We’ve previously noted how these are tumultuous days for the Church. The best way for pastors and other ministry leaders to be prepared to help the Church navigate these times is to be prepared themselves in three ways that matter.
1) Church leaders can get prepared by gaining a thorough understanding of leadership basics. They need to have a good grasp of the real essence of the Church in order to help us be the Church in these difficult days. More than trying to develop some kind of complex or elaborate plan to function as the Church, we need to get back to the basics of God’s intent. People today do not need another institution that requires high maintenance to keep it running. They need a living organism with the Lord Jesus as the Head who transforms lives and makes all things new.
Check out: Church Leadership Basics
2) Church leaders can get prepared by focusing on being the kind of person God is pleased to use. A leader whose heart is right with God will take the Church much further in turbulent times than someone highly skilled and trained to lead on the cutting edge but whose heart in not in tune with God’s. It takes the right kind of attitudes and qualities to be a leader who truly makes an eternal difference. This person will be characterized as an example, guide, servant, and shepherd who understands that it is all about God and not oneself.
Check out: Church Leadership Qualities
3) Church leaders can get prepared by honing leadership skills in ways that line up with God and His ways. Reaching the world must not be equated with becoming like the world. Leaders must function with godly wisdom and divine power. The Word of God must be the grid through which a church leader operates. God’s character as defined in Scripture must be the standard. In God’s economy, the end does not justify the means. Process matters.
Check out: Church Leadership Skills
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Eph. 5:15-17)
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Pet. 5:7-8)
Thank-you.