Leadership = Obedience

Just a quick thought before I head up the road to work. I have been thinking a lot on the subject of leadership and success in ministry. This got me thinking about something that a mentor said to me.

Success in ministry is OBEDIENCE.

Short. Simple. True. Success in ministry is NOT numbers, but I have spent time worrying about numbers before. Looking back the most fruitful time of the student ministry started when we LOST numbers. We began to focus on the Word and play fewer games. We had the numbers go down, but through our obedience God blessed it in many other ways. Our numbers eventually went up, but not because of some HYPED idea, but because of a group of students who had grown more in love with Jesus everyday.

Leadership is the same way. I am in a new position. I have been a worship leader (yes I know worship is not just singing it is a lifestyle, just go with me) for a long time, but that has never been my primary function when on staff at a church. I have always helped out and led when and where necessary, but this is new territory for me. So I have been thinking about the changes that I have to make from a leadership standpoint.

Obviously integrity and character are still important issues, but in thinking about leadership the most important thing (MIT) is walking with Jesus.

Leadership = Following Jesus. I am never going to do anything in the arena of leadership if I am not following Jesus. The last few months have created a renewed desire to rest in the shadow of the cross. I can’t do this journey called life without HIS spirit and HIS power.

It doesn’t matter what position you have. It doesn’t matter your background or story. True success is measured by your obedience to Scripture. There are a lot of examples of decisions that don’t make sense in my life other than me saying “Jesus told me to.” Your influence as a leader will be defined by your relationship with Jesus.