Being Led By The Spirit As A Leader-Part 1

 I recently found myself in a discussion about leaders and teachers within a ministry context and made the point that I thought there are too many these days. Social media has given the average churchgoer a platform to share their thoughts and opinions on theology and doctrine and sometimes it is just that, an opinion. The number of voices that now exist has and will continue to create confusion, conflict, and controversy regarding a proper interpretation of God’s Word. Because of this, I believe it is more important now than ever, that teachers and leaders are being guided by the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than the information and philosophies of the day. I think it’s also important to note the importance of being called to the ministry. If God has placed that calling on your life, His Spirit will be leading and guiding which will include teaching you and bringing to remembrance the things that He has said. God puts people in authority for a reason, both in the church and government. I think the struggle though for many leaders is not being fully dependent on the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, but rather reliant on personal ability and charisma.

            The fruits of the Spirit are byproducts of a work that has already begun. We cannot wake up one day and perfectly live out each of these qualities. Rather, it is a surrendering to the work that God wants to do in our hearts and minds that creates a dwelling place for the Spirit to work in and through us. When this happens, these attributes will be testaments to the ongoing refining of the Spirit in our lives. Incorporating these into team dynamics is thus two-fold. First, there is the personal work that must go on in each member as they draw closer to the Lord. Second, there is also leading by example. As a leader, if we don’t live with the fruits of the Spirit evident in our lives, why should we expect it in the lives of others we lead? Certainly, people who are really living in a way that is led by the Spirit won’t be dependent on others to produce fruit. But building a culture that is marked by these things, will help to create an environment that breeds growth, vibrancy, and a yearning for the Spirit’s work.