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True Leadership

Mission True leaders set the cultural tone for the organization.

• A few years ago Dr. J. Robert Clinton, Fuller Seminary Professor revealed some shocking information regarding biblical leaders.
• He found that only one in three maintained a dynamic relationship with God and did not abuse his/her power.
• Proverbs 4:23 comes to mind; “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
• The heart of the leader is not only a wellspring of life, but the wellspring of organizational health. There is no faster way for an organization to get off mission or lose it’s credibility than through a fallen leader.It could not happen to me!Dr. Howard Hendricks of Dallas Theological Seminary interviewed 246 individuals who had committed sexual immorality within a two year period of time. Dr. Hendricks sought to determine key factors that led to this behavior. All 246 individuals believe they were incapable of committing their moral failure.
  • If you believe that you are immune, then you are most vulnerable. All 246 individuals had stopped their daily tie with the Lord. None had an accountability partner.
  • Even if a leader does not fall publicly, a leader whose heart is not rooted in Christ and actively growing can be just as devastating to a ministry. Jesus stated; “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Not, you can do a little bit. The emphasis is on nothing.
  • Leaders that are not grounded in prayer and spiritual disciplines are leaders that are susceptible to Mission Drift.
    • You know that you are headed for trouble when you declare, “I’ll spend more time with Christ when my INBOX is empty.”
    • Incremental, slow, personal mission creep often leads to organizational mission creep.
    • Mission True leaders not growing in Christ lead their organizations with feet on shaky ground.
    • Author Brennan Manning of the Ragamuffin Gospel, stated that the greatest idol within leaders is AMBITION. The desire for success and growth can lead to some pretty dangerous situations for both leader ad organization.
    • Jim Collins of How The Mighty Fall, states that a company’s destruction is “hubris born of success.” Pride can lead to the wrong definition of success.
    • Collins would write that self-centeredness may lead to short-term success but it often undermines an organization long-term.

Mission True Leaders

1.Admit vulnerability – Never forget your own sinfulness – the stakes are too high

2.Invite others in – Allow people in your life to speak frankly and candidly. These leaders welcome the challenge of accountability

3.Create safeguards against impropriety

4.Remain connected to Christ – with Him you can do NOTHING!

LINKS

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!