How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's will today? Seeing Leadership Through God’s Eyes “In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day, while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me there.” • Elders—recognized leaders—sit before the prophet to seek direction. • God’s hand intervenes, showing that true leadership is evaluated in His presence, not merely by position or tradition. • The pattern: leaders gather, God speaks, and alignment with His will becomes the only safe course. Let God Expose What Is Hidden • Immediately after 8:1, the Lord shows Ezekiel secret idolatry in the temple (8:2-12). • Lesson: leadership drifts when hidden sin is tolerated. • Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to “search” and “lead.” • Practical action: schedule regular times for leaders to confess and repent privately and together. Hold Firmly to the Written Standard • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips “the man of God…for every good work.” • Deuteronomy 17:18-20—each king had to write out God’s Law “so that his heart will not be exalted above his brothers.” • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet.” Steps: – Every meeting opens a Bible, not merely with a verse but with genuine submission. – Policies are tested: “Where is this in Scripture, or does it violate Scripture?” – Leadership retreats focus on extended study, not just strategy. Prioritize Humble Accountability • Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron.” • Hebrews 13:17—leaders “must give an account.” • Structures to build in: – Plurality of elders or board members. – Financial transparency reviewed by outside auditors. – Peer mentors who can speak correction without fear. Seek Spirit-Led Discernment • James 1:5—ask for wisdom; God gives generously. • Galatians 5:16—walk by the Spirit to avoid fleshly agendas. • When major decisions arise: – Set apart time for fasting. – Invite the congregation to pray. – Wait until unity in the Spirit is evident (Acts 13:2-3 pattern). Model Servant Leadership • Mark 10:42-45—greatness equals servanthood. • John 13:14-15—Jesus washing feet: “I have set you an example.” • Concrete applications: – Leaders arrive earliest, leave last. – Budgets allocate funds first to mission and benevolence before perks. – Titles become secondary to tasks that benefit others. Cultivate Continual Repentance and Renewal • 1 John 1:9—confess; He cleanses. • 2 Chronicles 7:14—God heals when His people humble themselves. • Regular rhythms: – Annual evaluation of every ministry for spiritual fruit, not mere numbers. – Public times of church-wide repentance when necessary, led by the leaders. – Personal retreat days for each leader to guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23). Practical Checklist for Churches Today • Weekly leadership meeting begins with 15 minutes of Scripture reading aloud. • Quarterly financial and ministry reports shared transparently with the church. • Mentorship pipeline where younger leaders shadow and ask hard questions. • Standing rule: no major initiative moves forward without demonstrated Scriptural basis and united prayer support. • Annual outside review of doctrine and policies to spot drift early. The Promise of God-Focused Leadership “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.” Align leadership with God’s revealed will, and He grants both peace and credibility. |
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