Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “Intentional leader development”

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

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks and tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
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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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.”

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks 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 , , , , , ,
11 Mar 2024

Leading with Courage

It would seem that courage is a basic character necessity for Kingdom leaders, especially when facing real threats. Courage is a ‘being word’ – an inner quality that manifests in courageous acts. God exhorts Joshua to be bold and courageous (see Joshua 1) and Paul reminds Timothy of the reality of the Holy Spirit being within him, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

We see Peter and John demonstrating so much courage that those authorities threatening them take note. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NIV Elsewhere in the New Testament we see it being asked for, prayed for and about, and certainly demonstrated.

The word means: freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance; the deportment by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity.

Here are some of its usages in the New Testament:

  • John 7:13, 26 ESV – Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. … And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?
  • Acts 4:29 ESV – And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness…
  • 2 Corinthians 3:12 ESV – Since we have such a hope, we are very bold…
  • Ephesians 3:12 ESV – … in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
  • Philippians 1:20 ESV – … as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
  • Hebrews 4:16 ESV – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
  • Hebrews 10:35 ESV – Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
  • 1 John 5:14 ESV – And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

The days demand men and women leaders who courageously lead into the storms of life. Yes, the threats are real. Yes, there are potentially very difficult consequences. But we remember the Lord’s words in John 16:33 (NIV), “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.”

Posted in #2 BE - Who a Leader Is and tagged , , , , , , , ,
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. 

Posted in #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , ,
01 Jan 2024

Starting New!

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 of 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 look back through and observe themes or topics that Lord has been addressing in you.  Here are some questions to get you started in this reflection time.

Are you pleased with your own personal spiritual walk?  More importantly, is Jesus pleased with your pursuit of Him?  How’s the pace of life?  Do you have a margin in your life?  Are you living and leading from an overflow?  How’s the 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?  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 accomplishing the mission that you intended to accomplish?

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , ,
07 Aug 2023

Taking a Pause

After 11 years and over 500 weekly blogs regarding Kingdom leadership, I’m going to take a pause in publishing these blogs until later in the fall.

Should you be interested in reading more of these thoughts, click on the tab at the top titled Tom’s Materials and there you will find a free download of 100 of my most popular blogs titled – A Primer for Kingdom Leaders.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks and tagged , , , ,
15 May 2023

God’s Leader Development Plan

David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NIV

What had prepared David for his battle with Goliath? David’s reply was that he had spent a lot of time tending his father’s sheep! Not exactly a promising resume’ on the surface of things. But it wasn’t actual care of the sheep that prepared him for this epic fight; rather it was the experience David had gained in fighting off the wild animals that threatened to kill his flock that prepared him. He had learned to defeat both lions and bears during his shepherding and so, he reasoned that this Philistine would be no more difficult to defeat.

For David’s reliance was not upon his skill as a fighter. Rather, he trusted in the Lord to help him defeat this threat. For it was “the Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear” and this Philistine is no match for the living God!

God’s training and development of Kingdom leaders is not the world’s path, for God is developing a leader’s heart and trust in Him. David was selected to replace Saul as king because of his heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). And now this heart-anchored trust in God would once again be demonstrated. Previously it was done in private. But now it will be put on display in front of the entire armies of Israel and the Philistines. Goliath was more than a match for David (Saul’s perspective), but he was no match for David’s God!

Your inner life – spirit and heart – will often be developed in private moments aside from the eyes of others. As you pass these private challenges, learning to trust in God’s empowerment and not your own strength, He will then bring you out onto a public ‘stage’ for all to see His might.

Don’t neglect the cultivation of your inner life – your heart and soul care, for these will often determine your service for the King!

Posted in #4 REPRODUCE - Developing More Leaders and tagged , , , , , , , ,
24 Apr 2023

The Power of Modeling

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

Never underestimate the power of your own example. Your pursuit of Christ and your application of the Word of God to life will challenge, encourage, and embolden those who are on the journey with you. The power of modeling is not limited to the ‘older and wiser’ as one might assume from Paul’s exhortation to imitate me as I imitate Christ. Rather, Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, a ‘youth,’ was to set the example for others in speech, behavior, and Christlike character.

It has been said, “More things are caught than taught.” In my own life I have been deeply impacted by a few whose life example so moved me to want to be like them – to follow their example as they followed Christ. But one thing is necessary for this type of modeling – it’s the principle of contact. We have to be in contact with others if we are to be a model for them. And once in contact, we also need to be transparent enough for them to see through any idealistic facades they may have in order to truly see our lives. These life models will be few, but their impact on us will be great and lasting.

There is one category of models for our development that is often overlooked. It’s the group of influencers that Dr. Bobby Clinton refers to as ‘historical mentors.’ Most of these we will not have the opportunity to meet personally, but we can ‘meet’ them through their biographies. For my own life, outside of the Bible, the greatest leader development books have been biographies of Christian leaders – particularly missionary biographies. As we read about their lives and how they personally pursued Christ, their example can serve to motivate and inspire us to great things for God. Remember, leaders are readers! Read biographies of great followers of Christ and you’ll be the better for it.

Here are a few titles that have deeply impacted and challenged me. If you have not yet read these, may I humbly suggest that these go onto your ‘to be read’ shelf.

  1. Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, by Howard and Geraldine Taylor (Moody Press)
  2. Behind the Ranges – The Life Story of J.O. Fraser, by Geraldine Taylor
  3. Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman, by Aylward and Hunter
  4. Through the Gates of Splendor, by Elisabeth Elliot

We are all modeling, but the question is, “What are we modeling?”

May your own pursuit of Christ be a model for others to imitate.

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