Here is an important lesson I have learned as a pastor: Those in leadership need to hear from those in the body, and those in the body need to share with those in leadership (Gal. 6:6).
Let me explain how God wants this to work. If the leadership of a church is in the center of God’s will, they will want to hear from the church body. They need to hear words of encouragement when people are blessed by their ministry. On the other hand, if they are not in the will of God, they still need to hear from the church family so as to bring needed correction to their leadership.
In both cases, God wins because in the first case the leaders are encouraged to “keep up the good work.” If the second case, the leaders are corrected through the body to change. Leaders must be humble and receptive enough to hear words of concern, so that if they are not leading in the Spirit, the Lord might use those comments to bring needed repentance.
At the same time, those in the church body need to share with their leaders. They need to share when things are going good so as to give appropriate affirmation. We leaders sure need encouragement! Also, the church body needs to share with their leaders when they have concerns, instead of murmuring and complaining to other members of the body and thus creating satanic division. In this scenario, God wants to get the attention of the leaders, and He is trying to use various members of the body to do so. If you have concerns, go to the leadership of your church and speak the truth in love. Do nothing that will cause division. Remember, unity is so important to God that being divisive is cause for church discipline (Titus 3:10).
One more thing: If the leaders are “right on” but people are still voicing concerns, then the leaders need to do a better job of communicating so as to bring peace and harmony back to the body. Often leaders know why they are doing something, but if they fail to clearly articulate this to the body, the church at large will not have a clue as to what is happening. And in the absence of information, we can all assume the wrong thing!
Let us all, the sheep and the shepherds, be diligent to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).
Let me explain how God wants this to work. If the leadership of a church is in the center of God’s will, they will want to hear from the church body. They need to hear words of encouragement when people are blessed by their ministry. On the other hand, if they are not in the will of God, they still need to hear from the church family so as to bring needed correction to their leadership.
In both cases, God wins because in the first case the leaders are encouraged to “keep up the good work.” If the second case, the leaders are corrected through the body to change. Leaders must be humble and receptive enough to hear words of concern, so that if they are not leading in the Spirit, the Lord might use those comments to bring needed repentance.
At the same time, those in the church body need to share with their leaders. They need to share when things are going good so as to give appropriate affirmation. We leaders sure need encouragement! Also, the church body needs to share with their leaders when they have concerns, instead of murmuring and complaining to other members of the body and thus creating satanic division. In this scenario, God wants to get the attention of the leaders, and He is trying to use various members of the body to do so. If you have concerns, go to the leadership of your church and speak the truth in love. Do nothing that will cause division. Remember, unity is so important to God that being divisive is cause for church discipline (Titus 3:10).
One more thing: If the leaders are “right on” but people are still voicing concerns, then the leaders need to do a better job of communicating so as to bring peace and harmony back to the body. Often leaders know why they are doing something, but if they fail to clearly articulate this to the body, the church at large will not have a clue as to what is happening. And in the absence of information, we can all assume the wrong thing!
Let us all, the sheep and the shepherds, be diligent to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).
Well said David.
ReplyDeleteCommunication, communication, communication cannot be overdone. Courage, compassion,and concern wrapped in love, persistence, and humility can truly lead to wonderful "win-win" relationships.
Off the soap box and pontification podium now....
Love you 'bro,
Gene
Seems like there is an agenda being pushed here.
ReplyDeleteWell-stated, David.
ReplyDeleteBoth sides will listen and then, as always, the democratic process will prevail.
Hang tough, my friend.
Bails-In-Minnesota
Your blog article on leadership listening to the sheep really made me think. How do leaders know to whom to listen? Most often in leadership you are peppered with many differing opinions, while responsible to make a decision that can’t please everyone. We all certainly see things now through a very dim mirror. I have found that the will or voice of God never comes from the squeaky wheel (loudest complaint). The voice of God can be most recognized when it reflects the fruits of the Spirit. It is loving, thus communicated through the sheep in a manner that does not seek its own way. Leaders must not only listen and communicate, they must also discern. Thanks for your thoughts! Blessings, Jeff Lokken
ReplyDeletedissapointing. You must be listening to very thing you are telling people not do to...sad that the murming and backbiting you were preaching about came right to you...and you listend...dissapointing
ReplyDelete