Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “Leadership”

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

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , ,
23 Sep 2024
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Leadership Conversations

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 ESV

While James is not writing specifically to Kingdom leaders, his counsel is especially applicable to all leaders as they interact with others. For leaders, due to their position and authority, are heard at a volume of 9 even when they speak at a volume of 3. This can be of great advantage when affirming another for a job well done. But it can be tragically wounding if words are said in anger or without self-control.

James gives three actions when in interpersonal communications with others. Let’s look closer at these.

1. Be quick to hear – Have you ever been in conversation with another when they seemed not to be listening to you, but rather only waiting for the opportunity to speak? As leaders you will often be deferred to for speaking first or your words will be given more weight due to your role or position. Rather than sharing your thoughts, train yourself to ask questions and let others speak. And when they talk, really listen to them. Jesus asked over 200 questions and not one time did He need more information!

2. Be slow to speak – If you are quick to hear, you will be slow to speak. But you may hear and truly not be listening. Instead, you may be giving an outward appearance of listening, but inwardly you are formulating your response and ignoring what is being said. It is so important for leaders to think before they speak – to respond and not react. Wait before you send that email response. Put it into your draft folder and sleep on it. You’ll find many times that the next day you will reword it or not send it at all.

3. Be slow to anger – Note that James does not say, ‘and never become angry.’ Anger is a God-given emotion that, like other emotions, are morally neutral. God becomes angry, yet without sin. It is how we express our anger that determines whether we sin or not in our anger. Before we chastise or rebuke another, remember to take the log out of your own eye first (see Matthew 7:1-5). Words spoken in anger, though they may be forgiven, are not forgotten and the scars may be lasting.

Stewarding your leadership influence for good is more than accomplishing mission. It also includes caring for the flock entrusted to your leadership. Watch your interpersonal comms! You will be quoted!

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15 Jul 2024

Come to Grips with the Possible

Some years ago, I spent a day with J.O. Sanders, assisting him in his travels from one end of the island of Java to another. As we transited from trains, planes, and automobiles we discussed much about life, ministry, and leadership. He asked me questions that caused me to reflect upon my plans, hopes, and dreams for ministry in Indonesia. It was a wonderful day!

Somewhere during this day, he said this, “Tom, I have something I’d like to say to you.” Well, as you can imagine, that got my attention. “Of course,” I said, “Please do so. I’m interested to hear what you have to say.” “Tom, you need to come to grips with the possible,” he said. Hmmm, I thought. I wonder what he means by that. So we continued our conversation with me asking him to please explain further.

“Tom, you’ve told me about your hopes and aspirations – your plans and your initiatives. But your youthful zeal and idealism has set you up for daily frustrations and great disappointments. It’s not wrong to have those future goals and dreams. But don’t live there. Live and labor in the present and trust God for whatever outcomes He deems best from your effort. Come to grips with what’s possible today, work hard at what He gives you to do, and leave the outcomes to Him who is good and always does what is good. Don’t be so focused on what remains undone. Do what you can, today. There will be time and resources to accomplish all He intends for you tomorrow.”

It was only later that I realized this was the same counsel Jesus gave His disciples when they questioned the effort of a women who anointed him with expensive perfume. There was much left undone that the money from the sale of the perfume could have been used for. Jesus’ reply was poignant, “Leave her alone. She has done what she could.”

That short dialog with J.O. Sanders marked me. Since that day I have sought to apply his counsel to work hard each day, do what I can, and leave what is undone for tomorrow. Jesus said it another way, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 ESV

Another leader once counseled me, “A mark of maturity in leadership is being able to live with unfinished tasks.”

Therefore, work hard each day. Do what you can. Tomorrow will come with its own special challenges. Come to grips with the possible!

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

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22 Apr 2024

Kingdom Leaders and Financial Donors – 1

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. Luke 8:1-3 NLT

Jesus and the Twelve were materially supported by a group of committed, faithful, and generous women who gave out of their own resources to enable Jesus’ ministry team to advance the Kingdom through their ministry of discipleship. This partnership between the ministry team and the ministry supporters was critical for the ministry to function. And though little is said about it, these women “and many others” who supported Jesus, their background work was key to the ‘foreground’ public ministry.

Many Kingdom leaders and our ministries are supported by the sacrificial, generous gifts financial donors who faithfully give monthly that we might fulfill our God-given calling. They are partners with us in advancing the Gospel, investing their money to help fulfill the Great Commission through us (Matthew 28:18-20). Thus, we are obligated to steward these investments wisely, with accountability for how they are used in our ministry, in ways that are above reproach.

Here are several thoughts on our stewardship of the money given to us and our ministries:

  1. Never take your ministry donors for granted! Those who invest in you and your ministry are themselves, ‘gifts’ entrusted to you for your stewardship. Part of your ministry is a ministry to your financial donors. Note that the women who supported Jesus were a part of his ‘traveling team.’ No doubt, along with the Twelve, they too got to hear the explanations of the parables and ask Jesus questions (see Mark 4:34).
  2. Note that for Jesus and the Twelve to minister to others it took these prominent women ‘donors’ and ‘many others.’ Pray and work for a broad donor support team who count it a privilege to invest in you and your ministry and will faithfully give.
  3. Do not assume that because a donor gives to you or your work that they want to become your ‘best friend.’ Many major donors are investing in multiple ministries, not just yours. Respect that reality and don’t presume a more personal relationship unless invited.

Seek to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. “… What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

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08 Apr 2024

When God Says “No”

And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” … And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. … And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:35-36, 39, 41 ESV

Three times Jesus asked His Father to change the plan. He asked in faith. He asked specifically. He asked personally. And implied, not stated, His Father said, “No, Son. We are going ahead with Plan A tomorrow. You will die on the cross as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the world.”

When God says “yes” to our requests it’s an easy acceptance. But, when God says ‘no,’ we must submit ourselves to His loving, perfect plan for us – whether we agree with, understand it, and regardless of our feelings about His answer. This attitude was modeled by the Son in the Garden when He said, “….Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

David’s baby son was very sick. He prayed and fasted, asking God to heal his son. But in the end, his infant son died (see 2 Samuel 12:15-22). God told him ‘no.’

The demonized man who had been miraculously healed, begged Jesus to let him join the team. Jesus told him ‘no’ – go home and tell your family and friends what God has done for you (see Mark 5:18-20).

James and John asked for Kingdom seats on the right and left of Jesus. They were told ‘no’ – those seats were already taken by someone else (see Mark 10:35-40).

Paul asked the Lord three times to heal him and remove his ‘thorn in the flesh.’ And three times God told him ‘no,’ that ‘thorn’ will remain with you for the rest of your life (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

When God tells you ‘no’ regarding something that seems so ‘yes’ to you, what will you do? Will you rage against the Almighty, shaking your fists? “How dare You not agree with me!  Explain yourself!” 

Will you shrink back, become despondent, and bitter towards your Maker? The clay questions the Potter, “What are you doing? I demand an answer that makes sense to me.” 

Or will you surrender your plans, desires, and your feelings to Him who is good and all He does is good. Will you be able to trust Him with everything – yes, everything? His grace is sufficient for all things.    

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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.”

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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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