Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

14 Jul 2025

Living and Leading at a Sustainable Pace – 2

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity. 1 Corinthians 16:12 ESV

Note how in this passage Paul ‘strongly urged’ Apollos to go to Corinth to help address some pressing issues outlined in his letter to them. There was a very pressing need in Corinth. And besides this need, the Apostle Paul was also ‘pressing’ Apollos to go. Yet, despite all the pressure from different sides, Apollos refused to go at this time. He would come sometime in the future, but not now.

That decision took a lot of courage! That decision came from someone who would not be intimidated or driven by an urgent request – even though it was legitimate. Apollos knew that some others could and would go (it appears Titus carried the letter to Corinth – see 2 Corinthians 2:12-13). It just wasn’t going to be him at this time. He had his reasons.

Why do Kingdom leaders move to reaction leadership and a personal drivenness to achieve, rather than staying within their God-given boundaries and saying ‘no’ when appropriate? Here are some of the lies we believe that drive us to live and lead at an unhealthy, unsustainable pace.

o “Success in the ministry depends upon me.” We would never say this, but we often live like it!
o “True commitment equals busyness beyond the limits of normal.” You know, leaders are busy people!
o “If I don’t accept this task or opportunity, then I will be left out or considered uncommitted by others.” Their opinion of me really matters for my sense of well-being!
o “I must model a challenging pace to be a good example for those watching me.” What happens when they are not watching me?
o The Should vs Could voices in our heads – “Should” pushes guilt and “Could” opens opportunity to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
o The ‘Messiah complex’ – “Apart from me nothing will get done.” “Your job is to represent the Messiah, not be the Messiah!” Donald Barnhouse
o “These are my disciples–my people, and they need / want / deserve me, not someone else.” You’re really not that important?
o “The Good Leader Syndrome” – adopting someone else’s pace, especially your heroes or your leaders.
o Climbing the organizational ladder for more power / influence – “My performance determines my future, therefore, I will put in more hours, volunteer for all duties, and be sure to quietly remind others of my sacrifice for the cause/team.”
o Lack of moral courage – “Everyone else is doing it, so I must do it too.”
o Self-martyrdom – “I can get by on less,” “I’m the exception,” or “I’ll be back to ‘normal’ soon.”

All of these lies lead to a ‘crash and burn’ ending that is not pretty. Whether we are burning ourselves out, wrecking our marriage, ignoring our children or driving those we lead to exhaustion – all is dishonoring to God. It is not honoring to Jesus or the cause of Jesus to associate Him with our own failings. That reality should stop us in our tracks and end the folly.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 NLT

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30 Jun 2025

Living and Leading at a Sustainable Pace – 1

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. Mark 6:30-32 NLT

Many leaders are chosen to lead because they have a history of getting things done. Goals, deliverables, outcomes are all a part of a leader’s vocabulary and part of their leadership psyche. But I wonder how many Kingdom leaders would have ‘rest’ as a part of their leadership vocabulary?

Now let’s be clear – we are not suggesting that leaders should model or accommodate laziness or lack of anything less than your best. But, in striving to give our best we can move to a striving to prove our worth to God and others or finding our self-worth in our accomplishments. Reproduction and fruitfulness should be a part of a Kingdom leaders’ worldview, but not for our personal value or ego. We seek impact for the glory of God, not our own glory.

Busyness is not bad in and of itself. Leaders are busy people. But in our busy lives are we living and leading at a pace that is sustainable for the long term? We are not drawing a false dichotomy between ‘rusting out for Jesus’ or ‘flaming out for Jesus.’ Neither of these seems God-honoring. What seems to be a biblical pattern is a regular day for rest (Sabbath) and a period of time away for the leadership demands after intense times of ministry (see Mark 6 above). The demands of the work will still be there when you return from your time away. You’ll be better able to serve those you lead after getting some rest.

As a younger leader I was given some great advice that has served me well for many decades. “A mark of maturity is being able to live with unfinished tasks.” The To-Do List is never-ending for leaders. Put in a good days work and lay down at night knowing you have done your best for this day. “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

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16 Jun 2025

Jesus, His Authority, and Your Boldness

The Gospel of Mark has a recurring theme that notes the authority of Jesus over various entities and in various contexts. Note the following:

[Mark 1:27 ESV] And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

  • Jesus exercised authority in His teaching of the Word and over evil spirits.

[Mark 2:10-12 ESV] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he said to the paralytic– “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

  • Jesus has authority to forgive sins and heal physical illnesses.

[Mark 2:27-28 ESV] And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

  • Jesus has authority over the Law and its application.

[Mar 4:39, 41 ESV]  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. …  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

  • Jesus has authority over the physical world – the wind and the waves.

[Mar 3:14-15 ESV] And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

[Mark 6:7 ESV] And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

  • Jesus can delegate His authority to His followers.

Now, given this reality of delegated authority, what do you need authority to accomplish in your life and ministry? You have that His authority as a Christ-follower and His servant leader. Do not let the world intimidate you into silence or shy away from faith initiatives you know the Lord has asked you to undertake. Act boldly, in the power and authority of the One who has called you and empowers you to accomplish all He desires in and through you.

[Proverbs 28:1 ESV] The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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02 Jun 2025

Decisions and Learning from Others

I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. Proverbs 24:30-34 NIV

Note that the author of the proverb above was making observations as he ‘walked’ through life. He was observant. He reflected on what he saw and drew some conclusions as a result.

Good leaders are teachable. A teachable attitude and learner’s heart will mean that you accept counsel from others. It can come from the direct counsel or advice of others. It can also come from making observations, reflecting on what you see, and then applying lessons learned from the observations to your life and leadership.

It was Otto von Bismarck who said, ““Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.” In addition to learning from the mistakes of others you can also learn from what they did right. Do not hesitate to ask other leaders if they have experienced similar challenges to those you are currently facing and if so, what they did that was helpful or not.

If you are the senior leader, remember that the counsel from others on your leadership team can be invaluable in difficult decisions. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself! Rely upon the wisdom of your leadership team members when confronting complex issues.

And always remember that Kingdom leaders have The Counselor – the Holy Spirit within you and He will guide and direct you. Pray and ask Him for insight, wisdom, discernment, and the ability to anticipate future consequences of your decisions. The saying is true, “Today’s problems are yesterday’s solutions.” The Spirit’s counsel may come from His voice within (Isaiah 30:21) or perhaps He will direct you through the Scriptures (Psalm 119:105).

Many difficult decisions will need more time to see a way forward. But never ignore tough decisions hoping they will solve themselves. They most often get worse, not better. When the time to decide arrives you will almost always feel that you need more time or data to make a good decision. Make the decision and live with the results! And on a day when the decision is to be made, do it early in the day, otherwise it will be a ‘low hanging cloud’ over all other activities until completed.

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19 May 2025

Responding to Praise

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. Proverbs 27:21 NLT

When a leader is younger and inexperienced they sense their inadequacy and their personal prayer life is intensified. They cry out to God for help and His anointing for the tasks ahead and freely admit their own vulnerabilities. God hears their requests and answers above and beyond what they had hoped for. And then the test comes.

As the writer of this proverb states, one is tested by being praised. How you receive the accolades that come when you succeed will determine what comes next. The principle of Luke 16:10 is true – if you are faithful in little, you will be trusted with much. But, if you take credit for your success, do not admit that it was your leadership team’s effort that brought the results, of somehow steal the spotlight from God and put it upon yourself, you will pay a price.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Anyone can handle adversity; it’s success that’s the true test of a man.” And this taking credit for yourself can be very subtle. Your too smart to do it overtly; but when praise comes your heart swells with a secret arrogance that says, “Look what I did! Yes, you have identified the right person for this praise. Now everyone will know that I’m a great leader.” Oh, it is so subtle!

Be careful! Be very, very careful! For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. If God is opposing (actively working against) you, the outcome is not in doubt.

Proverbs 29:23 NLT says, ‘Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.’

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05 May 2025

Taking Advice

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 ESV

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10 ESV

One does not have to be in leadership for long before you encounter a decision or situation that is beyond your experience or ability to discern a way forward. Thus, those on your leadership team are vital for you to move forward in your mission, if you listen to their counsel. The wise leader selects wise team members and then listens to their advice.

But often leaders don’t heed the advice of those on their team. Yes, they will ‘listen’ but they won’t apply the advice given. Personal desires, personal insecurities, and pride all combine to make a leader unteachable and unwilling to follow the advice of those closest to them. They push through their agendas and the result is often disaster!

Does that mean that the best approach is a consensus decision-making model? If so, what kind of consensus? 100% consensus must agree or the decision is, no? This can lead to a tyranny of the minority. Or is a ‘super majority’ of 80% better (wiser)? Perhaps, but maybe the team is in an ‘echo chamber’ with little objectivity? What to do?

We’ve now moved from the ‘science’ of leading to the ‘art’ of leadership. Kingdom leaders are leading with a team of others who all have the Holy Spirit within. It seems that the best model is a leader and a team, not team leadership, with all team members seeking the Spirit to guide and direct their decisions. Decisions need not be 100% consensus, but those not in agreement must be listened to and taken seriously rather than dismissed out of hand for their contrarian views. Then, once the decision is made, the leadership team moves forward with one voice.

Wise leaders listen to the counsel and advice of others and freely admit they do not have the wisdom needed for all decisions and situations. Listen to your team members!

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21 Apr 2025

There’s Still Much to Do

Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess. Joshua 13:1 ESV

It had been quite the life for Joshua! He had apprenticed under Moses for 40+ years, most of those spent in the desert as God led Israel’s wanderings until they finally reached the east side of the Jordan River. Here his mentor, Moses, died and Joshua was commissioned by God to take his place.

After finishing the mourning period for Moses, the nation moved out, miraculously crossing the Jordan at flood stage just as Moses had led Israel through the Red Sea. They conquered Jericho with a shout and then learned major lessons through the defeat at Ai and the deception of the Gibeonites. Then came the campaign to occupy the land promised to Abraham, renewed to Moses, and now realized by Joshua.

Caleb’s life story gives us a great overview of the entire process. He says to Joshua in 14:7, “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.” Then he follows with vs. 10, “And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old.” It had been 45 years since the spies had viewed the land – 40 years of desert wanderings and 5 years of warfare to occupy the major cities and subdue their kings.

The promise still had to be acted upon – yes, the cities had been conquered, but there remained the towns and villages and the coastal cities to the west. As the Lord had said, “there remains much land to possess.’ The journey of faith is one where we must act upon what God has promised. Yes, we plead His promises and ‘claim’ their fulfillment, but we still must act in faith to ‘possess the land.’

We must share the gospel with the lost, disciple those who are young in the faith, and equip disciples to become disciplemakers that we might ‘possess’ the third and fourth spiritual generations from our efforts. May we see the Lord going before us as we step out in faith trusting His faithfulness to His promises.

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07 Apr 2025
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Big Shoes to Fill

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Joshua 1:1-2 ESV

How would you like to be the one chosen to lead after Moses? Talk about a challenge! Oh, my!

God clarifies His calling to Joshua by reminding him that Moses is dead! It’s time for you to lead now! So be strong and courageous and ‘put on your big boy pants’ because it’s time to occupy the land I promised you all forty years ago. Let’s get moving!

And then notice the first leadership challenge Joshua faces – they must cross the Jordan River. But there’s a problem – it’s in flood stage. I’d guess Joshua is wondering about the Lord’s timing in it all. Why now? Why not wait a little for the water level to recede and we walk across the shallows like normal. Why move out when it’s flooding? But Joshua told the people to make ready to break camp and cross over. “When you see the priests carrying the ark, follow them,” he said. And we know what happened – God stopped the flow of the river upstream and all Israel walked across the riverbed on dry ground!

The Lord knew that it would be difficult for the people to follow Joshua’s leadership having served under Moses’ guidance for 40 years. The people knew Moses talked with God personally, but what about Joshua? “The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.'” (Joshua 3:7) God was setting up Joshua’s authority to lead by using the crisis of crossing the flood staged river as a means to establish his leadership.

When Kingdom leaders assume new roles, especially if you are following a ‘rock star,’ count on the fact that God has your back. He knows that people will have a tough time transitioning their trust to you as the new leader. Thus, He will create opportunities for you to gain their trust and confidence in your leadership. But remember, this process of transferring trust to you will often come cleverly disguised as a major crisis! Don’t shrink back from it. Engage with it and watch God do what only He can do as He establishes you to lead.

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24 Mar 2025

Leading from Fear or Faith?

He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:40 ESV
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 ESV

Kingdom leadership demands a reliance upon the faithfulness and power of God, rather than self. As we have noted, fear is not condemned for it is a God-given emotion. But when our behavior is controlled by fear instead of faith in God then we are on dangerous ground.

The word is only used three times in the NT, twice in the synoptic gospels (Matthew and Mark) in describing Jesus calming the storm and His rebuke for their lack of trust in Him. The third use is found in Revelation 21, and we note that it leads the list of characteristics of those who will experience the ‘fiery lake of burning sulfur… the second death.’

The inclusion of cowardice in the Revelation 21 list at first glance may appear out of place. Certainly John did not mean to equate murderers or idolaters with the cowardly, did He? Yes, He did! For those controlled by fear trust their own abilities and resources to protect themselves and seek their own safety. Kingdom leadership is casting off from the safety of the known into threatening unknown because Jesus said to. It is obeying Him with our whole heart, not just when it’s easy or convenient.

The Lord launches Joshua into his new leadership role with this exhortation (Joshua 1:6-7 ESV): Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

May we all be courageous leaders who lead from faith, not fear, confident in the truth that the Lord is faithful to His promises.

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10 Mar 2025
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Leading with the Long-Term View

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. … Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” Revelation 2:1, 4-6 NIV

John writes about the revelation shown him regarding the present and the future towards the end of his life, probably around 90 AD. He had been exiled to the island of Patmos off of what is known today as the western coast of Turkey. And in this revelation, the Lord has some instructions and exhortations for seven churches in the province of Asia – western Turkey.

Note that Paul and friends had invested much in Ephesus some 40 or so years earlier. Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus at the end of his second tour, spent over 2 years there on the third tour, and left Timothy to lead the church while he was imprisoned. Yet now, with such good foundations laid, Jesus’ assessment is that they have ‘fallen from a great height’ and ‘left your first love.’ Tragic!

Good beginnings do not necessarily ensure good long-term, sustainable outcomes. The church at Ephesus had taken their eye off of the ball – focusing on something else other than the simplicity of Jesus. They had lost attachment to the true vine (see John 15) and now were in danger of being removed by the Lord. The call was to repentance and doing what they had done at first when they had come to know Him.

The church at Ephesus started well, but within a few decades was struggling to maintain its primary focus and resulting influence for Christ. As we labor and lead others, let’s remember that we are seeking lasting impact by changing the lives of individuals who will change the world. Ministries will come and ministries will go. Keep the long-term view by maintaining a short-term focus on Jesus and what you did when you first came to know Him.

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