Monday, May 02, 2005

My Guiding Principles as a Leader

As a leader of the church I commit to:

... giving my life to the work of God’s Kingdom. As a leader of God’s people I want to surrender my will to God’s plans and purposes.

“…In view of God’s mercy, present yourselves as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1

... enthusiastically share in the vision, mission, and values of those who are in authority over me, and respectfully support their leadership.

“Follow your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

...seeking God’s blessing and direction in all things as ministry is about Him and not about me.

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything make your
request known to God.” Philippians 4:5-7
“…we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Colossians 1:9
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

... extending the sacrificial and unconditional love of Jesus to all.

“This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love each other…if we love one another God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:10-12

... creating a community that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven, where everyone is included and respected, and diversity of thought, culture, and style are embraced and celebrated.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
“There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9

... living my life as examples to all, modeling Christ-like leadership and Biblical principals.

“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1
“For I do not seek my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example as I follow the example of Jesus.” I Corinthians 10:33, 11:1

... seeking and speaking truth by dealing with conflict and misunderstandings directly and in a timely manner.

“If someone hurts you, go and tell him – work it out between the two of you. If he listens,
you have made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others with you…and try again.”
Matthew 18:15-16

“ We will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves…Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up unto Him who is the Head - Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-16

... giving God my best by embracing new ideas, looking for ways to improve, and taking initiative to implement positive change.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men…
It is the Lord you are serving." Colossians 3:23

... being a good steward of the resources God provides.

“Be very careful how you live - be wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Ephesians 5:15

...Godly communication that is honoring and edifying to others.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit all those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

... serving, developing, and equipping others to do ministry.

“…prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until
we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. You should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3

...working together with other staff members as a team – each of us bringing our God-given gifts together to glorify God and to further His Kingdom.

“May the God who gives encouragement and endurance give you a spirit of unity…..So that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:8-9

...living a life of balance that protects my family and enhance my ministry to the church.

"...he must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family how can he take care of God's church?)." 1 Timothy 3:4-5

... celebrate the wonderful things that God does – big and small, and to share this joy with others.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“Rejoice in the Lord always!” Philippians 4:4

“Joy is the serious work of Heaven” C.S. Lewis