Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “leader development”

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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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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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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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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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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26 Aug 2024
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Is God Alone Enough?

We hear a lot today about the immense importance of ‘community’ in the life of a follower of Jesus. And if by that we mean our connection to the broader Body of Christ and our part in it as we live and labor for Jesus then there is merit in this. But I’ve begun to wonder if we are striving to find something in our ‘community’ of believers that God does not intend? Are we looking to others to meet needs that only God alone can?

It would seem that for many life is teetering on disaster if we can’t connect with our friends daily. We have to check in with those we ‘do life with’ to know how it goes, but maybe more importantly, so we can tell them how it’s going with us. We must gather physically or electronically, plugging in our emotional and sometimes our spiritual umbilical cords seeking soul nourishment to be able to make it through life’s challenges. But it often seems to be a gathering of two ticks in search of a dog!

I don’t believe Christ is calling us to be hermits or live isolated, cloistered lives. We are to be in the world and not of it, being salt and light. We are reminded not to give up meeting together that we may stimulate one another towards a life pleasing to God. (Hebrews 10:25) But are we striving to find in others what only Christ can deliver? Is fellowship with the living God, our Creator enough? Or is it God plus my worship music, my fellowship with others, my beautiful surroundings, my financial security, or even my ministry activities for Him?

Now some will point out that when God created Adam He did say, “It is not good for man to be alone,” and thus He created a woman. But we must be careful not to conclude from this narrative that God’s calling to singleness is in some way less than or incomplete when compared to those who He calls to marriage. Singleness or those married believers who lose a spouse are not in any way lesser than or missing out, for God alone is enough for both.

Allow God to meet your every need. Cry out to Him to fill your cup until it overflows. Find your everything in Him and then join with Paul in saying, “For me to live is Christ.” (Philippians 1:21) For He and He alone will meet your every need.

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