Words Have Meaning

2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

In a high-level overview of what Biblical leadership entails, there are four (4) key observations that emerge. 

1. Observation #1 – Few Leaders finish well
2. Observation #2 – Leadership is difficult
3. Observation #3 – God’s enabling presence is the essential ingredient of successful     leadership
4. Observation #4 – Spiritual leadership can make a difference

In this post we will look at six (6) Barriers to Finishing Well. Dr. Robert Clinton from Fuller Theological Seminary having studied over 1300 cases of leadership with approximately 50 Bible Leaders and 100+ historical leaders and the rest being contemporary; his research focused on the WHAT and WHY of leaders not finishing well. It is not some mysterious covert work. In fact there are items that are knowable. Consider Proverbs 22:3 (NLT); A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. [Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Pr 22:3). Tyndale House Publishers.]

Here are the first of three Barriers to Finishing Well

#1 – Finances – Their Use & Abuse. Leaders who hold power positions that allow for decisions to be made regularly regarding finances  can in fact encourage bad practices and wrongful use. Impropriety is the resulting behavior.

Example: Gideon’s golden ephod; Ananias & Sapphire

#2 – Power – Its Abuse. Leadership at times require the use of various power bases in order to accomplish goals. There is a strong tendency for abuse to feel you are untouchable as a leader.

Example: Uzziah’ usurping of priestly privilege.

#3 – Pride – Which Leads to Downfall. Pride is the inappropriate self-centeredness  that can and will lead to a downfall. Never forget where ministerial authority originates – GOD ALONE!

Example: David’s unauthorized numbering of his army and resources.

Take your study deeper. What is God saying to you regarding these first three barriers to effective ministry?