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Part 2: Samuel a Leadership Homily.




Being secure in Leadership.

One of the many things I come across when talking to leaders is how many of them feel insecure and unsure. I am not talking about their ministry their ability to preach or meet the spiritual needs of people. I am talking about their ability to lead, make decisions, direct staff and chair leadership meetings.

Not long ago I was attending a building meeting with a team of leaders. I made a particular suggestion on how practically the church could raise finance and was told categorically by the senior leader that he would not go down that route because God had not shown him to do so. I of course disagreed with him and a hush descended on the meeting no one had ever disagreed with the man especially in the public arena. An apology was demanded by him (not given). It was clear to me that the man was out of his depth in a committee meeting such as this- that was discussing practical things and making concrete decisions on how to build a church building. There was no attack on his spiritual credentials nor on his position. It was clear to me that the man was insecure and a little paranoid.

Samuel had served Israel for many years as their leader when the people came to him demanding a King like other nations had. (1 Sam 8) . When they asked for a king, he didn't get upset with them that they were superseding his authority or leadership or crawl away into a cave saying "woe is me, they don't want me anymore" He got upset because he thought they were being ungrateful. But he heard from God and did what the people asked.

Samuel knew he had been called by God, he was sure of that. Samuel was also sure about two other things:

1) He was  secure in his calling.  People knew who he was and knew that whatever he said would come true. No matter where he travelled around Israel people knew who he was and what he did. If you are sure of your call don't fear being challenged, God is in control. There maybe people who know more about certain areas than you do. Do not be afraid of them they are not challenging your leadership they are looking to help complement it. (1 Sam 9) If you see things this way then you cement your leadership.

2) He was open to God's redirection. Samuel did what God asked, even though he knew what the penalties would be for the people of Israel when they asked for a king. We need to learn to hear God and be open to when he wishes to take us in a different direction. A lot of leaders become comfortable in their ministry and they miss the opportunities that God has for them to develop the leadership.

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