Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the category “#3 DO – What a Leader Does”

04 Nov 2024

Dealing with Opposition

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth… 2 Timothy 2:22-25 ESV

Note Paul’s admonitions to his son in the faith, Timothy. He instructs Timothy to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness – run from the flesh and run to Christlikeness. And Timothy is told to align himself with those of like heart.

Paul’s second warning is to avoid at all cost – have nothing to do with foolish controversies. These types of interactions only breed quarrels and fights and result in little good. But also note that after reminding Timothy to avoid quarrels and ignorant controversies, he instructs him in how to handle such. It seems that some things can’t be avoided all the time. Don’t be quarrelsome he says – in other words, don’t go looking for a fight. But when it comes, here’s how to handle yourself.

First, you must be kind and gentle in your responses. You are to instruct those who oppose you and patiently correct them in their error. Note that Paul refers to these people as ‘opponents’ or ‘those who are in opposition.’ They are entrapped in evil and Timothy is to deal with them in such a way that they repent of their evil and find the truth.

Remember to respond, don’t react. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. The goal in handling opposition is not to ‘win’ but to be obedient to Christ.

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21 Oct 2024

Growing Weary in Doing Good

…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:38 NIV

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

Kingdom leaders want to use their leadership for good – for furthering God’s overall purposes, accomplishing their God-given mission, blessing those they lead, lifting burdens others can’t, etc. But the concerns and responsibilities of leadership can be weighing and cause one to forget our reality. Here’s a short list of what is true for believers who follow Christ and what awaits us.

  1. Forgiveness of sin – 1 John 1:9
  2. Inward cleansing – Psalm 103.:12
  3. Peace with God – Romans 5:1
  4. Eternal life – John 3:16
  5. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 2:20
  6. Victory over temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Resurrection from the dead – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
  8. A new, glorified body – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
  9. Immortality – Revelation 21:7
  10. Dwelling place in the house of God forever – John14:1-3

So, as you ‘go about doing good’ do not grow weary in your efforts. Remember your reality. Yes, the headwinds of the world may be in your face, but do not lose heart. Your eternal destiny is assured.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

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07 Oct 2024

Risk Management and Faith

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. … In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6 ESV

Life is full of risk and there are always risks to be considered in every decision or endeavor. To simply ignore potential threats and hope for the best is foolishness. In the above passage, it there is a sustained 50 mph wind blowing, a farmer who sows by hand scattering seed to the wind would be very foolish to assume that his sowing would yield a good harvest. Better to wait, let the wind die down, and then act. But if the farmer waits for the ‘perfect weather’ he probably will never act. Don’t ignore risk, but don’t let possible difficulty paralyze you to inaction. As the author states several chapters before, “There is a time for everything…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

In Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NIV) the author states, “Anyone who is among the living has hope–even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Yes, death is the destiny of all of us (see Ecclesiastes 7:2). The dead lion could have assessed the risk of attacking the water buffalo and decided the risk was worth the reward. Or he could have ignored the potential threat of the buffalo’s horns and paid the ultimate price. In both cases the lion died and lost chance for future conquests. Yes, there is a time to die, but don’t go there while foolishly ignoring potential risk.

Having assessed the potential risk in a decision, there comes a time to act. Faith calls us to focus our attention on Christ, trusting in Him for the outcomes. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:31 NIV) We consider, we assess, we decide and then we act. But those actions are steps of faith, not flesh, for “…we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) ESV

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23 Sep 2024
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Leadership Conversations

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 ESV

While James is not writing specifically to Kingdom leaders, his counsel is especially applicable to all leaders as they interact with others. For leaders, due to their position and authority, are heard at a volume of 9 even when they speak at a volume of 3. This can be of great advantage when affirming another for a job well done. But it can be tragically wounding if words are said in anger or without self-control.

James gives three actions when in interpersonal communications with others. Let’s look closer at these.

1. Be quick to hear – Have you ever been in conversation with another when they seemed not to be listening to you, but rather only waiting for the opportunity to speak? As leaders you will often be deferred to for speaking first or your words will be given more weight due to your role or position. Rather than sharing your thoughts, train yourself to ask questions and let others speak. And when they talk, really listen to them. Jesus asked over 200 questions and not one time did He need more information!

2. Be slow to speak – If you are quick to hear, you will be slow to speak. But you may hear and truly not be listening. Instead, you may be giving an outward appearance of listening, but inwardly you are formulating your response and ignoring what is being said. It is so important for leaders to think before they speak – to respond and not react. Wait before you send that email response. Put it into your draft folder and sleep on it. You’ll find many times that the next day you will reword it or not send it at all.

3. Be slow to anger – Note that James does not say, ‘and never become angry.’ Anger is a God-given emotion that, like other emotions, are morally neutral. God becomes angry, yet without sin. It is how we express our anger that determines whether we sin or not in our anger. Before we chastise or rebuke another, remember to take the log out of your own eye first (see Matthew 7:1-5). Words spoken in anger, though they may be forgiven, are not forgotten and the scars may be lasting.

Stewarding your leadership influence for good is more than accomplishing mission. It also includes caring for the flock entrusted to your leadership. Watch your interpersonal comms! You will be quoted!

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09 Sep 2024

Do What You Can, Not What You Should

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. … She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. Mark 14:6, 8 ESV

And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:42-44 ESV

Many Kingdom leaders are often driven by an inner ‘voice’ to do more. They work very hard every day, sometimes neglecting their own spiritual or physical well-being, for the sake of the great responsibilities given them. Their ‘to-do’ list is ever lengthening – they cross two items off the top and add four more at the bottom. And when they put their head down on the pillow at night their minds race with the many things yet undone.

If there ever was someone who could do more, it was Jesus. For He had the power and ability to do more at any moment. With a simple word or wave of His hand He could change everything in an instant. Yet, He did not do so. He confessed to being able to call a legion of angels to help Him in an instant of great stress at His trial and crucifixion, but He refused. He chose to live within the limits of His incarnation.

These two women above also lived within their limits. Both did what they could, not what they ‘should’ or perhaps even desired. One anointed Jesus with expensive perfume and was criticized for her seemingly wasteful act. The other, a poor widow, gave two small copper coins – what she could give – as an act of worship to the God she loved. Both of these acts are small in the grand scheme of things, yet they illustrate a profound truth.

Kingdom leaders must accept our limits, do what we can do, and leave the rest for another day or another person. A mark of maturity is being able to live with unfinished tasks. Don’t be driven by those inner voices telling you what you ‘should’ be doing. Do what you can and not what you think you should!

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15 Jul 2024

Come to Grips with the Possible

Some years ago, I spent a day with J.O. Sanders, assisting him in his travels from one end of the island of Java to another. As we transited from trains, planes, and automobiles we discussed much about life, ministry, and leadership. He asked me questions that caused me to reflect upon my plans, hopes, and dreams for ministry in Indonesia. It was a wonderful day!

Somewhere during this day, he said this, “Tom, I have something I’d like to say to you.” Well, as you can imagine, that got my attention. “Of course,” I said, “Please do so. I’m interested to hear what you have to say.” “Tom, you need to come to grips with the possible,” he said. Hmmm, I thought. I wonder what he means by that. So we continued our conversation with me asking him to please explain further.

“Tom, you’ve told me about your hopes and aspirations – your plans and your initiatives. But your youthful zeal and idealism has set you up for daily frustrations and great disappointments. It’s not wrong to have those future goals and dreams. But don’t live there. Live and labor in the present and trust God for whatever outcomes He deems best from your effort. Come to grips with what’s possible today, work hard at what He gives you to do, and leave the outcomes to Him who is good and always does what is good. Don’t be so focused on what remains undone. Do what you can, today. There will be time and resources to accomplish all He intends for you tomorrow.”

It was only later that I realized this was the same counsel Jesus gave His disciples when they questioned the effort of a women who anointed him with expensive perfume. There was much left undone that the money from the sale of the perfume could have been used for. Jesus’ reply was poignant, “Leave her alone. She has done what she could.”

That short dialog with J.O. Sanders marked me. Since that day I have sought to apply his counsel to work hard each day, do what I can, and leave what is undone for tomorrow. Jesus said it another way, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 ESV

Another leader once counseled me, “A mark of maturity in leadership is being able to live with unfinished tasks.”

Therefore, work hard each day. Do what you can. Tomorrow will come with its own special challenges. Come to grips with the possible!

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01 Jul 2024

Good Beginnings Don’t Ensure Good Endings

Solomon assumed the leadership of Israel as a young man (mid-teens?). He knew he was beyond his depth and thus cried out to God for help (see 1 Kings 3). God heard his cry for help and granted him his desire which the need for wisdom to lead the kingdom. He consolidated his leadership, organized his team, and in the fourth year of his reign he began work on the temples (1 Kings 6:1).

Seven years later the construction of Solomon’s Temple was completed (1 Kings 6:37-38) and a two-week celebration occurred. A large assembly gathered to see the temple dedicated and the ark was moved to its final location. All looked good for the young king (now in his mid-20s) as he grew into manhood and his popularity grew.

The king was faithful to walk in the ways of God, “Three times a year Solomon used to offer up burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the LORD, making offerings with it before the LORD…” (1 Kings 9:25) ESV “Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.” (1 Kings 10 23-24 ESV)

But “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his father had been.” (1 Kings 11:4) “So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done. … And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded.” (1 Kings 11:6, 9-10) ESV

And remember, Solomon died after 40 years of ruling Israel. If he began in his mid-teens, he was in his 50s when he died. His father David had set him up for success and the Lord had appeared to him personally twice. He had more wisdom than any other, yet his heart drifted as he grew older.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Be careful. Be very careful! Good beginnings do not ensure good endings!

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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.

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20 May 2024

Leading By Example

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder … shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:1-3 ESV

It has been said, “Don’t do what I do. Do what I tell you to do.” What terrible leadership! Jesus had a lot of bad things to say about such leadership hypocrisy (see Matthew 23). What should be said by leaders is what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

In the passage above, Peter appeals to the leaders he is writing to as a fellow leader (elder). He reminds them that they are spiritual shepherds responsible for overseeing God’s flock under their leadership. They are not to delegate or worse, abdicate that responsibility, but instead ‘exercise their oversight.’ He then exhorts them on how to execute their oversight with three admonitions. The first two are attitudes of a Kingdom leader and the third is a ‘how to’ action.

  1. Not under compulsion, but willingly – It’s a privilege to lead in the Kingdom of God – to have influence in the lives of others. Should God call you to lead, accept that humbly and gratefully, not having to be dragged along, but willingly. Yes, there comes burden with leading, but Jesus who calls also helps you carry that weight (see Matthew 11:29-30).
  2. Not for shameful gain, but eagerly – Leaders will have access to resources and power that others won’t. If you use those benefits for your personal gain at the expense of those you lead, you will be held accountable. Rather, eagerly sacrificing yourself for the sake of those you lead will not go unnoticed by God (and others). People move towards leaders who are looking out for their good and can ‘smell’ ego and self-promotion and run from it.
  3. Not domineering, but being an example – This was Jesus admonition regarding the world’s way of leading which says, “Because I’m the boss, that’s why!” (see Mark 10:41-45). If you have to default to your positional power base to get people to follow, something is very wrong! Leadership by example will be inspirational and motivate good behavior willingly.

Remember the Golden Rule of Leadership which says, “Lead others the way you want to be led.”

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26 Feb 2024

How to Empower Leaders

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2 NIV

One of the main responsibilities of leaders, especially senior leaders, is to empower those who they lead. But what does that look like and how will those reporting to you know they are empowered? Let’s look at this from an incident in Jesus’ training of the Twelve.

From the sending of the Twelve in pairs on a short-term mission assignment, we note that “he sent them out…to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick.” The disciples were sent with a very clear job to do – proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick. One of the foundational items needed for empowerment is a clear job description. Those we lead need to know what exactly is it that they are to do. What is the outcome or goal of my contribution? As their leader, you need to define this for them or perhaps, in conjunction with them. Don’t leave them guessing if they are doing the right thing. 

Jesus also gave them “power and authority” to carry out their job of proclamation and healing – the spiritually sick as well as the physically sick. Nothing frustrates direct reports more than being given a job to do but lacking the authority or resources to accomplish it. More bricks, no straw! 

Jesus did not ‘micro-manage them in telling them how to exercise the power and authority given them. Rather, He specified the outcome – ‘heal’ and let them determine the how. No doubt they did what they saw Jesus do as he modeled for them before sending them out on independent assignment. 

Once the mission was completed, they regathered at a time and location no doubt predetermined before they were sent. They debriefed their experiences with Jesus (see Mark 6:30). Note that the Twelve did not have to check back with Jesus after they were sent until they once again regrouped. They were released and empowered to act on their own initiative. Yes, they did have restrictions – the villages of Galilee only – but otherwise they were free to roam. Did they go to familiar places or venture off into corners of Galilee that were unfamiliar? 

Do those you lead have the power and authority to do their jobs? It may be a good time to ask them if they have all they need to do what they have been asked to do. 

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