Continuing thoughts on “Avoiding the Leadership Mud-Puddles”, Lance talks about the behavior of living with leadership as idolatry, what healthy leadership looks like, and how we can return to healthy leadership.

Notes:

1. What do mean by leadership?

   • Within the Gateway context, leadership is “developing culture and people through relationship, with integrity”.

   • John Maxwell calls leadership as “influence”.

   • Jim Collins says, “Leadership only exists if people follow when they would otherwise have the freedom to not follow.”

2. Great Commandment Lifestyle

   • Sonship: Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” NLT

   • Faithfulness: John 17:4, “I brought glory to you here on earthy by completing the work you gave me to do.” NLT

   • Fruitfulness: John 15:16, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” NLT

   • Rooted: Ephesians 3:15, “I pray that he will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust him. Your roots will grow down into the God’s love and keep you strong.” NLT

3. What is leadership idolatry?

   • I do (works), therefore I have (accumulation), therefore I become (false identity).

   • “Affection for Jesus has been replaced by achievement for Jesus.” Dave Kraft, Mistakes Leaders Make, p. 20

   • 1 John 5:21, “Dear Children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” NLT

     • Reputation > Relationships

     • Striving > Resting

     • Words of men > Smile of God

     • Compromise > Integrity

     • Boasting > Humility

     • Jealousy > Honor

     • Exaggeration > Honesty

     • Vision drivenness > Spirit led living

     • Careless > Careful

4. What is healthy leadership?

   • I am (identity), therefore I have (inheritance), therefore I do (destiny).

   • When was the last time your leadership was enjoyable?

   • When was the last time your leadership was peaceful?

   • When was the last time your leadership was patient?

   • When was the last time your leadership was hopeful?

   • When was the last time your leadership was holy?

   • When was the last time your leadership was fun?

5. What can I do?

   • Admit your weakness and your need for Christ.

   • Confess your sins and idolatry to God and turn.

   • Slow down with time and fill it with loving union.

   • Share with another for support, challenge and prayer.

   • Return to first love attitude and lifestyle.

   • Stay consistent even when you drop the ball.

Resources: Mistake Leaders Make by Dave Kraft

Credits: Music - Pumpkin Spice by Audiobinger -- freemusicarchive.org