God is seeking individuals to rise to positions of leadership. Each new movement of the Spirit has been characterized by God’s appointment of fresh leaders, specifically chosen and prepared for their roles. We are on the brink of yet another outpouring of the Spirit.
Significant changes in current events indicate that this is happening now.
God is calling for men who will “stand in the gap” on His behalf and “make up the hedge” (Ezekiel 22:30), individuals who understand the ways and the Word of the Lord and can confidently proclaim, “this is the way… walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
This chapter delves into the sacrifices and challenges faced in shaping such leaders.
If you aspire to be among those chosen to guide in the upcoming revival, it is essential to grasp the principles outlined in this chapter.
A. PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
1. How Long Will It Take?
You might be wondering, “How long is this process going to take? How much time will God need to prepare me as a leader?”
Unfortunately, there isn’t a fixed timeframe. Moses spent forty years in the desert, tending to his father-in-law Jethro’s sheep as part of his preparation.
In contrast, Paul was released and appointed as a leader merely fourteen years after his conversion (Acts 13:1-3), although he had spent many years studying the Scriptures prior to that. For Joseph, it took thirteen years from the time of his dreams to his rise as Prime Minister of Egypt.
The duration of your preparation as a leader depends on two key factors:
• The scope and nature of the ministry that God has in store for you, and
• Your willingness to respond to His guidance during this preparatory process.
a. Mechanic Or Doctor?
The extent of what God wishes to achieve through you, paired with your desire to serve Him, influences the depth of His involvement in your life.
This principle is evident in the world around us: one can become a proficient auto mechanic with just a few years of training, but becoming a surgeon requires many years of rigorous education and experience.
If you aspire for God to work through you in a significant and impactful ministry marked by miracles and authority, be prepared for a lengthy and challenging period of preparation. The greater the responsibility you seek, the more intense your training will be.
Refining a vessel of gold for God’s glory demands far more heat and effort than creating a simple earthen vessel for everyday use.
b. Stubborn Or Obedient?
The second factor to consider is how you respond to God’s guidance as He readies you for your purpose. If you take your time to absorb the lessons that God teaches, the process of preparation will become both longer and more intense.
Just as a blacksmith must wield a heavy hammer and apply substantial heat to mold rigid iron, a jeweler only needs to exert gentle pressure to shape the malleable gold. The key is to remain receptive, flexible, and obedient to the Lord.
When a lesson arises in your life, embrace it promptly. Avoid resistance or stubbornness, for if you do, God will need to apply significant “heat and hammer” to mold you into a capable leader.
2. Casualties Abound
It is misguided to believe that achieving a leadership position means you no longer require spiritual growth. This misconception has led to the downfall of many.
In 1948, a significant movement of the Holy Spirit swept across the United States, during a time when God was powerfully engaging with His Church in the aftermath of World War II.
By 1950, more than fifty major ministries had emerged, primarily consisting of evangelists from the widespread healing revival that was affecting the globe.
Yet, only a few of these ministries endured. Where did the rest go? Why are so few still standing? The list of casualties is extensive. Many who successfully navigated God’s preparatory process ultimately failed to uphold their calling.
There are more losses among those who ascend to prominent leadership than among those preparing for it. The Apostle Paul recognized this truth: “I fear that after having preached to others, I myself might be disqualified and set aside” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Many aspiring leaders mistakenly think, “Once I reach a leadership role, I’ll be secure!” This is not the case. In fact, leaders are often more susceptible to spiritual attacks and failures due to their visibility and prominence.
3. The Price Is High
Preparing for leadership is often marked by deep sorrow and intense challenges (as noted in Hebrews 5:7-8).
This process is essential as it equips you to withstand the immense pressures that accompany a leadership role. Christian leadership is not about glamour; it resembles a battle.
You find yourself in conflict with both Satan and the world, and the misunderstandings often extend to family, friends, and fellow believers. Furthermore, criticism can arise from those driven by jealousy or fear.
The narrative of Moses in the Book of Numbers vividly illustrates the complexities of leadership. He bore the responsibility of guiding approximately 2.5 million people, a group often characterized by grumbling, complaints, and rebellion.
Despite witnessing miraculous acts, they would quickly descend into dissatisfaction. They repeatedly instigated revolts, and even Moses’ own brother and sister criticized his leadership, facing judgment as a result.
It is no surprise that God took over forty years to prepare Moses for his role; without those years spent tending his father-in-law’s sheep in the desert, he might not have become the exceptional leader he ultimately was.
Both Moses and Elijah emerged as the most significant leaders of the Old Testament, as evidenced by their appearance alongside Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Their experiences shed light on the immense stress faced by leaders of God.
For Moses, despite his extensive preparation, the burdens became so overwhelming that he petitioned God to end his life. His lament reflects profound despair:
“Why me, Lord?
Why this burden?
Are they my children?
Where will I find enough meat for them?
This load is too heavy for me!” (Numbers 11:11-15 TIB).
His plea reveals a depth of misery that only those who have been in similar positions can truly understand.
Elijah, too, faced a significant low point in his ministry. After achieving a monumental victory against the prophets of Baal—calling down fire from Heaven and eliminating four hundred false prophets—he fell into despair when threatened by Queen Jezebel. “Elijah fled for his life… and prayed that he might die, saying, ‘I’ve had enough. Take my life; it might as well be now'” (1 Kings 19:1-4 TLB).
Ultimately, the Lord acknowledged Elijah’s plea, allowing him to depart from this world in a chariot weeks later. This reflection on God’s compassion for His leaders is underscored by the honor bestowed upon Moses and Elijah during the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17).
Indeed, leadership carries significant costs. If the preparation feels arduous, remember that the pressures associated with prominent leadership will far exceed the challenges faced during training.
B. OUR OWN WORST ENEMY
The greatest adversary facing a church leader is often himself. His own sinful nature and desires represent a cunning and dangerous opponent.
In contrast, dealing with external adversaries is relatively straightforward. While later chapters will explore these issues in depth, let’s take a moment to briefly outline them here.
1. The Three Prime Pitfalls Of Leadership
The decline of any Christian leader often stems from three core sinful tendencies: illicit sexual relationships, the excessive pursuit of wealth, and the craving for status and recognition.
This observation echoes the message found in Scripture: “Do not love the world or the things in it. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
No one is free from these temptations; I certainly do not see myself as immune, and I have yet to encounter someone who does. The prevalence of failure among Christian leaders can largely be attributed to these issues.
A wise leader understands that without self-discipline, they may fall prey to one, two, or all three of these traps—these are indeed some of the persistent sins referenced in Hebrews 12:1. As highlighted in 1 John 2:15, a lack of love for the Father opens the door to a growing affection for worldly things, making leaders particularly susceptible to these challenges.
Effective training and preparation for leadership require cultivating absolute faith in God and His Word.
Walking in faith brings security, protecting you from the pitfalls of sexual immorality, greed, and pride. These three sinful tendencies often arise from insecurity—an indication of weak faith and trust in God.
a. Immorality.
Immorality often stems from an insecure marriage that may be struggling due to low self-esteem. This self-consciousness leads to a self-centered and selfish mindset. Frustrated, an unhappy spouse may seek comfort in someone who seems more compassionate and understanding.
1) Prioritizing Family.
It is crucial for a leader to dedicate time to their spouse and children. Actively engaging with family is essential, especially as the demands and issues arising from church responsibilities can disrupt this vital priority.
2) Supportive Spouse.
The wife plays an important role by being concerned, understanding, and supportive. Her husband will constantly face the pressures of an expanding role, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
At such times, her kind words and gentle touch can significantly impact his well-being and help sustain both him and his ministry.
3) Lasting Consequences.
Moral failure carries severe risks. Solomon warns that falling into sexual immorality leads to lasting damage: “a wound and dishonor shall he get, and his reproach shall not be wiped away” (Proverbs 6:33).
Such failure can hinder your ministry for a lifetime. While God’s forgiveness is always available, the consequences of that moral failing linger. You risk losing everything you worked hard to attain in your leadership journey.
b. Covetousness.
The temptation of covetousness (the love of money) arises from insecurity regarding God’s provision. As a spiritual leader, it is vital to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
In doing so, Jesus assures that “all these things will be added unto you.” He will provide for your needs—be it food, clothing, health, housing, or transportation—if you faithfully adhere to the biblical principle of prosperity, which is simply stated: “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38).
1) Embrace Generosity.
Until you consistently practice giving a tenth (10 percent) of your income to the Lord, you may struggle to experience His provision. Breaking the cycle of poverty begins with tithing a portion of all the blessings you receive.
Contributing to missions, aiding widows and orphans, and supporting the needy around you are all encouraged. God promises, “I will… open… the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:7-11).
2) Teach Others To Give.
Once you have started practicing this, start teaching all the brothers and sisters to do the same. As they learn to bring their tithes to the church, the curse of poverty will be broken from them also.
Giving to the Lord’s work breaks the hold of the sin of “the love of money.”
Practice it regularly and save yourself a lot of heartbreak. Save yourself from poverty.
Save your church from poverty by teaching them to give, too.
We have a lot more to teach about the sins of immorality and Covetousness in the next two chapters.
c. Pride. Pride is the result of insecurity about your call and your own sense of self-worth. Pride is the easiest of failures for others to see.
It is also the hardest one for us to see in ourselves. It shows itself by a boastful attitude. Boasting broadcasts insecurity. A person who has an effective ministry doesn’t have to boast about it. “Let another praise thee, and not thine own lips” (Prov 27:2).
If someone feels he needs to advertise he is an apostle, for example, it means that he doubts it himself and doubts others will think so unless he says something about it.
Boasting is clear evidence that a person is full of pride and insecurity.
1) A Servant Not A Lord.
“The elders [leaders] who are among you I exhort… do not act as lords over God’s heritage, but be examples to the flock” (l Pet5:l,2 pph).
True leaders are not lords. They function as servants of God’s people. Church leadership isn’t a place of lordship, but it is the place of the lowly servant. God’s preparations are to teach us to have the attitude of a servant.
Jesus was the most humble and lowly of all men. Like Jesus, a true leader won’t avoid certain jobs because he feels they are below his dignity as a leader. A secure leader is not threatened by menial tasks or humble responsibilities.
Paul wrote of Jesus, “…although he existed in the form of God, [He] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped after, but emptied himself, taking the form of a bondservant and was made in the likeness of men.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:6-8). Jesus was so secure in who He was. He didn’t need to exalt Himself.
John 13 makes this even clearer: ” Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper, and laid aside his garments; and taking a towel, girded himself about. Then he poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded” (vss 3-5).
Notice that word “knowing.” Because Jesus knew Who He was, He could take the lowliest place of service and not have His “image as a great leader” threatened.
Contrast this with present-day church pontiff s regal robes and sometimes ostentatious ways.
Washing feet was one of the basest tasks in the culture of Jesus’ day. It was a job usually done by a house slave. Just as we offer a visitor hospitality, so in Jesus’ time the house servant customarily washed a visitor’s feet.
Washing feet was an unwelcome task. The roads were not just dusty; they were also dirty in ways beyond mere dust. During that time, travel was primarily by camel, donkey, horse, and mule, which naturally meant the streets were strewn with their waste.
As a result, a traveler’s feet would be soiled with both dung and dust. This unpleasant chore was typically assigned to the lowest servant, as it involved dealing with the filth of the streets—a duty considered beneath the dignity of a respectable host.
Yet, it was this very task that our Lord of Glory humbly undertook. The strong resistance from the disciples is entirely understandable. How could Jesus, their Master and King, lower Himself to wash the dirt off of His followers’ feet? He was able to do so because He was secure in His identity. He understood that the Father had entrusted everything to Him.
He knew His origins in the Father, that He was the Son of God and the promised Messiah, and He was aware that He would return to the Father after conquering sin, death, hell, and the grave. He had nothing to prove to Himself or anyone else, as His life had already demonstrated His true nature to those with the spiritual insight to recognize it.
2) No Task Too Lowly.
It was Friday night. Our annual conference was to begin on Monday. Then the toilet overflowed.
It was about tune to quit for the night. A full Saturday of work was ahead of us and the overflowing toilet needed immediate attention. Guess who got the job? You guessed it!
I had to do the job, because no one else was available. All the other men had left to prepare the camp grounds. We couldn’t get anyone to dig it up that late on Friday night.
I put on my grubby clothes and began digging up the pipes to find and clear the clog. I was up to my knees in muddy sewage when a key donor from another state came.
He had never been to our office before. Not recognizing me he asked where he might find Brother Mahoney, the Director of this World-Wide Missionary Organization. I replied, “You’re looking at him.” “You’re Brother Mahoney!” he gasped in disbelief. To say he was “shocked” to find me doing such a task, would be a great understatement.
Responsibility demanded it. The Conferences couldn’t commence unless the work crews arrived on Saturday! They couldn’t proceed if the toilets were overflowing, so I took it upon myself to handle the situation — and I genuinely didn’t mind.
A person who isn’t willing to clean a toilet when required isn’t fit for spiritual leadership. Thinking that such an undesirable task is beneath your dignity completely misunderstands the essence of leadership. If you are not anchored in your faith enough to clean a sewage system, then it’s easy for Satan to undermine your leadership.
A true leader must be prepared to kneel and wash the feet of their followers, just as Jesus did. Fully secure in his identity as God’s Son, Jesus was unencumbered in serving others in any capacity. This stands in stark contrast to the prideful leader who craves position and recognition.
3) Reach For Responsibility.
As someone wisely noted, “When you see a person striving for authority, be cautious—trouble is likely to follow. But when you see someone pursuing responsibility, support him—he will be a true asset.” It’s essential for us to focus on responsibility instead of authority.
In church leadership, an obsession with status can lead to the downfall of many ministers. Paul states, “He who aspires to the role of overseer desires a noble task.” However, if your ambition is for position and power rather than responsibility, your downfall will be as inevitable as that of Satan. A successful church leader stays vigilant against the pride within him (Rom 7:14-24).
He maintains a repentant heart, striving to serve diligently, and he is careful to avoid anything that might inflate his self-esteem beyond what is appropriate.
C. PRIDE: THE ESSENCE OF SIN
1. Symptoms Of Pride
The subtle symptoms of pride are quite easy to spot once you know what they are.
Here are two or three indicators:
a. “I’m More Important.” Thinking certain people or jobs are “beneath your dignity” or thinking you are more important than others because you have a place of leadership.
b. “I Want To Be Served.” Accepting special honor as a leader and being served by others rather than devoting yourself to serving them.
c. “I’m The Best.” Paul warns us against “thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think” (Rom 12:3). Pride is beginning to dominate us if we esteem ourselves more highly than we ought.
These and other similar traits warn us that we have been poisoned by that subtle sin, pride.
God hates pride because it is the essence of sin. Satan fell because of pride. ” Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty…. Therefore I have cast you down… “(Eze 28:17).
Eve fell because of Satan’s appeal to her pride, “…ye shall be as Elohim [God]…
“(Gen 3:5). Pride brings our certain downfall. “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Provl6:18).
2. Pride Is Dangerous
Pride is dangerous because it is subtle. Pride is like a weed among the crops: It will grow and take over if we don’t take positive action to prevent it.
You may begin as a humble leader and presume that you have mastered humility.
When you are “proud of your humility, you do not have any humility.
Pride is a destroyer. This is why it is God’s will for a novice to take on responsibility a little bit at a time so he can grow into enlarged responsibility without the danger of being destroyed by pride.
“An overseer… must not be one who is newly saved [a novice], lest he become conceited and fall into the same condemnation incurred by the devil” (I Tim 3:2,6 pph).
3. Avoid The Pitfall of Pride
If pride is so hard to detect and so insidious an enemy, how can we guard against it? How can we protect ourselves from this serpentine sin? Here are some steps we must all take to avoid being trapped by this prime pitfall for leaders:
a. Stay Close To God. Maintain close contact with the Lord Jesus through disciplined daily prayer, diligent study of your Bible and determined meditation on His Word to you. This will keep you focused on His glory and thus help you maintain a sober view of your real importance.
b. Fast And Pray. If there is pride in your life, deal with it. David said, “I humbled my soul with fasting… ” (Ps 35:13).
c. Stay Close To Others. Leadership isolates you from people. The Bible says we are to “continue in fellowship” (Acts 2:42). Always maintain some close relationships with those you will allow to speak into your life — correctively if need be.
The leader who doesn’t receive consistent, honest input from trusted friends may lose his perspective and give way to pride. Since as Jeremiah affirms, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer 17:9), we are sure to stray because of pride if we don’t have this protection.
d. Don’t Strive For Position. Psalm 75:6 tells us ” promotion comes from the Lord.” God will promote you to the place of leadership He has for you no matter what your circumstances are. He knows where you are and He will exalt you at the proper time (1 Pet 5:1-6).
e. Seek To Excel As A Servant Of Others. A good servant strives to make those he serves successful. If they succeed, you have already succeeded. If you focus on your own success, pride will easily infect you (see Philippians 2:4).
f. Have A Foot-Washing Service. Whenever a man is licensed or ordained to the ministry, one of his first responsibilities ought to be to wash the feet of those he is going to serve. If it is a large meeting point, the n a leadership group should represent the brothers and sisters, and the one being put into a leadership role washes their feet.
Whenever strife breaks out in a church, a foot-washing service serves as the best antidote I’ve found, as it breaks the pride which is behind contention. Have the women wash the women’s feet — and the men, the men’s feet.
D. CONCLUSION
To avoid the pitfalls of pride, take a moment to recite this prayer aloud to the Lord:
Dear Lord Jesus, You have assured me that You will guide me along the right path and shield me from all evil. Help me become the servant You desire me to be. Protect me from the dangers of immorality, greed, and arrogance. Illuminate my heart and make me aware of any hidden sins. Keep me receptive to the guidance of others and grant me the grace to embrace Your correction. Thank You for transforming me into a humble servant like You. AMEN!
