Leadership Landmines

be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 

1 Peter 4:7 (NASB) 

Ministry can be a difficult "job".  It seems for many leaders there are always those gunning for you and hoping to see you fail.  There are many external challenges to blow up a pastor/leader.  Failure may come because of others but the saddest is when the failure comes because of the leader himself. Beware of the internal failures that you might detonate on yourself.  Remember, character really does matter.  So allow God to convict, change and move you to be all that He wants you to be.

I would like to suggest six leadership landmines that we must watch for in our own attitudes, actions and heart.

• Personal Failure.  We all have seen and heard those who have had a moral failing.  Keep yourself in check.  Confess your weaknesses.  Have fellow leaders who you have called upon as an accountability partner.
• Broken promises.  Don't be a promise breaker but a promise keeper.  If you say it - do it!  Sometimes it is an innocent mistake.  We have good intentions.  But intentions are not what people are looking for.  If you break a promise, quickly fix it and admit it to the one you have let down.
• Gossip.  We must be careful that we practice what we preach.  Check your words and thoughts and how you express yourself.  Make sure that what you say is appropriate and not falling into sin.
• Ignoring the Systems.  Don't try to get around the rules.  Sometimes rules (constitution, bylaws, Policies) can be helpful in ministry.  Sometimes it feels like they restrict a visionary leader from doing what he believes God is leading him to do.  If the systems in place are hindering the ministry then change them but don't just ignore them.
• Manipulation.  Pastors/leaders can sometimes manipulate.  We sometimes act more like a "used car salesman" trying to sell something people don't want.  Sometimes we try to "guilt" people into doing what we want them to do.  Yes there are times that people need to be moved to change and do something that is in line with God's agenda.  Rely on the Holy Spirit's work not your own manipulation.
• Hypocrisy.  Don't be fake!  Don't misuse your position.  Be real with people.  Don't try to be something your not.  Many people, especially millennials will see right through our fakeness.  

A good leader will always check his motives.  Be careful as you move forward into ministry.

Being the Leader They Need

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, 

Ephesians 4:12 (NASB) 

A truth we must all come to grips with is, "One size does not fit all."  I have learned this over the years.  I am a rather stout individual, and I hate when I find a shirt I like that says "One size fits all" because it never does.  So what does my clothing issue have to do with leadership?  Well it doesn't but it does give us a great leadership illustration.  If you are going to equip your church for ministry don't expect that you can equip or lead everyone the same way.

In equipping you will need to wear at least four different hats to help the church in doing the work of service.

1. Sometimes you will need to be an Instructor.  An instructor is more like a parent.  This is needed when the saints are unwilling and unable to do what needs to be done.  A Parent or instructor will have to show them the need, motivate and instruct them how to do what needs to be done.  This sometimes will include hand holding and personal correction.  But don't throw them away.  Take the time to instruct and pour some of yourself into them, just as you would your own child.
2. Sometimes we need to be a Coach.  A coach is needed when people are willing but unable to do the work.  They need someone who can show them the how.  They will not need you to show them why things should be done.  They will not need a lot of motivation.  But they will need you to teach them how to do the ministry.
3. Sometimes we need to be a cheerleader.  A cheerleader is someone who will support the person in the ministry they are doing.  Cheer leading is part of a mentoring process.  This individual is able to do the ministry but lacks the confidence to step out and do it.  Your role in this scenario is to encourage, mentor, cheer them on.  Help them to know that God has gifted, prepared and equipped them to accomplish His task for them.
4. Sometimes we need to be the Delegator.  This is when the people are willing and able to do the work.  For many of us, this is the most challenging aspect of leading.  Why?  Honest moment here:  because we are not in charge.  It is hard for us to hand off a ministry to someone else.  However, delegation can be the most rewarding and beneficial type of leadership to the Church.  Pastor, you don't have to have your hands in everything.  If they are ready.  Let them Go!

We must be careful as leaders.  We need to make sure that we are using the right kind of leadership with the right people at the right time.  This will require a gut check on our part.  It will also require a prayerful evaluation of the people we are leading.