5 Things I’ve Learned About Spiritual Leadership

by Mike McCartney

One morning I was reading and thinking about what I was going to say to African pastors I would be speaking to this June and I read the following Scriptures:

 1 Peter 5:1-9 “1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self–controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

This really got me thinking. This text is all about spiritual leadership within the Body of Christ! Leadership is hard work and at times very lonely. We live in a society that I think is hostile to leadership. But yet leadership, especially spiritual leadership, is crucial to the mission of the church and the spread of the Gospel.

Henry and Richard Blackaby, in their book Spiritual Leadership, make this observation about church leadership and its influence:

“Society at large is displaying widespread and growing interest in spiritual issues. Amazingly, at a time of renewed societal interest in spiritual things, many churches and denominations are declining. According to George Barna, ‘The American church is dying due to lack of strong leadership.’ In this time of unprecedented opportunity and plentiful resources, the church is actually losing influence. The primary reason is the lack of leadership. Nothing is more important than leadership” (pg 8-9).

Would you agree of disagree with this statement? Do you think our churches lack spiritual leadership influence?

I quickly answered for all of you “No! We are the men and women of God!” – I felt better. How about you???

Henry and Richard Blackaby define spiritual leadership as: “moving people on to God’s agenda.”

 Are we as spiritual leaders moving people onto God’s agenda in our churches and in the FCA? I thought, “I think so, but then I wonder sometimes if we try to move God onto our own agendas since we are so independent?”  But quickly my FCA mind said “Noooo!”

In their book, Spiritual Leadership, they say that spiritual leadership is accomplished 5 ways:

1. The spiritual leader’s task is to move people from where they are to where God wants them to be.

My “renewed mind” said, “Is that not onto my vision and agenda as the leader of Christian Hills?”

This is influence they stated! I thought “You bet it is and it’s a good influence!”

Leaders influence people to move off their own agendas and move onto God’s agenda. I pondered, “Does this include us pastors too?” Sorry doing a lot of pondering right now.

2. Spiritual leaders depend on the Holy Spirit. 

“Amen!”  Spiritual leaders work within a paradox, for God calls them to do something that only He can do. I started reflecting more, “There are many days I know I cannot do this spiritual leadership thing!”

The Holy Spirit is the one who facilitates change in people’s lives and is the force who is to be leading and guiding the church. It’s great when I feel the weight come off my shoulders and can say “It’s the Holy Spirit who changes people not my spectacular preaching or personality!”

3. Spiritual leaders are accountable to God

I thought for a moment, really sweating for a time, “I will just pretend they did not say this one; then it is not as scary to lead!”

Spiritual Leaders do not blame others – “Really?” I thought, but I was told that “Everything in ministry up to the five year mark was my predecessors faults not mine.”

Spiritual Leaders do not make excuses for their failures. “But who do I blame then – me – that does not seem right – right? Are you with me?”

4. Spiritual leaders can influence all people, not just God’s people.

• I
•  meditated on this thought for a moment, “Influence those ungodly people all around me? That sounds rather unreasonable!”

• But, God is on a mission in the church and in the local business within our community! History is filled with Christian men and women exerting spiritual leadership upon secular society. Well, I had to admit as they shared some of the people who changed their society that they had a point

5. Spiritual leaders work from God’s agenda not their agenda!

Wow! This thought keeps hitting me between my eyes and ears.

God is not interested in advancing a leader’s self-centered goals and dreams.

Spiritual leaders understand that they have to seek God’s will for their church and their ministry.

Wow! This means I should be spending lots of time in prayer so I know what that agenda looks like!

As I read their amazing insights in their book I was reminded of how important it is to lead people spiritually even when they don’t want to be lead. My mind just thinks of Moses in the wilderness as an example – I thought it is rough leading today – but he had it rougher.

How about you, do these truths resonate with you and make you think? What lessons have you learned about spiritual leadership lately?

Mike McCartney is the Lead Pastor of Christian Hills Church in Orland Hills, IL and also serves as a Fellowship Elder and a Regional Representative to the USA National Board.