Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

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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24 Feb 2025

Imitating the Faith of Others

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 ESV

Twice the author of Hebrews points us to the intentional imitation of others. Of course, we are to imitate Christ above all, but the imitation of other people is somewhat unique. Who and what are we to imitate when it comes to following the examples of others?

The first passage in Hebrews 6 exhorts us to become imitators of those who model faith and patience in their discipleship. Their lives are marked by the fulfillment of promises made by God to them. These people are worthy of imitation. No, they are not perfect people – no one is. But they exhibit a life that is different from other believers.

They model a lifestyle of trust in God and a rest in His sovereign timing for all things that challenges our own. They boldly demonstrate confidence in God when there is little visible to be confident in. And their confidence is rooted in the promises of God found in the Scriptures. They know that the promises are backed by the Promiser who is all powerful and always faithful to His Word, for He cannot lie.

The second passage points us to imitate those spiritual leaders who spoke the Word of God to us. We are to reflect upon their lives and the outcomes of their ways. And then, after this thoughtful reflection, we are to imitate their faith. Note that we are not told to imitate their speaking or teaching style or even their example of leadership. We are told to imitate their faith!

Kingdom leaders will often have opportunities to lead others into trials of faith. Your God-confidence will strengthen the resolve of those who follow. Your faith will be imitated by others who watch how you address each succeeding wave that buffets you. Your resolve not to compromise or shrink back, not because of your own strength, but by God’s grace and strength will be transformative to those who are imitating you.

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7 NIV

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10 Feb 2025

One Blessing After Another – Really?

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'” From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:15-16 NLT

In John’s opening words of his record of the ministry of Jesus he makes a summary statement regarding the life of a disciple of Jesus – “… We have all received one gracious blessing after another.” One blessing after another? Really? Let’s note the context of this proclamation.

In the previous verse, John reminds us of the life and ministry of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for Jesus. He was faithful to fulfill his mission, yet in doing so, was imprisoned by King Herod and ultimately beheaded as Herod reluctantly granted the vengeful request of his daughter. Imprisonment and beheading do not, at first glance, appear to be ‘one blessing after another.’

Or take the Apostle John’s own example. History tells us that he wrote this gospel account while in exile on the island of Patmos where he spent many years. He had seen his brother, James, beheaded by Herod years previously and now had spent years in exile due to his faith (see Revelation 1:9).

And yet, John affirms that we have all received one gracious blessing after another. How can he make this statement given the reality of life? And the question, we find the answer – the reality of life!

For this life on earth is short-lived. We are foreigners and nomads on this earth, fulfilling our numbered days until such time as our purpose is fulfilled and we then fall asleep (see Hebrews 11:13; Acts 13:36). Paul’s perspective was that the trials we face in this life are nothing when compared to what awaits us after we die. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT

And finally, it is a ‘gracious blessing’ – literally ‘one grace upon another’ for our Heavenly Father does not give us what we deserve, but because of His love and grace we obtain blessing through the sacrifice of His Son for us. Therefore, when the trials of your leadership seem overwhelming, you will find His gracious blessing in the midst of it, should you even be called to end your race, for He is faithful.

Keep your gaze heavenward and you will rise above the turmoil of life.

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27 Jan 2025

People Pleasing and Compromising

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV

Everyone wants to be well thought of by others. And Kingdom leaders are no exception. We value the approval of others, especially the approval of those we are leading. But if we are not careful, we will begin to seek the approval of others at the expense of the approval of God. It can be a fine line between conviction and compromise.

Paul was taking the risk of offending the Galatian believers by pointing out his bold and courageous stand for the truth of the gospel he had delivered to them. This gospel message was not accompanied by other rules and regulations found in the Jewish Law. It was a matter of faith and belief in Jesus that brought their forgiveness and salvation, not the circumcision of the flesh or obedience to dietary laws or celebration of certain Jewish feasts.

Today Kingdom leaders face similar challenges when it comes to standing for the truth found in God’s Word as opposed by others who would seek to accommodate this with cultural additions. It will take boldness and courage to lead into the societal headwinds and cultural tides of our day. It will also take Kingdom leaders who are well-versed in the Bible and its application to steer a path through the cultural mine fields of our times.

May we all seek to please God and Him alone, regardless of whether we are approved by others, knowing that ‘… wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Luke 7:35 NIV

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13 Jan 2025

Protection from Error

Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. Mark 12:24 NLT

Watch out! … And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. Acts 20:31-32 NLT

Note the context of Mark 12:24 was Jesus being questioned by the Sadducees regarding the resurrection. Their belief was that there was no resurrection of the dead. Jesus corrects their error by pointing out their two fundamental flaws – they do not know the Word of God and they do not know the power of God.

Paul, when leaving the Ephesian church leaders with a final charge warned them to, “Watch out!” There would be those who would seek to lead them and the believers astray. Paul himself would not be around to protect them from errors; thus, he entrusts their protection to the same resources Jesus mentioned, knowledge of God and His Word.

The more we know the character of God, the more Kingdom leaders will be able to serve the flock of God under our care. Knowing God’s character and ways will enable us to recognize falsehood and point those we lead to the truth in His Word anchored in God’s nature. And knowing the Word of God, the Bible, allows us to instruct and mentor others in the ways of righteousness that align with His character.

As we begin this new year, join with me in renewing your focus on building depth in the knowledge of God and His Word. Commit your personal development time this year to a renewed focus on knowing more intimately the character of God and the study of His Word to address the pressing issues of our times. Many are looking for answers, finding few who can point the way.

May we all become like the men of Issachar described in 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV), “… men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do–200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”

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30 Dec 2024

Launching the New Year!

2024 has ended and now we launch 2025!  As we end one and begin a new calendar year, it’s good to pause and reflect upon what was and what we hope will be.  It is through reflection that we can gain perspective and see more clearly the overarching, God-orchestrated, macro-movements of our lives.

Leaders are often too busy to stop and reflect.  We always have more things to do and people to see.  We take one item off the do-list and add three more!  Who has time to stop and think?

Today…..now is the time to stop and reflect upon who you are becoming and what you are doing!  Your personal diary, journal or devotional notebook can be of great help to you as you look back and observe themes or topics the Lord has been addressing in you.  Here are some questions to get you started in this reflection time.

Are you satisfied with your own personal spiritual walk and growth?  More importantly, is Jesus pleased with your pursuit of Him?  How’s your current pace of life?  Is it sustainable long-term?  Do you have a margin in your schedule?  Are you living and leading from an overflow?  How’s your family doing?  Are you paying the price to experience the marriage you committed to on your wedding day?  Are you investing deeply in your children and grandchildren, knowing that the years for significant influence are rapidly passing you by?

What fears are you trying to ignore related to your leadership?  Are you leading with faith and courage?  Are you more concerned about your reputation or God’s glory?  Is the vision of where you are leading to focused or foggy?  Do you have a team that is unified and empowered around a shared vision?  Are you making progress in the God-given mission that you intended to accomplish?

These and many more questions are helpful for taking stock of where you are today and where you intend to be/go tomorrow.  Use this season for reflection and refocus as you start a new year full of new hope and new beginnings.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.    Hebrews 12:1-2  NIV

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025!

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16 Dec 2024
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Dealing with the Unexpected

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. Philippians 1:12-13 ESV

If there ever was someone who had the ‘right’ to adopt a ‘woe is me – victimhood’ mentality it would be Paul. But he did not. Rather, he adjusted his perspective to a Kingdom one instead of a personal perspective. And that made all the difference!

At the time of writing the Philippian letter, Paul was in Rome under house arrest for two years, chained to a Roman guard continually. Two years earlier he was arrested in Jerusalem and falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the Temple area and defiling it. He was plotted against by the Jewish leaders, given a sham trial, left to rot in prison because he refused to bribe his way out, sent under guard to Rome, shipwrecked in Malta and eventually placed under house arrest in Rome waiting for his trial.

All of this was no ‘fault’ of his own – he had done nothing deserving years of imprisonment. Yet, we do not see him complaining or questioning God as to, “Why me?” He was able to lift his eyes and mind off of himself and see a bigger purpose in all that was happening (see Hebrews 3:1 and 12:1-2). He entrusted himself to the One who was sovereign and good over all that happens, knowing that Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 ESV

All of us deal with the unexpected, unjust, and unfair things in life. Let’s strive to keep an eternal, Kingdom perspective rather than a worldly, temporal one.

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02 Dec 2024

Vision Casting and Recruiting

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). … Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:40-46 ESV

The above event happened shortly after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The four men along with John were with John the Baptist when he declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God and the Son of God at His baptism. No doubt that caused two of them, Andrew and John, to pursue Jesus and seek to know Him better the next day. Jesus’ simple invite to Andrew and John in response to, “Where are you staying,” was, “Come and see.”

After spending the afternoon and evening with Jesus (John records that Jesus’ invitation was around 4pm), Andrew goes to find his brother Peter who was also in the vicinity. He gives a short testimony and then he physically brought Peter to meet Jesus.

Philip also recruited Nathanael with a short testimony. He said, “We have found the One…” He too helps Nathanael overcome his hesitancy by simply saying, “Come and see.” Note that both said, “We have found…” Their testimony was backed by other’s experience as well – they say ‘we’ have found, not ‘I’ have found. And the use of the word ‘found’ implies that all were searching for the Messiah and now they had found Him.

As Kingdom leaders you will be the primary vision caster for your God-given mission. Yes, some of you will be better at it than others, but all will be expected to share this vision with others. And the vision is what you see by faith as you carry out your God-given task in the harvest.

“Come and see” is very effective in recruiting if what others experience is attractive and aligns with their personal desires. Here, both Peter and Nathanael were recruited with a testimony from someone they trusted and then were convinced when they personally experienced Jesus for themselves.

One noted difference: Nathanael responded to an invitation, but Peter was brought to Jesus by Andrew. Some will respond to your simple invitation, but others will need to be ‘brought’ to experience your mission for themselves. It is assumed that you have created such an attractive missional environment, with Christ at the center of it all, that a simple exposure will cause them to want to join with you.

The laborers are few for the harvest and thus are in high demand. God will provide all the people you need to accomplish His desired outcomes in your part of His harvest. Yes, pray for more workers for the harvest and ask specifically for more for your team (see Matthew 9:35-38). But, as you pray, also cast vision and recruit. God will take your small efforts and multiply it for His glory.

Can you clearly and succinctly communicate what you are seeking to accomplish? Good vision is clear, concise, and compelling.

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