Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “leader development”

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.

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #2 BE - Who a Leader Is and tagged , , , , , , ,
29 Jul 2024

God is Generous

And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Mark 6:42-43 ESV

What’s your attitude about God’s provision for you and your ministry? Is He a God who provides? Is He a God who provides just enough? Or is a God who provides abundantly – above and beyond what we could ask or imagine? “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Note the abundance of God’s loving provision in the following examples:

2 Kings 4:1-7 – The widow needed to pay off a debt. God’s provision of oil paid the debt and allowed her to live from the extra.

2 Kings 6:43-44 – Elisha feeding 100 prophets with 20 barley loaves. They ate their fill and had leftovers.

Mark 6:30-44 – Jesus feeding 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. They all ate and were satisfied and collected 12 basketfuls of leftovers.

Mark 8:1-10 – Jesus feeding 4000 people with 7 loaves and a few small fish. They all ate as much as they wanted and there were 7 basketfuls of leftovers.

God is not stingy or stretched for resources to meet our needs. He is generous beyond our understanding. His ways are not our ways. We submit to His ways and accept His provision knowing that when, how, and how much He provides is in perfect alignment with His perfect plans for us. He is good and all that He does is good.

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01 Jul 2024

Good Beginnings Don’t Ensure Good Endings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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17 Jun 2024
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Strive for Peace

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:16-18 ESV

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled… Hebrews 12:14-15 ESV

Differences of opinions, disagreements over decisions, or accusations about motive will occur in life and especially in leadership. How you respond to those who disagree reveals much about your heart. “For out of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). You will always believe that you are right, otherwise you would not have chosen what you did. But, when challenged or questioned about your decisions, will you seek to defend, justify, ‘return fire,’ or not?

One who finds their security and self-worth in being right or having others agree with them will have difficulty in leading others (especially leading other leaders) and the pursuit of peace. They give opportunity for an unforgiving spirit and bitterness to take root and defile their soul. The pursuit of harmony in their relationships is hindered by a self-righteous spirit and a desire for ‘justice’ as they define it.

Note how Paul and the author of Hebrews instruct those who have been wronged and face opposition. Live in harmony with each other. Strive for peace with everyone. Repay no one evil for evil. Do what is honorable in the sight of all.

It may not be possible for peace and harmony in all relationships. Doctrinal truth must not be compromised for the sake of peace or harmony. But ‘as far as it depends on you,’ forgive those who have wronged you. Let God bring about your ‘justice.’ He is more than capable of righting every wrong. He will defend you, your reputation, and fight for you, should there be a need.

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 ESV

Strive for peace and for holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Posted in #2 BE - Who a Leader Is, #3 DO - What a Leader Does 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 , , , , , ,
20 May 2024

Leading By Example

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in #3 DO - What a Leader Does 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. 

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12 Feb 2024

What Do Senior Leaders Do?

Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else–to the nearby villages–so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:36-38 NIV

Note the expectations placed upon Jesus by His followers – “Everyone is looking for you!” In other words, “What are you doing out here away from the gathering crowd back at our front door? There are a lot of people that need your help.” They expected Him to continue what He had done the night before – a great healing ministry that went late. But He had to correct their assumptions as to His purpose and the direction of His ministry. 

Jesus replied with a new direction, “Let’s go somewhere else” and a new purpose, “…so I can preach there also.” He explained His motive for doing so was His personal mission, “That is why I have come.” 

Kingdom leaders, especially senior leaders, are often pressured to act by the expectations of those they lead. It can be risky to disappoint them if you don’t do what they expect of you. You must be very clear on what your contributions are as their leader, anchored in the mission, and do not wavier. 

Here are four primary contributions for senior leaders:

  1. Set and maintain direction – Your direction flows out of your mission and vision statements. Once set, do not let your focus drift or be distracted by ‘shiny objects’ that appear. Stay on target!
  2. Set the tone – What and how you interact and make decisions will set a tone for the entire work. You want an environment that is attractive, where people thrive under your leadership, not survive your leadership.
  3. Align resources to the direction – Because there are always more opportunities than resources, you will have to make choices to put limited resources (people, money) towards best opportunity (most important, most strategic opportunity). This means saying ‘no’ to other great opportunities and perhaps disappointing people who are vested in those. Allow other leaders to help with the alignment choices for more ownership. 
  4. Empower leaders to lead in the agreed upon direction – Get out of the way! Delegate and give others authority to lead without checking with you first. If you can’t trust them and their decisions, then you probably have the wrong leaders. You’re really not that important!

Finally, we note that Jesus did go to the surrounding villages in Galilee, but He and the disciples returned to Capernaum a ‘few days later’ (see Mark 2:1). He was not uncompassionate to those who needed His help. He returned, but it would be after He made a short trip to some other villages having taken advantage of the moment to clarify His purpose and the direction of His work. 

Keep your eye on the ball!

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

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