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Part One of The myths of following a Christian Leader.


Christian Leadership disconnects.

When I look to a Christian Leader to be my covering, I look for four things; are they biblical and scripturally sound? Do they have a vision? Are they good motivators? And lastly, can I trust them?

On the face of it you may see, these things are obvious and self evident. I am not so sure though, sometimes I find a disconnect that is not always so obvious.

Don't get me wrong, I want to sit under a great leader no matter what size their church. I want to know I am being taught sound doctrine and biblical and scriptural principles. I want to follow a great vision that is full of direction, purpose and passion. I want to be motivated not just by words but action and deeds. I also want to be able to say that the person I serve, I trust.

As Christian leaders we have to accept that the world we live in is becoming more and more complex. We deal with issues that our New Testament counterparts say little, if anything about.  It is no longer good enough to say something is unbiblical or unscriptural we have to present sound, lucid arguments on all manner of issues such as; abortion, homosexuality, trans gender identity, political correctness, the death penalty, tolerance and politics, to name but a few.  In the past many of these issues need not have bothered a small town Christian leader. But, today society is larger, more closely packed together, more informed and even more crucially, our communities are bombarded by those who see our cause and lifestyle as irrelevant to 21st Century society. It is important for Christian leaders to not only have a valid, sound contemporary answer, biblical and scripturally based, but to be ahead of the game by stating their beliefs and facts before the questions are asked.

It is important to ask a Christian leader therefore, what do you believe? The disconnect happens when the pastor or leader tries to ignore the onslaught and closet their people in a blanket of "love and grace." In themselves there is nothing wrong with these things, but when they are the only tools we use, we send a message that is lukewarm and imperfect at best.  Our God is a God of mercy, but also a God of justice.

This brings me to my second point I want to follow a person who has a vision, I don't mean, "what do you do?" but "Where are you taking me and why?" I have spoken and blogged about vision before so I won't repeat myself. But vision has to be one of direction, it must have purpose and it must be a passionate vision that has people at its heart. If a Christian Leader's vision has all these things then follow and serve. If they do not, then ask the question. What is your vision for our community, me and what is your vision for yourself? If you don't get a clear lucid, well thought through answer, don't follow.

Food for thought?

End of part one.




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