So you want to lead??

Why?? Why do you want to lead??

When I first surrendered to ministry, I found myself receiving advice from every minister in the woods around Greenville, SC. Some of it was priceless. Some… Well, let’s not go there. And one puzzled me for YEARS. One minister looked me dead in the eyes, quite dramatically, and said “If you can be happy doing anything else, don’t do this.” And that was all.

I wondered about that for years… I’d like to think this is what he meant:

Leaders will be held to a higher standard one day when we stand before Christ. I firmly believe Jesus will hold me accountable for every church I serve. If this doesn’t make a pastor quake in his boots, something is wrong with him. So you want to lead?? Remember, God will hold you accountable.

Others will look up to you. And about that, Jesus warned in Mark 9:42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” (NASB). Wow! We WILL be held accountable for EVERYTHING. ESPECIALLY the influence you have over young ones in Christ.

Leadership is a heavy mantle. Honestly, if I ever get it figured out I will let you know. If God truly calls you to it, He will make it happen. As long as you trust Him and follow as tightly as you can, you will make it through. But if you seek leadership for the pride or “fame” of it, now is the time to run and run like crazy.