out, or neglected kids the chance to be noticed, cheered, and celebrated. Other games force kids to work together—regardless of who they’re friends with at school.

Wacky leader skits can create laughter, break down walls, and show kids that there is a child joy in everyone. For leaders, those same activities can offer an opportunity to step their own comfort zone and put kids before themselves.

I’ve worked with leaders who refused to put themselves in front of kids and be goofy alongside them because “it wasn’t their gifting.

” It’s definitely important to recognize what you’re good at and what you’re not good at (so you know how you’re best suited to serve your team), but if we understand the why behind each aspect of youth group, it becomes a lot less about us and a lot more about the kids, Jesus, and the ways we let God use us.

2. Humble yourself

The more cool, holy, or amazing you present yourself as, the more distant kids will feel from you.

You’re also the person who happens to be proclaiming the gospel and sharing about Jesus—do the math.

Leaders should show kids that Jesus meets them right where they are, loves them as they are, and desires to be a part of their lives right now—not once they become as cool, holy, and amazing as their leaders.

When Kids Hurt is a great resource to help you navigate the adolescent world.

You were a kid once. If you’re made of flesh and blood, you probably sinned once, too. It’s not always best to share all the details of your sin without a relational foundation, but the more vulnerable you are with kids, the more ly they are to share the sin in their lives too. If we hide, so do they.

Humility isn’t just important for our relationships with kids. If you serve in a youth ministry, chances are good that you work with a team of volunteers.

Serving in ministry together is a surprisingly dangerous opportunity for selfishness to creep into our lives. It’s easy to feel by being on the team we are fulfilling our duties, checking the box, or doing our time.

But if you’ve committed to being a part of the team, share the load. Don’t dump everything onto one person—especially not the person giving the message.

If someone else on your team is directly communicating the gospel, help that leader give kids their best by allowing them to focus on preparing their message.

3. Seek the kids in the corners

No matter how awesome your youth group is, there will always be kids in the corners. The ones who show up because their parents made them come, or a cute boy or girl is there too.

They think the games are dumb and the leaders are weird. Or maybe they just want everyone else to think they’re too cool to be there.

Either way, God has brought them to your youth group, and he’s entrusted them to you for an hour or two each week.

Sometimes kids genuinely aren’t interested in what’s going on, and you can’t and shouldn’t force them to join in. But sometimes kids stand in the corners to see if anyone will notice.

If a kid without friends comes to youth group, where he/she doesn’t have friends, how do you make the body of Christ look different than school? Involve them. Love them. Imitate God’s relentless pursuit of their hearts.

4. Share the joy of the gospel

The gospel isn’t boring. A lot of kids think it is, because their only exposure to it is from reading a translation of a 2,000-year-old book, or listening to messages crafted for adults. Jim Rayburn, founder of Young Life (a youth ministry designed for kids who don’t go to church), once said “It’s a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.

” Whether or not you agree with Rayburn, Christians can’t overlook the potential damage of presenting the most exciting truth in the history of the world as stale, old, and irrelevant. The Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and there are countless ways to show kids that the life and truth it contains is applicable to their lives today.

5. Know your kids

Knowing your kids means more than just knowing who they are. It means knowing how they will respond to different situations, and preparing your events with them in mind.

Some kids love being the center of attention, and some kids fall apart when you put them in front of a group. It’s important to give kids equal opportunity to shine, but the risk of humiliating a kid or making them feel alone and outcast is not worth the potential reward of making them feel adored.

If a kid is checking out your youth group for the first time and you’ve never had any interaction with them, you might want to be careful about throwing them into a game that requires them to be outgoing and comfortable in front of everyone.

It’s also important to know where your kids are at spiritually. This doesn’t mean you should ask every kid who comes through the door, “Do you believe in Jesus?” Those conversations should happen, but not before you develop a relationship with them and earn the right to ask those deeply intimate questions.

There are countless reasons why a kid might walk in through the doors of your youth ministry, and a lot of them aren’t Jesus (at least, not from the kid’s perspective).

Over-spiritualizing a kid’s experience can actually prevent them from having a spiritual experience. St. Francis of Assisi is often attributed with saying, “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words.

” Youth ministry is an excellent context to practice reflecting Christ through the way you love and live.

6. Don’t embarrass kids*

Kids live in constant fear of humiliation. The last place they should have to live out their worst nightmares is at youth group—where they are also learning that they are loved and valued by God.

*See #5 and #1. If you know a kid well enough and you’re confident that their class-clown spirit will allow them to embrace and appreciate the experience, and the embarrassment serves a purpose, mild embarrassment may be acceptable.

7. Meet parents

You could be the nicest, most caring and trustworthy person on the planet, but if parents don’t know you, how can you expect them to trust you with their kids?

Building a relationship with parents is especially important for middle school and elementary school ministries, where kids are fully dependent on their parents to even be able to show up at your events. Sometimes meeting parents is effortless because they actively seek out the leaders who work with their kids. Other times, meeting parents takes work.

Even if they don’t care who you are or who their kids hang out with, it will always be worth it to you in your ministry to get to know the people who have raised the kids God has placed at your feet.

When kids leave, walk them out to whoever picks them up. Better yet, offer to give them a ride, and use it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to their parents.

Don’t let the inside of the church be the only place your life overlaps with your kids’.

8. Put your relationship with Jesus first

This may seem selfish in a way, but the reality is, the more we put Jesus first, the more we love those around us. When you put your relationship with Jesus first, the purpose and significance of everything you do and say to others is amplified, not reduced.

Phrases , “You can only lead someone as far as you’ve gone” may be cliché, but they still carry weight.

If you aren’t pursuing your own relationship with Jesus, how can you honestly encourage kids that it’s important to their faith? If you aren’t reading your Bible, praying, and surrounding yourself with Christians who are wiser than yourself, you aren’t offering your best to your ministry, your kids, or God. These are your tools of the trade, and if you aren’t using your tools, how can you do your job?

9. Honor your commitment

Hopefully getting involved with a youth group wasn’t just a passing fancy you had in church one day. Stepping into ministry of any kind is something that should be prayerfully considered, discussed with God and with wise people in your life, and surrounded with spiritual preparation.

If you’ve committed to leading kids at your church or through another ministry, honor God, your kids, and the leaders on your team by being trustworthy, accountable, and invested in the work you are doing together.

Today’s kids have been dubbed “the fatherless generation.” Youth leaders can’t abandon them too. Leaving ministry should be considered just as carefully and prayerfully as entering it.

10. Get a mentor

One of the biggest dangers facing people in ministry is burnout. It’s easy to be excited about something when you first get going, but after a couple years, or a decade, how do you stay excited? And more importantly, how do you draw from your experience while still treating each experience and each kid as something entirely new and wonderful?

The key is having a mentor.

If you are constantly pouring into the lives of kids and nobody is pouring into you, sooner or later you’re going to feel empty. Whether that mentor is a pastor, a more experienced leader, or a wise friend from church, you need somebody who can offer you fresh perspective, hold you accountable, pray for you, love you, and inspire you to keep going (Hebrews 10:24).

What else do you think youth leaders should know? Tell us in the comments!

* * *

Want to build a volunteer program that lasts? Can Someone Please Volunteer? is a free ebook packed with insights to help you recruit, train, and retain more volunteers.

Sign up to get your free copy.

Источник: //blog.faithlife.com/blog/2014/07/10-things-every-youth-leader-should-know/

VLCFF @ UD > Certificate in Foundations for Leadership in Ministry

Godly Preparation For Leadership In Ministry

Current ministerial leaders who have never had systematic training for leadership
Potential ministerial leaders with pastoral experience who desire to move into leadership positions
Pastoral leaders who desire to update themselves with contemporary pastoral leadership training

Complete the following prerequisite VLCFF courses:
- Theological Reflection (Seminar)
- Survey of Catholic Doctrine
- Introduction to Scripture
- Introduction to Liturgy
- New Testament
- Ecclesiology: Beginnings of the Church
Complete the application form (use the link found below) and pay the $20.00 / $35.00 fee for Level I.
Complete the 5 required courses for Level I.
1. Successfully complete the required work for each course including the additional Certificate exercises in each session of the course.
2. It is recommended that the courses in each level be taken in sequence.
3. Normal Course and Seminar fees apply.
4. You are responsible for self-registering for all courses.
Complete the application form (use the link found below) and pay the $20.00 / $35.00 fee for Level II. Successfully complete the required work for each course including the additional Certificate exercises in each session of the course.
Up to two courses taken with a diocese may be applied toward the Certificate in Foundations for Leadership in Ministry. The Diocesan Catechetical Leader is required to submit a letter and course syllabus to the Director of the VLCFF indicating that the selected course/s was equivalent to 2.5 CEUs (25 clock hours of work) and met the equivalent VLCFF course objectives.
It is your responsibility to keep track of your progress in the program: Keep track of the courses you have taken, and when you have finished the program, contact Laura Franklin with your request for your certificate of completion.

If you are new to the VLCFF, please complete a user profile (in the Become a New Student page, click the link to create your profile). You must be logged in to see the registration link.

Pre-requisites

Theological Reflection (Seminar)
Survey of Catholic Doctrine
Introduction to Scripture
Introduction to Liturgy
New Testament
Ecclesiology: Beginnings of the Church

Curriculum for the Certificate in Foundations for Leadership in Ministry

Level I courses must be completed before applying for Level II.

Formation courses should precede Method courses in each Level.

Courses may be taken separately if not pursuing total certificate.

Level I Courses

Christology
Ecclesiology: Pilgrim Church

Communication and Community
Collaboration and Community

Ecclesiology: Reframing Church
Morality (Christian or Practical Morality)

Pastoral Approach to Culture

Leadership in Ministry
Administration in Ministry

Church: Living System and Sacrament

Required Book: Carmody, Timothy R. Reading the Bible (A Study Guide) Paulist Press 2004 ISBN 0-8091-4189-2
Required Book: Tim Dowley The Student Bible Atlas Augsburg Fortress Publishers (October 30, 2005) ISBN: 0806620382. The same Atlas is used for both the Old Testament and the New Testament courses.
Required Book: Bernard P. Prusak The Church Unfinished $22.95 Paulist Press 2004 ISBN: 0-8091-4286-4
Required Book: Bill Huebsch Vatican II in Plain English. Volume 2: The Constitutions $14.95 Thomas More Publishing, 1997 ISBN: 0-88347-350-X This text is used in all three Ecclesiology courses. It is Volume 2 of a three-volume set. Each volume is available separately. It is a worthwhile addition to the library of catechists, teachers, and lay ecclesial ministers.
Required Book: Bolton, Robert People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 1986 ISBN: 978-0-671-62248-0
Required Book: Vassallo, Wanda Church Communications Handbook: A Complete Guide to Developing a Strategy, Using Technology, Writing Effectively, Reaching the Unchurched Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1998 ISBN: 0-8254-3925-6
Required Book: Dennis M. Doyle The Church Emerging from Vatican II Twenty-Third Publications, 2002 ISBN: 9780896225077
Required Book: Bill Huebsch Vatican II in Plain English. The Constitutions Thomas More Publishing, 1997 ISBN: 978-0883473504
Required Book: Bill Huebsch Vatican II in Plain English. The Decrees and Declarations Thomas More Publishing, 1997 ISBN: 978-0883473511
Required Book: Pennock, Michael Francis This is Our Faith $12.95 Ave Maria Press, 1998.
Required Book: Connors, Russell B., Jr., Christian Morality: In the Breath of God $7.95 Loyola Press, 2001. To purchase directly from Loyola Press: / / www.loyolapress.com/ catholic-basics-christian-morality.htm
Required Book: Gula, Richard M., S.S. Reason Informed by Faith Paulist Press, 1989 ISBN: 0-8091-3066-1
Required Book: Conners, Russell B. Jr., PhD. Christian Morality: In the Breath of God Chicago: Loyola Press, 2001: Please go to / / www.loyolapress.com/ ministry-resources-catholic-basics-series-store.htm to purchase this book. ISBN: 0-8294-1722-2
Required Book: USCCB National Directory for Catechesis ISBN: 1574554433

Most Course Materials are available at the Amazon Book Store.

Источник: //vlcff.udayton.edu/certificates/flm.php

PhD in Christian Ministry, Leadership, Preaching

Godly Preparation For Leadership In Ministry

For those interested in earning a PhD in Christian Leadership, a PhD in Ministry Leadership, a PhD in Preaching or a PhD in Expository Preaching, Trinity Seminary offers two degrees at the Doctor of Philosophy level in the School of Practical Ministry:

ThM Stage

RW 001 Trinity Tutorial – 0 credits

Focus Core – 15 credits

AD 805 Historical Development of Management and Leadership Theory
AD 702 Advanced Communication for Managers and Administrators
LD 700 Advanced Topics in Strategic Planning for the Church
CM 726 Critical Issues in Managing Conflict
CM 850 Church Discipline: History and Current Practices

Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits

SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

RW 721 Academic Presentation I
RW 722 Academic Presentation II

QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits

PhD Stage

Research Core – 12 credits

EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

RW 723 Academic Presentation III
RW 724 Academic Presentation IV

RW 800 Research Within a Christian Worldview – 3 credits

RW 720 Prospectus Development and Hearing – 0 credits

From Our Students

“As a result of studying under the Trinity program, my knowledge and revelations about God and His Word increased tremendously.

I believe that this program equipped me to be more effective in my ability to minister in the field of Christian Education.

I look forward to implementing many of the truths, methods and ideas which I have learned into my own ministry setting where I serve.”

2015-06-11T16:01:20-05:00

Venandee L. Hennington, Minister
Tarrant, AL

“As a result of studying under the Trinity program, my knowledge and revelations about God and His Word increased tremendously. I believe that this program equipped me to be more effective in my ability to minister in the field of Christian Education.

I look forward to implementing many of the truths, methods and ideas which I have learned into my own ministry setting where I serve.” //trinitysem.edu/testimonials/knowledge-and-revelations/

“The Trinity program enabled me to complete my theological seminary training while in ministry. It also opened the door for a new ministry in the educational field. I found the Trinity program to be academically sound, ministry driven and relevant in application.”

2015-06-11T15:59:26-05:00

James Clark, Pastor,
Grace Baptist Church (Grandview, MO)

“In 2015 I graduated with a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. I felt prepared for the graduate work from my undergraduate degree at Trinity, and more so the admissions committee favored my past education. Trinity's state of accreditation did not impact my ability to attend a top ranked graduate level university.”

2016-03-17T12:09:34-05:00

-Jenn Menn,
BA in Biblical Counseling 2011

“As a graduate, I got a world class administration degree at a master level education. The quality of information, the one day webinars, or independent study classes were great and worked out well for me a working dad and minister.”

2015-06-11T16:15:38-05:00 Jon Krause, 2013 Graduate “As a graduate, I got a world class administration degree at a master level education. The quality of information, the one day webinars, or independent study classes were great and worked out well for me a working dad and minister.” //trinitysem.edu/testimonials/world-class-administration-degree/

“I believe the school and the president are doing fine work. I believe he has a vision for moving Trinity to new levels. The school has always delivered quality theological education at very low prices. In fact, some might say that it should be raised.

But I'm on-board for whatever the school leadership thinks is right. If the president continues to allow his steps to be ordered by God, I'm convinced it all work out for the good of those who love the Lord.

He should probably just continue to keep doing the fine job he's doing.”

2015-06-11T16:07:23-05:00 “I believe the school and the president are doing fine work. I believe he has a vision for moving Trinity to new levels. The school has always delivered quality theological education at very low prices. In fact, some might say that it should be raised. But I'm on-board for whatever the school leadership thinks is right. If the president continues to allow his steps to be ordered by God, I'm convinced it all work out for the good of those who love the Lord.

He should probably just continue to keep doing the fine job he's doing.” //trinitysem.edu/testimonials/quality-theological-education/

I chose Trinity because of their Christian worldview and their financial options that gave me a truly wonderful education. I notice that when I read God's Word or am preparing a biblical message, my thinking has been deepened and my mind sharpened.

I realize now how much more there is to learn, and enjoy taking further studies through Trinity.”

2015-06-18T14:43:45-05:00

Paul Robinson
2014 Graduate

“The opportunities at Trinity are world class. Excellent teachers, wise course disciplines, and virtual fellowship with students. An enjoyable and enriching experience which becomes humbling when those you serve testify to recognizing growth in you as a person and as a teacher of the Word. I chose Trinity because of their Christian worldview and their financial options that gave me a truly wonderful education. I notice that when I read God's Word or am preparing a biblical message, my thinking has been deepened and my mind sharpened.

I realize now how much more there is to learn, and enjoy taking further studies through Trinity.” //trinitysem.edu/testimonials/the-opportunities-at-trinity-are-world-class-paul-robinson/
“It has been one of the highest privileges of my life to have studied at Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary. I studied at Trinity because the theological stance held there has been that which I have held to for most of my life.

It was discovered to me that the courses which I studied were both informative and rigorous. The persons who marked my work were exacting in what was required and yet at the same time I was given guidance on any matter that it was felt needed further attention.

It has taken me three years to complete the first of my degrees (Doc. R. St.) and a further five years to complete the second (P. D.) During the time of study, even though I lived a hemisphere away from Trinity at all time I was kept in close contact by Trinity and it staff.

Its programme of distance and on line study helped me consistently and enabled speedy solution to any problems that I was encountering.”

2015-06-11T16:10:10-05:00 Graham Harris; CRK. Dip.Th. (Lond), Dip.Th. (Melb), B.A., M. Litt.St.(Qld), M.A. Ph.D. (Col. Pac), M.Phil. (Syd), Doc. R. St, Ph.D.(Trinity) “It has been one of the highest privileges of my life to have studied at Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary. I studied at Trinity because the theological stance held there has been that which I have held to for most of my life. It was discovered to me that the courses which I studied were both informative and rigorous. The persons who marked my work were exacting in what was required and yet at the same time I was given guidance on any matter that it was felt needed further attention.

It has taken me three years to complete the first of my degrees (Doc. R. St.) and a further five years to complete the second (P. D.) During the time of study, even though I lived a hemisphere away from Trinity at all time I was kept in close contact by Trinity and it staff.

Its programme of distance and on line study helped me consistently and enabled speedy solution to any problems that I was encountering.” //trinitysem.edu/testimonials/the-courses-were-both-informative-and-rigorous/

“In 1991, I received my Doctor of ministry from Trinity. It opened up a new area of ministry for me. My dissertation was on church and state and after my degree I continued to pursue the topic.

As a result of the work I began at the school, I have been invited to speak at several engagements and have written for several national and local newspapers, magazines and web sites. Thanks Trinity.

“

2015-06-11T13:22:05-05:00

Dr. Don S. WilkeyFirst Baptist Church

Onalaska, Texas

Источник: //trinitysem.edu/degree-programs/doctor-of-philosophy/school-of-practical-ministry/

When Godly Leaders Differ

Godly Preparation For Leadership In Ministry

We all know there are plenty of situations in which good people differ. But why do good people differ? And how can we understand and benefit from these differences?

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but below are five areas which can easily account for many of the differences godly leaders may have with one another—as well as five ways we can benefit and work through these differences.

Temperamental Differences

Terrie and I now have six grandchildren—two sets of which are siblings. Even at their young ages, it is amazing to me to watch the temperamental and personality differences already beginning to show. In both of these families, there are two children with the same two parents and surroundings—who each have absolutely different preferences, tastes, and approaches to life.

The reality is that we do all have different personalities and temperaments. Even within the twelve apostles, we see this clearly. To mention just a few: There were James and John who Jesus called “the sons of thunder.

” Apparently they had strong personalities. There was Peter who was impetuous. There was Andrew who seemed to have an ability to relate to others. And there was Philip who apparently had organizational capabilities.

And yet, they were all chosen—and used—by Jesus.

Benefiting from temperamental differences: The key to managing temperamental differences is to let the Holy Spirit temper your natural inclinations—including those inclinations that tend to feel rubbed the wrong way by differing temperaments.

But the fruit of the Spirit is…temperance: against such there is no law—Galatians 5:22–23

…be filled with the Spirit;—Ephesians 5:18

Spiritual Giftedness Differences

Beyond differences in temperament, we all have different interests and abilities spiritually. If we expect others to have the same level of passion for the same areas of ministry or the same abilities for the same areas of ministry as we do, we will be constantly frustrated.

Where one leader may be gifted in administration and see the organizational needs required for growth, another leader serving alongside him may have the spiritual gift of prophecy and see the preaching needs required for growth. Put these two gifts—as well as the gifts of mercy, exhortation, teaching, and others— together, and you can see how there could easily be different approaches to the same needs.

Benefiting from spiritual giftedness differences: Learn to recognize and appreciate the spiritual gifts of those around you, and you will be more ly to appreciate their differences in how they approach a given situation as well as their contributions for which they are uniquely suited.

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.—1 Corinthians 12:17–20

Generational Differences

I am grateful for my mentors, and I am grateful for the generation coming behind me. From those who have gone before me, I’ve learned doctrinal truths and biblical ministry philosophy. From those coming behind me, I’ve learned fresh perspectives.

Some people ignore generational differences, insisting that younger men should just follow older men. I do believe we should learn from the wisdom of older, godly men. But to pretend that generational differences don’t exist, is simply ignorant.

These differences shouldn’t (and don’t have to) make a rift, but they are real. And sometimes—rather than pressing an issue—it’s better to acknowledge that there is a difference in generational perspective with solid, biblical reasoning on both sides.

Benefiting from generational differences: The key to understanding generational differences is to recognize that every generation needs the one preceding and following.

Where would Timothy have been without Paul? And for that matter, where would Paul have been without Timothy? Timothy needed a mentor, and Paul needed to train a trustworthy leader to whom he could pass the baton.

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.—2 Timothy 2:1–2

Spiritual Walk Differences

We tend to place all differences in this category (generally assuming ourselves to be the one with the stronger spiritual walk), but as we’ve seen, this isn’t always the reason for difference. However, it sometimes is.

The reality is that although we are all being conformed to the image of Christ, we all grow at a different rate. Sometimes friction between two people is simply a matter of spiritual immaturity on one or both sides. (And it’s usually safe to assume it is on our own side.)

Benefiting from spiritual walk differences: The key to overcoming the differences between varying levels of spiritual maturity is charity—especially its aspect of patience. Growth takes time. And sometimes we just need to be kind enough to allow one another to grow.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,—1 Corinthians 13:4

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8

Interpretational Differences

In spiritual growth differences, an immature position is ly to be strengthened over time. But in interpretational differences, two godly, doctrinally-sound, spiritually-fruitful leaders may hold a difference of opinion or practice their entire lives—with neither necessarily being right or wrong.

The obvious biblical example of this is that of eating meat offered to idols. Paul said that as a leader, he would choose to limit his liberty so as not to offend, but he made it clear that neither position was necessarily more spiritual than the other. It was a difference of opinion.

Benefiting from interpretational differences: There are two words that will answer almost every interpretational difference—give grace. Grace, of course, is easier to receive than to give, but we are commanded to give it. (I dealt with this topic more thoroughly in the book The Road Ahead, specifically in Chapter 7.)

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.—Romans 14:3

Minimizing Differences

When it comes to areas that are not biblically mandated one way or another, there is a simple key to minimizing differences: An immature Christian will take a small matter and make it large, while a spiritual Christian will take a large matter and make it small.

Truthfully, differences always look larger when our focus is not on Christ. Our primary attentiveness should be to the Lord, the Word of God, and (in the context of a local church) the ministry of our own pastor and to our church family.

We should never be following any personality—regardless of how godly or fruitful they may be—to the point of holding other godly leaders in derision. (This is what the church in Corinth did—pitting sides around the names of Paul and Apollos.)

May we love and learn from those who have gone before us and from one another—while keeping our focus on Christ!

Источник: //ministry127.com/pastoral-leadership/when-godly-leaders-differ

9 Essential Qualities of a Godly Leader

Godly Preparation For Leadership In Ministry

A quick search of books on Amazon.com on the topic of “leadership” currently yields 137,827 results, with new titles added regularly. There are countless experts and self-proclaimed gurus who speak often on the topic. And, if you don’t believe me, search #leadership on and you’ll find some of them.

Yet with all of this at our fingertips, we still suffer from leadership deficiency – in our nation, workplaces, churches and homes.

We have too many leaders who believe their position mandates their influence, rather than their influence enabling them to be effective in their position.

Many of today’s leaders lead by forced coercion – a “my way or the highway” mindset that makes them more dictators.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The leader leads, and the boss drives. The Boss often plays the Boss Card. They force obedience, strictly because of their position and status. But, as author and expert John Maxwell says, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It’s about one life influencing another.”

As you are reading this, odds are you are picturing someone you know in a leadership position that drives more than they lead. I know I am picturing someone as I write. I also have to quickly examine my own life.

God has placed all of us in a position of leadership, if not in our workplaces or churches, then certainly in our homes as parents.

I know there have been times when I don’t exemplify the qualities of a Godly leader. I don’t want to knock all of the great books out there on leadership.

There are some terrific resources available from people who know far more about the topic than many of us do.

But, there’s one resource that has a lot to say on the topic of effective leadership, and it’s available for free. You can actually access it right on your phone. It’s the Bible, and the passage is Proverbs 16. Go ahead and read it. I’ll wait. This chapter is chock full of leadership lessons. Below are nine principles that are critical characteristics of a good, godly leader.

A good leader seeks God’s direction

Is there anything more important in a leader than he or she seeking God’s direction? Proverbs 16:1 says “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

” Verse 3 adds, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” And verse 9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

” A good leader seeks the Lord, commits his way to the Lord, and the Lord establishes the next steps.

A good leader is modest, not arrogant

We’ve all encountered the know-it-all leader, the “submit-or-else” type of leader. But Proverbs 16:5 says, “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want to be referred to as an abomination to the Lord. That’s some pretty scary stuff.

Proverbs 16:7 says “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Yet so many leaders aren’t interested in examining an opposing viewpoint or other ideas.

We’ve lost the ability to empathize with others, and compromise has become a bad word. There’s something to be said of sticking to principles. I believe God calls us to be steadfast. He doesn’t however, call us to be jerks.

And, when our “boldness” is interpreted as “coldness,” we are not doing it right.

A good leader is fair and just

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8). I believe in goals, and working hard to achieve them. But, the end always justifying the means is simply not true. A good leader is more interested in doing things the right way.

A good leader surrounds himself or herself with honest, trustworthy counselors … and then listens to them

“Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right” (Proverbs 16:13).

Do you know leaders who surround themselves with “yes” people? Personal insecurity drives them to seek only positive reinforcement for every decision they make.

A smart leader surrounds himself or herself with smarter people, who are willing to speak their minds and offer sound counsel. After all, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

A good leader is a good learner

Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” A good leader should always be learning, growing and improving. The day you feel there is nothing left to learn is the day that pride and arrogance have taken root. And, we’ve already discussed how the Lord feels about arrogance.

A good leader is humble

We’ve seen countless prominent examples of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

” From politicians and celebrities to CEOs and pastors, many have grabbed headlines as their empires have fallen. In most of these cases, it’s pride that has crept in. They thought themselves invincible, but quickly found out that no one is.

“It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:19).

A good leader is sensible and kind

“Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips” (Proverbs 16:22-23). Being smart and sensible makes a good leader more persuasive and effective. A good leader uses “gracious words” (verse 24), not speech that is “ a scorching fire” (verse 27).

A good leader is slow to anger

We’ve all seen the caricatures in movies and television of the angry boss; the person who yells for no reason, barks orders and berates and demoralizes the staff. Perhaps you’ve even worked for such a person. The Bible says that “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

” As you read through these qualities of a good leader, hopefully you find them as challenging as I do. God tells us how to be effective, godly leaders. It’s up to us to put our human tendencies aside and embrace these principles.

It’s also up to us to pray for those under which we serve, that they too would be the good leaders God wants them to be.

Brent Rinehart is a public relations practitioner and freelance writer. He blogs about the amazing things parenting teaches us about life, work, faith and more at www.apparentstuff.com. You can also follow him on .

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