On Becoming a Spiritual Leader

Often I am asked to answer a few questions after speaking to a group.  A frequent question is some form of “What are some principles for becoming a spiritual leader.”

I’ve been doing a series on “Jesus on Leading,” and my response would usually include the character qualities that Jesus has emphasized or modeled for us.  But I have also given the following brief thoughts as a starting place.  I could give an entire message on each one, or recommend listeners study these points themselves.  So this is mostly an outline to whet your appetite.

Becoming a spiritual leader would probably include attention in these areas:

1.  Know God.Know that He is God.  Worship Him.  (Isaiah 6; Daniel 4)

Know that He is good.  Trust Him (Isaiah 32:40-41)

Pursue relationship and communication.   Love Him (Mark 12:30)

2.  Know yourself

Know who you are

You are dust (Psalm 103:14)

You are a work of art. (Ephesians 2:10)

Know what your strengths are

Grow and develop

Know what your weaknesses are

Grow or compensate

3.  Know your culture

Read

Listen

Observe

Ask questions

4.  Know how to:

Walk in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

Be humble

Take wise risks

Learn from your mistakes

Recognize that relationships are priority

Grow in the difficult times

5.  Know that God has MORE for you.

He has more to do in you.

He has more to do through you.

Ephesians 3:20:  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us….I have stories and illustrations for each of these points.  Probably you do as well.  There is so much more to growing into a spiritual leader.  Hopefully these will be stepping stones on your journey.

What about you?  What are some principles that have helped you grow?

C2013 Judy Douglass