As I Do: A call to authentic servanthood

This is not an article on leadership...it is an article on spirituality that crosses over into leadership.   "Don't do as I do, do as I say!"  Have you ever heard that statement?  It is probably one of the dumbest things that I have ever heard from a Christian.  Leadership for the Christian is a spiritual endeavor and we should always lead by Example.  Jesus only expects us to follow Him because He first lived an example that we are to follow.  We can find in 1 Peter 2:21

" ... because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps."

As leaders in the Kingdom, we have the same requirements.  Luke 12:48 says " For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required..."  More is expected of us as leaders and more will be asked of us.  Our commitment and example will determine to what degree people will follow our leadership and  if our commitment and example are poor, people will not follow us beyond the first step.  If you are experiencing a lack of loyalty, interest and commitment in the lives of those who follow you, check and make sure that your example is worth mimicking. 

There is one particular verse that really speaks to me on this subject.  1 Tim 4:12 says "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity."  In order for no one to "despise" Timothy's leadership, there were requirements on his part that are essentially spiritual in nature.  Those that follow you are told in scripture to watch you and to evaluate your conduct.  1 Thess 5:12 says "And we strongly encourage you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord..."  The definition of Know: to look upon, to consider, watching from a distance.   The Apostle Paul even states to the Philippian church that "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw IN ME, do these, and the peace of God will be with you."  Phil 4:9  Sounds like the definition of "Know", doesn't it? 

One last, quick point.

In the Church, we have mistakenly believed that the Gifts of the Spirit, Anointing and/or Titles and Positions automatically qualify a person for Leadership.

If you study the scriptures and look at the qualifications for leadership (Acts 6:3, 1 Tim 3:1-13, Titus 1:6-9) you will find that it doesn't mention Spiritual Gifts or Anointing due to the fact that they already exist within the Born-again, Spirit- filled believer (1 John 2:20, 2:27, 1 Cor 12:7).  It is not the Gifts or Anointing that qualifies us for Leadership, but the life that we live and how we actively live out our Gifts and Anointing that qualifies us as leaders.   Leadership is ultimately a spiritual endeavor and as we grow, apply and live it out, we can say "Don't do as I say, Do as I do"

With degrees in Theology, Business, and Literature, John has broad experience in ministry.
John served eight years as a foreign missionary in the Middle East sharing the Gospel with Muslims.
John also has experience in being a church planter, a school administrator, and 21 years of ministry
experience in a youth ministry context. John currently serves as the District Youth Director of the
Georgia Assemblies of God.