Some random thoughts on leadership Warren D. Carter – Elder

Wien, Österreich

January, 1998

I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.

I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.

I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will keep a protective eye on the godly, so they may dwell with me in safety.

Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.

Ps 101:2b-6 [NLT]

We must have leaders of integrity and determination!

A church seeking to make the transition toward total reliance on the Lord, needs to be led by men and women who will challenge their own people to become the Body of Christ here on earth – doing what Jesus would have done if He physically walked amongst us today. These leaders will always seek to live their lives above reproach, e.g. – they’ll be particularly careful in handling money entrusted to them for the Lord’s work.

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Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize.

You must also run in such a way that you will win.

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away,

but we do it for an eternal prize.

So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.

I am not like a boxer who misses his punches … is just shadow-boxing.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.

I Cor 9:24-27a

Purpose: to win an eternal prize [vv. 24b+25b]

Tactics:

a) practice strict self-control [v. 25a]

b) run straight to the goal [v. 26a] … not to the left or the right, no distractions or getting side-tracked

c) run with purpose in every step [v. 26b] … requires strategic planning, purposeful design, and intentionality

d) not like a boxer who misses his punches [v. 26c] … don’t miss the mark, swing wildly, focus on the shadows, or be aversive to the real/ substantive action

e) discipline/ training to do what I should [v. 27a] … concentrate on discovering and developing the spiritual disciplines:

· prayer

· fasting

· meditating on/ studying God’s Word

· giving

· submission

· worship

· confession

· solitude with God

· service

· simplicity

· humility

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Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Ps 90:12 [NLT]

>>Did you know … ?<<

A 15 minute coffee pause taken twice a day for each work day, amounts to over 2½ years of time spent sipping java over a 45 year work life?

… (more than the average person spends in church during that same time!!)

Do you have a desire to not allow the rest of your life to “just happen?”

Then ask yourself three clusters of questions:

1. What is your real purpose and role here on earth?

• Is this purpose clear to me?

• Do I have a general aim … a direction??

• Have I written it down?

• To what extent is this inspired by God?

• What is my personal identity in Christ?

• What different roles has God placed me in?

• Would my spouse, pastor, and another best friend concur with these roles?

2. What are my goals and my plan for the immediate future and beyond?

• Does this plan help shape my future according to my purpose?

• How are my roles fulfilled by these goals/ plans?

• Are my goals observable, measurable, and a clear extension of my purpose?

• Do I have progress indicators built-into my goals/ plans?

• Has God spoken directly to me about these plans?

3. Have I fully considered several important aspects of my life and role?

• Spiritual growth

• Knowledge and love for God

• Intellectual/ educational goals

• Physical targets

• Family objectives

• Relational goals

• Security/ financial desires

• Career aspirations

• Need for achievement

• Avocational desires

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Ldrship Notes1-98

30.1.98