Eight Vital Truths For Spiritual Leaders
by Ron Devore
1. God is the author and finisher of our faith and ministry
Heb. 12:1-2 says that we should look to Him who started it and who will finish it.
2. God is the first source for all my needs
Philippians 4:19 says that God is able to supply all of our needs. Not only that but He gives us what we need for the ministry that He has called us to (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)
3. This is a lifetime commitment
Jesus said, “ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. But he who is a hireling and not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.” John 10: 11-13
Don’t be like a hireling, remember that as leaders we are called to lay down our lives for others even as Christ laid down His life for us.
4. Renewing the mind is never completed
Paul warns not to be conformed to the way the world thinks and acts, but to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
We know when we are no longer renewing our minds when we quit changing!
5. People, not functions, must be the focus of our energies
“Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:10-12
Jesus was teaching His disciples that it’s not about titles, it’s not about positions, it’s not even about functions in the body, but it’s about serving other people. Jesus later went on to demonstrate this type of humble serving by washing their feet. We are called to use the towel not the sword on each other!
6. Solve every problem through openness and honesty
James writes that we should confess our sins to one another so that we may be healed (James 5:16). Openness and honesty lead to healing and restoration and enable us to walk in a place of spiritual, emotional, and even physical health.
7. Agreement and teamwork bring power
Throughout Scripture we are told about the power of agreement: If two or three agree on something in prayer it will be done (Matt. 18: 19-20), that walking with others is not possible unless there is agreement (Amos 3:3), that two are better than one because they are stronger, are more protected, and get better return for their work (Ecc. 4:9-12).
Why then do we so often try to go it alone as leaders?
8. We lead through relationship, not position, authority or emotional control
Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience to God flows out of knowing His love for us and walking in our love for Him. The same goes with leadership: people will follow leaders who love them. We are called to lead out of our relationship with God and our relationship with others, not by demanding to be followed or exerting control or manipulation.
Ron DeVore is the President and Founder of World Outreach Ministry Foundation. Ron and his wife Shirley have served in ministry in the United States and since 1987 have served in Uganda and around the world.
