Church Growth Corner
May 2024
Focus on the Mission
The reason we are leaders is because of the mission. We cannot afford to be sidetracked by problems or personal ambitions, but we must focus on the mission, vision, ideas, and goals. The mission is to “carry the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church,” our job as leaders is to apply that mission to our geographical area or sphere of ministry. We can’t focus on personalities or controversies. We can’t operate in a defensive mode or exercise favoritism. We shouldn’t seek personal position or power.
Our ministry is from God, not people. People can appoint, elect, or replace us, but they don’t change our ministry. If God has called us to be leaders, we can be leaders by example, whether we have a position or not. We shouldn’t seek a position but let a position seek us. If we receive a position, it may be God’s way of enabling us to exercise the ministry God has given us, at least for a time. But we shouldn’t confuse our ministry or self-worth with our position. If a position is no longer ours, we may be disappointed and feel that some people have worked against us unfairly, but we have to be bigger than these feelings. Of course, we should be responsive to our constituents if they express concerns; we should address them, not for the sake of personal power but for the kingdom of God.
Let’s exercise the ministry God has given us, do our best, and leave the results up to God. We don’t need to become involved in personal battles. If we are dragged into conflict, we can step back and apologize, revise our tone, and seek reconciliation. We should treat everyone, even perceived opponents, with kindness, generosity, and respect, providing opportunities for dialogue and cooperation. While a few people will reject the offer, dialogue can often resolve an issue when the root cause is a misunderstanding. Through personal discussion, it is often possible to clarify motives, explain situations, and make corrections if necessary. Through this effort, sometimes opponents can become supporters.
