Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Don’t Confuse Spirituality With Spontaneity!

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. … When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1:32-34, 37-39 NLT

Good leadership prayerfully makes a ministry plan and then executes it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is not unspiritual to plan your ministry.  Just don’t be so locked into your plan that you neglect to follow the Holy Spirit’s corrections or changes He wants you to make. 

Some might suggest that making a ministry plan is unspiritual and more worldly than Kingdom-like.  But we see that Jesus had a very clear plan for His ministry and He would not be distracted from it by pressure from others.  Note how He told the four initial disciples that He would not continue the healing ministry of the previous night.  Yes, there was opportunity, but it was not the most strategic action at the moment.  Instead they must set out for other nearby villages, “for that is why I have come.”

Paul had planned to visit the Corinthians and sent Titus to carry his first letter to them.  It appears they agreed to meet in Troas where Titus would update Paul on how the letter was received.  But when Paul arrived in Troas, Titus was not there.  While he waited, God opened a door of ministry for Paul, but not finding Titus, he left and went to Macedonia.  There they eventually met, and he received good news about how his first letter was received. (see 2 Corinthians 1:15-17; 2:12-13) Make your ministry plans but be led by the Spirit when you execute them.  The Holy Spirit knows the future, and He can help you plan for what is unknown to you.  Then listen carefully to Him as you go forward and adjust as He leads you.  It is not unspiritual to have a ministry plan – it’s essential.  Don’t confuse being Spirit-led with spontaneity!