Dictionary.com defines a formula as, “A method, pattern, or rule for doing or producing something, often one proved to be successful.” I’m convinced there is a formula every Christian leader need to follow. Some church leaders have followed this formula and others have not. But the leaders who follow this formula see a higher level of results and progress. I have discovered 3 different formulas that can be at work in our life and leadership. Only one bears fruit.
Formula one: Leader –> People
This formula leaves God out of the picture; it’s about a Christian leader using their own power and authority to lead other people. This is a dangers place to be.
Formula Two: God –> Leader
This is about keeping what God has given you to yourself (Self-focused). Only having God flow into you limits your church or ministry because none or little is flowing into your people. This produces minimum, if any, personal or team results.
Formula Three: God –>Leader –>People
This is a simple but essential formula to follow. A Christian leader needs to have God flowing in them (Be the head of the leader’s life), then be flowing into their people. This method produces results on all levels.
The disciples who walked with Jesus understood this. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, His words to the disciples where, “With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.” The book of Acts shares how the disciples started and lead the first church. They Received power and authority from Jesus, then used it to impact other people in a positive way. If we want to be used by God then He needs to be flowing through us and then the leader needs to chose to allow what God gives flow into other people. This is the formula we should strive to follow when it comes to leading.
Question: How do you strive to have God flow in and through you?
I especially like how you talked about just God and the leader leading to a focus on self. Leaders need to see themselves as servants of the people.
Servant leadership is such an important aspect of leadership. Thank you for commenting.
Well Said Dan…
God leads us, we lead people. and God leads us all!
Arny,
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
I agree with Loren – Leaders need to see themselves as servants – it is what Jesus taught in John 13 which is how I strive to God flow in and through me – in being a true servant to others. Thanks Dan for the challenging thoughts!
Jim,
Amen, we should behave and act with a servant lens on. Thank you for joining in on the conversation.
Great post Dan. Thanks for breaking down the formula!
Your welcome Joe, now we just need to remember to follow it, which sometimes is the harder part. Thank you for reading.
Nice. I’ll take option #3
M_
Marc,
Same with me bro!
Good stuff, Dan. You say it’s simple but unfortunately I see options 1 and 2 used a bit more often than 3! Praying that God will speak to leaders, and convict them to share His message. Thanks for the post.
Stephen,
Totally agree with you. It’s the case in businesses as well as churches. It’s simple to say but harder to apply and do. I have found if your disciplined in connecting with God and in spiritual development it becomes easier to do. But it’s still never easy. Thank you for adding value to the post.
Simple formula, but so profound.
I try to make sure God is flowing into me by spending regular time with Him, reading books on faith and leadership, and allowing other, more experienced Christians give me correction and advice. Then I do the same for the young people in my ministry.
Jason,
Your doing it right. Taking time time to connect with God then flowing into others is so important. Thank you for being a faithful reader, your great.
“Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” a verse I strive to live by. I think the best way to have Him flow through is to be in the Word everyday (“thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee”) and to constantly talk to the Lord throughout the day, a constant state of prayer!
What a great passage. These are such important aspect to a Christian persons life. Getting filled daily allows you to follow in formula #3. Thank you for taking adding to the discussion.
Simple is always better. When we turn the wheel over to the only One who can drive our lives, He will take us to amazing places.
Susan, Thank you for reading and sharing.
one word: SLAVE. A slave has no rights and no self-interest. He only knows sacrifice. This is how we manifest Christ – by emptying ourself and filling up with Jesus. Great post!
Don,
What a wonderful point. Thank you for adding value to the conversation.
The hardest part of this has to be allowing God to flow to the people you lead. There is such pressure to segment faith especially in the workplace. At the same time, one way to minister to your team through your actions. Kindness. Patience. Extending grace. And so on.
Joel,
So true, we need to be willing to have god flow to the people we lead. Thank you for sharing.
Such great formula. As Proverbs 16:9 says “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
Jamie,
What a great passage, thank you for sharing.
I find that spending daily time in prayer and reading Gods word are essential to me allowing God to flow through me. If I rush into my day without doing that, I tend to take control and forget to let God be the leader and flow through me. I can be a bit of a control freak, so I need to spend time with my leader so I don’t get a “big head” (wink).
I’m the same way (I think most are) that the need to connect and read the bible first thing in the morning sets a person in place to lead their life effectively. Great addition to the discussion, thank you for reading and sharing.