Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the month “June, 2024”

17 Jun 2024
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Strive for Peace

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:16-18 ESV

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled… Hebrews 12:14-15 ESV

Differences of opinions, disagreements over decisions, or accusations about motive will occur in life and especially in leadership. How you respond to those who disagree reveals much about your heart. “For out of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). You will always believe that you are right, otherwise you would not have chosen what you did. But, when challenged or questioned about your decisions, will you seek to defend, justify, ‘return fire,’ or not?

One who finds their security and self-worth in being right or having others agree with them will have difficulty in leading others (especially leading other leaders) and the pursuit of peace. They give opportunity for an unforgiving spirit and bitterness to take root and defile their soul. The pursuit of harmony in their relationships is hindered by a self-righteous spirit and a desire for ‘justice’ as they define it.

Note how Paul and the author of Hebrews instruct those who have been wronged and face opposition. Live in harmony with each other. Strive for peace with everyone. Repay no one evil for evil. Do what is honorable in the sight of all.

It may not be possible for peace and harmony in all relationships. Doctrinal truth must not be compromised for the sake of peace or harmony. But ‘as far as it depends on you,’ forgive those who have wronged you. Let God bring about your ‘justice.’ He is more than capable of righting every wrong. He will defend you, your reputation, and fight for you, should there be a need.

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 ESV

Strive for peace and for holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Posted in #2 BE - Who a Leader Is, #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , , ,
03 Jun 2024

Kingdom Leaders – Chosen, Appointed, Called

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. … And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. Hebrews 5:1,4 ESV

When discussing the process for installing a new high priest, the author of Hebrews describes three steps in Hebrews 5:1-4.

Step 1 – the person is chosen from among men – This presumes that there were some selection criteria in place from which to do the choosing / selecting. In the case of the Jewish high priest, it had to be a man from the tribe of Levi. As you determine qualifications for leadership, what criteria will serve as filters or guardrails for your final decision?

Step 2 – the person was appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God – This position of high priest had some specific duties and responsibilities expected of him. He was not free to make up his own role and responsibility. He was chosen to do a specific job. He had a job for which he would be accountable to God. As you decide on a kingdom leader replacement, be sure the role is well-defined with all expectations and responsibilities agreed upon.

Step 3 – called by God – Because this is a kingdom leader, there is a third, very important step in installing a new leader. This person must be called by God to the role – responsibility. It’s not just another job. Kingdom leadership roles often require great sacrifice and without a clear conviction that God is calling a person to accept this role, some sacrifices may be hard to accept. But, if one is convinced God has asked you to take up this role, then you can be sure He will enable you.

Leader succession is an important process. Be sure that your candidate is chosen, appointed, and called.

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #4 REPRODUCE - Developing More Leaders and tagged , , , , , ,

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