The inner work is often elusive. Our tendency is to live “externally,” thinking that our challenges and obstacles are “out there” among others, hence our lack of resources, our setting, etc. Human nature is to look outside of our hearts, as opposed to in our hearts and souls for the key breakthroughs. The inner work, for some leaders, remains elusive their whole life! The only… Read more »
The inner work of the leader is the most challenging work. It is also the work that will eventually produce fruit. As we do the inner work, the Lord will trust us with opportunities of greater impact (he who is faithful in little…). The inner work is difficult as it puts our hearts and minds under the spotlight. The inner work uses life setting, people,… Read more »
The inner work is the most significant work of any leader. Learning to lead ourselves is a precursor to leading others. Learning to discern what is going on in our own souls is essential to understanding the hearts of others. This inner work may be described in a few sentences, but it will take a lifetime of focus. This inner work will include… Read more »
The inner work of the leader is the most challenging and the most essential. As a leader, you will be targeted by the enemy. You must know your Achilles heel! You must know where the enemy will likely come after you. You must do the hard work of reflecting upon your past and asking for the Lord to do work there that will protect… Read more »
Holy and Healthy – those two are connected. Emotional health powers spiritual holiness. When leaders are not emotionally healthy, under stress, angry, hurt, in need of support – the enemy lurks. We are created human; a mystery full of wonder as the scripture declares. Being holy is far more than doing or not doing things. It is about patterns of worship, intake of the Presence… Read more »
When the work of God through a leader is ahead of the work of God within the leader, disaster looms! The real work of healthy leaders is always inside out. Inside, where we wrestle with our need of significance, inside where we face down why we have to have the spotlight, inside where we question our motives and uncover what may really be… Read more »
The fruit of the Spirit is not optional for leaders of impact. Love, peace, patience, joy, gentleness, and the rest are qualities that bring influence and motivate others around us. The fruit of the Spirit is one of the ways God gives us authority in the eyes of others. The fruit of the Spirit (listed in Galatians 5) is being… Read more »
So many pushes and pursuits in leadership! So many skills to learn, projects to see through, conflicts to navigate. Skill is essential in leadership no doubt, but this is not the starting point. King David, in the Old Testament, was blessed and chosen not for his amazing skill. He was chosen because of his pursuit. He pursued the heart of… Read more »
The success of any body (or organization) always flows from the soul of the leader. Whatever is going on in the inner world of the leader absolutely shapes the body over time. Fear, passion, insecurity, and determination are inner qualities that eventually shape the leader and how the leader leads (makes decisions, chooses staff, etc). The success of the body… Read more »