Leading in Ministry

The Problem

• Individualistic mindsets cause us to focus more on working in such a way that others depend on us.
• We want to avoid platform-building personalities and ambition-lacking organizations.
• If we needed more than a halfway Christ, then we should offer more than a mediocre commitment.

“Give me ten men that hate nothing but sin and love nothing but God, and we will change the world.” –John Wesley

The Example (2 Samuel 21:15-22)

• Israel trusted in King Saul the Tall until Goliath the Taller surpassed him (1 Sam. 9:2; 17:11).
• David defeated that giant because he trusted God’s strength instead of his own (1 Sam. 17:46-47).
• David gathered and inspired a group of mighty men who were valiant in battle and loyal to their king (2 Sam. 23:8-9).
• When David was almost killed in his old age, the mighty men refused him the right to return to battle (2 Sam. 21:15-17).
• David was more victorious in his feeble days due to his bravery being multiplied among others (2 Sam. 21:18-22).

The Adjustment

• Giant-slaying leaders make giant-slaying followers.
• People desperately need leaders who bravely follow God.
• It’s better to multiply a movement than memorialize a mentor.
• If discipleship is done right, the ministry has increased by the time the leader is gone.
• Healthy ministries will never have an opportunity problem if they address their capacity problem.
• The most effective ministries align with God’s agenda and develop potential leaders.

A leader’s greatest legacy is the continuation of the work once he or she is gone.