Leadership requires spiritual health.
What Are Some Unique Responsibilities of Church Leadership?
Answers may include tasks related to a particular job or role, church-specific expectations, or general characteristics.
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As a leader of the church, you have a unique responsibility. It’s a privilege to serve other people of faith and an honour to represent not only the church, but also Christ and the gospel in the community, among neighbours, and wherever you go. Truly, there is no “day off” in the typical sense of the word. Needs and expectations always exist. Busyness—even with entirely good things—will wear you thin, weigh you down, and burn you out.
With that in mind, it’s your unique responsibility to take care of your own heart. Spiritual intimacy can get lost in ministry activity. The duties of your job will try to demand your attention and affection over your devotion to Jesus. Remind yourself in those times that you do not have to earn God’s approval. You can’t earn it. No amount of good works for the church will add up to a better standing with God. You know this already, but it’s good to hear the liberating truth of the gospel. Look at the words of Paul to the church in Rome.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
What an incredible reality—justification isn’t the end and only result of your faith; it’s just the beginning! Look at everything that stems from your justification: peace, access, grace, hope. Now be still for a moment. As someone who is used to pouring time and energy into others, allow God’s Word to minister to you. Let these realities sink deep into your heart.
1. Peace
Do you need peace right now? Are you trying to keep up with the ever-changing demands of ministry in today’s culture? Know that you are right with God. He is fully pleased with you in Christ. Rest in that freedom.
2. Access
Are you lonely? Do you feel like nobody understands you or your circumstances? Know that you cannot lead in your own strength and wisdom. You have access to the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is with you, always.
3. Grace
Do you feel pressure to perform? Are you afraid to admit being wrong or not having the answer? Know that you aren’t perfect. Set a real example for others of what it looks like to rely on Christ, especially when you make mistakes or don’t have an answer.
Personally, Where Are You Feeling the Pressure of Life And Ministry?
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Lead by example, sharing a recent stress or struggle of leadership. Invite others to be honest about ways that current circumstances have been a challenge—or have magnified challenges that already existed.
Notice that Paul did not stop with these glorious truths for the church in Rome. He was not naïve to the realities of life in general, especially for the Christian, and even more specifically for leaders of the church. The gospel's transforming power is not an abstract “spiritual” matter; it’s insanely practical in your day-to-day life and leadership right now.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
4. Hope
Where is your focus? Are you ultimately drawing attention to yourself, or do you help people put their faith in Jesus? Know that nothing is more life-giving than seeing God glorified.
5. Affliction
Are you suffering right now? Is there a circumstance or relationship in your church, community, family, or personal life that is causing pain and stress? Know that God is good and still with you. Pay attention to what the Spirit is doing in your heart to change your character, not just to change the situation.
When tempted to measure God’s favour by earthly standards of success, remember Paul’s boast. Life is not always easy or predictable. Churches are full of broken people, sinners justified by faith in Christ. Leadership is messy and often painful. But in the end, what could be better?
Christ alone sustains and satisfies our hearts. Whatever challenge you are facing, whatever affliction you endure, be confident that the Holy Spirit will use it to develop Christlike character in your heart. Trust him. Put your hope in him. He will never disappoint. He has filled you with his love and Spirit for his glory.
Don’t give up.
He is with you.
Always!
How Is your heart?
Prayer Prompts
Focus your heart on the goodness and glory of God.
Confess areas of distraction, faithlessness, or affliction.
Thank Christ for giving you peace, access, grace, and hope.
Ask the Spirit to grow your character and to fill your heart with God’s love.
This article was taken from ‘12 Devotions for Every Leader’ by Church Fuel (2020)