The Pastor's Soul Volume 5: Leading With Integrity

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Christian leaders should never base their leadership on their popularity or saintliness. Those who do, risk damaging the faith of their followers in the event the leaders fall morally. A church leader who as the ruling elder had baptized some of the children of the church divorced his wife and married his secretary. Some of the parents wanted their children rebaptized because they felt the baptisms were invalidated by his behavior.

Oswald Chambers warns us to beware of the temptation to stay between God and the person we are leading. He points out that as soon as the person sees Christ, we should get out of the way. Our cause is Christ.

Unless our values are rooted in scriptural virtues, they are not Christian. Our need is not to return to family values or historical values but to scriptural virtues.

We talk about values because subconsciously we like to be in control; we set our values. Virtues, however, hold their authority because they are not under human control but come from revealed truth. Our society could return to the values of our forefathers, and we could still have human values.

When we return to virtue, we return to God.

Flattery subtly used has immense power.

While addressing a large group of supporters for a Christian college, I said that one gift of some leaders of large Christian organizations is their ability to make the irresponsible comfortable. How else, I said, could large Christian organizations be as ineffective as they are? As an example, I pointed out that some of the largest churches in this country are larger than all the early church was, except they aren't turning their city upside down, much less the country.

I tried not to be meanspirited, ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.