Last week I was fortunate to attend and speak at a large gathering of church leaders at a statewide convention in California. During the first evening’s service we heard a devotional message from Pastor D.A. Manuel. In this blog post I would like to share the points of his message with a few of my thoughts on each. Pastor Manuel’s message was based on the scripture passage found in Ephesians 4:11-13.

Leadership that blesses God is…

1. …Leadership that is a gift from God. It is a gift of grace. When we find ourselves in a place of leadership, it is because of the grace of God that we are there. There are many others who could fill that void, yet God chose you or me. God given and blessed leadership will manifest itself in our words and actions towards those in our charge, our subordinates, and those who come across our path on a regular and on a one time basis. Where God has blessed you with a position of leadership (be it home, work, ministry, civic organization) always consider it a gift of grace and treat others likewise, with the same grace.
2. …Leadership that has a guiding purpose.  The very term leadership or to lead infers the idea of guiding or bringing others along. True leadership, successful leadership will always have a clear purpose as its driving force. With Christian, Godly leadership that purpose will always deal with the improvement or betterment of people, the people who report to you, the people you are charged to lead, and others whom your leadership will affect.
3. …Leadership that inspires growth. There is but one ultimate reason for Christian, Godly leadership; to build up and mature others into Christlikeness. We are blessed with leadership opportunities not for position or to “Lord it over” others, but to guide them into growing, healthy disciples of Christ. Whether it be in the church, workplace, or the home God’s gracious gift of leadership is to assist others, guiding them into successful men and women of God.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (HCSB)
¹¹  And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
¹²  for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
¹³  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, ⌊growing⌋ into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.

Realize today that every area of your life where you are privileged to lead is a gift from God. Spend time alone with God discerning your purpose in leadership. Is it in line with God’s desired purpose? How are you leading others inspiring them in growth in various areas of their lives?

For more on this topic contact George Yates or visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.