Wisdom For Leaders

by Dag Heward-Mills

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Copyright 2008 Dag Heward-Mills

Published by Dag Heward-Mills on Smashwords.

E mail Dag Heward-Mills

info@daghewardmillsbooks.org

evangelist@daghewardmills.org

Find out more about Dag Heward-Mills at:

http://www.daghewardmills.org

http://www.daghewardmills.org/healingjesuscrusade/

http://www.daghewardmills.org/lci/

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible

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Contents

Chapter 1 - Always Stay One Step Ahead

Chapter 2 - Avoid Distraction

Chapter 3 - Make People Obey You When You Are Not Present

Chapter 4 - Hide and Flourish Like a Snake

Chapter 5 - Overcome the Effect of Rumours, Questions and Controversies about Your Person

Chapter 6 - Take That Decision! Most Decisions Will Involve Choosing between Two Bad Options Anyway!

Chapter 7 - Don’t Destroy Your Ministry by Saying the Wrong Things in Public

Chapter 8 - Avoid Becoming an Artificial Leader. Develop Natural Leadership Skills

Chapter 9 - Do Not Allow Tiredness to Be an Excuse

Chapter 10 - Gain Control over Your Domestic Life

Chapter 11 - Be Sincere, Not a Hypocrite

Chapter 12 - Know Your Limitations

Chapter 13 - Be Courageous

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Chapter 1

Always Stay One Step Ahead

A leader is someone who is ahead of his followers. That is what makes him a leader. You’ve got to be seen to be at least one step ahead of the people you are leading. Jesus was a good leader.

He was definitely one step ahead when it came to prayer. He prayed more than His disciples did. He preached more than His disciples did. He sacrificed more than His disciples did. A Christian leader has invisible areas in which he must stay ahead. It is his leadership in these invisible areas that make him a true leader.

Ten Areas for Every Christian Leader to Stay Ahead In

1. Stay ahead in prayer.

2. Stay ahead in Bible reading.

3. Stay ahead in reading Christian books.

4. Stay ahead in listening to tapes.

5. Stay ahead in sacrificing to God.

6. Stay ahead in the area of giving.

7. Stay ahead in waiting on God.

8. Stay ahead in holiness.

9. Stay ahead in the love of God.

10. Stay ahead in your relationship with God.

Are you a leader? If you are, then you must be at least one step ahead! You must not only be a step ahead in public, but you must be a step ahead in private. If you are prayerful in secret, your followers will recognize it and do likewise.

Some years ago, somebody gave me some advice on my way to church. He told me, “Listen to all that the priest says. Do what he says, but don’t do what he himself does.” A true leader must be able to say like Paul did, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

If you are not prepared to straighten out your life so that people can see the good thing and follow it, then you are not prepared to be a leader.

Chapter 2

Avoid Distraction

Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.

And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:

For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art: and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.

So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.

And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back:

And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee,

But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

1 Kings 13:15-24

Seven Distractions a Minister Should Avoid

1. Avoid the distractions that come from people who have not heard from God the way you have.

Although many other people are ministers, like myself, I realize that we are not on the same level. I do not do things just because others are doing them. Once, I told a pastor friend about how we were reaching out to certain villages. He smirked and remarked that he had no interest in such ventures. I was discouraged, wondering whether I was doing the right thing. But I strengthened myself in the Lord and persisted in the calling God gave to me. I’m glad I did.

2. Avoid the distraction that comes by trying to compete.

This will drag you into all sorts of activities in which you are trying to outdo another minister.

3. Avoid the distraction of phone calls.

The telephone is a modern-day distraction that will take you away from the presence of God. Any minister who has not learnt to put the telephone in its right place in his life will constantly be distracted from prayer and Bible study.

4. Avoid the distraction of false brethren.

False brethren are people who are sent by the enemy to take up your time. The time that should have been spent with real sheep is spent on these false sheep that have sucked up all your time and energy.

These are the very people who will turn around one day to accuse you and be ungrateful. They do not remember the hours you spent investing in their lives.

5. Avoid the distraction of carnal leaders and people who are not as committed as you are.

When I relate with ministers who have my level of commitment, they sharpen me and I also sharpen them. Relating with people who do not care about the things of God as much as you do will make you wonder if you are normal. If you are supposed to be a full-time minister and you talk to some lay ministers, you may wonder if you are doing the right thing.

6. Avoid the distraction of unproductive arguments and quarrels.

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Timothy 2:23

I hate arguments and rarely have time to debate an issue. I love the Scripture that says you cannot do anything against the truth.

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

2 Corinthians 13:8

This means that arguments, shouting and proving your point do not affect the truth of the matter.

The truth will outlive every lie! Every true minister will be derided, scorned and accused. As you go higher in ministry, more and more lies will be spread about you.

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs 12:19

7. Avoid doing other people’s jobs.

This is one of the greatest distractions of leaders. If I employ someone to look after my security and I have to go around checking the doors myself, then I am doing someone else’s job in addition to mine. Many leaders are distracted into doing unnecessary things to compensate for non-performing or irresponsible workers.

Pastors who are called to spiritual things must avoid doing secular and administrative jobs that others can do. I am a pastor, so I don’t see why I should become an accountant, secretary, banker, security man or protocol officer.

This is exactly what Peter did when he ran away from the job of serving tables in order to prevent distraction from holy things.

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:2,4

Chapter 3

Make People Obey You When You Are Not Present

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Galatians 4:18

To be able to make people carry out your wishes even when you are not present with them is an art every leader must master. Without this ability, you cannot lead many people. After all, how many people are going to remain in your presence all the time?

Four Keys to Make People Obey You When You Are Not Present

1. Teach loyalty.

When people are loyal to you they love you and try to do what you want, even when you are away from them.

2. Teach people that they are dealing with God and not with man.

God is everywhere and He sees everything we do. When people are aware of this, they will try to live in the right way. A person who has a faithful heart will obey you because he understands that he is actually dealing with God. It is when people think they are dealing with human beings that they tend to mess around.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Ephesians 6:5,6

3. Teach people that they will be promoted directly by God and not by man.

When they understand that God is the one who will bless them, their attitude will be the same whether you are in or out of their presence. Train your staff to understand that promotion does not come from the east or the west but from God. They will not need to see you to be motivated. They know that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere.

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

Psalm 75:6

I learnt long ago that the One I have to deal with is God and not man. God is the one who has promoted me in ministry. Men have rather discouraged and attacked me. As soon as you get a revelation of the fact that you are dealing with God, your life will change forever. If you want people to follow you and obey you, even when you cannot see them, teach them this great principle – it is God you are dealing with.

…all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Hebrews 4:13

When Jesus was to leave the earth, He gave the Great Commission. Many have obeyed and are still obeying it even though we cannot see Jesus. Become a leader who is obeyed whether seen or not seen.

4. Look for signs and symptoms.

A symptom is a revelation of hidden things. Whenever you do not see something directly, you must develop a system of looking for warning signs and indicators. When people do the right thing there are usually some indicators of this. I look for symptoms all the time. I don’t have to see everything – I know I won’t anyway.

Chapter 4

Hide and Flourish Like a Snake

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:16

Jesus said, “Be wise as serpents.” What is the wisdom of a serpent? The wisdom of a serpent is the ability to function without unduly attracting your enemy’s attention.

Snakes are everywhere. All of us would kill the next snake we see! Such is the enmity between human beings and serpents! Still, snakes flourish and are abundant all around us. How do they do this? By wisdom!

Three Reasons Why a Leader Should Hide and Flourish Like a Snake

1. Because Christians are hated by the world.

A Christian leader should never underestimate the amount of hatred that Satan and his agents have for the man of God. When you see the Press mercilessly destroying a man of God you will understand that there is an instinctive and inherent hatred for the kingdom of God.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake…

Matthew 10:22

2. To avoid being attacked too early in ministry.

Your leadership will not survive some attacks at a certain stage of your ministry. If you kick a newborn Doberman pinscher or Alsatian dog, it will probably die. But if that same Alsatian or Doberman was allowed to develop and grow, it could probably kill you. There are certain attacks you do not need at a certain stage of your ministry.

When our church used to meet in the canteen of a medical school, we never placed a signboard or banner outside the church. I did not want to attract attention. I knew that if we attracted attention unduly, hateful people would drive us away. Through wisdom, we were able to run a large Charismatic church in the middle of a teaching hospital for almost four years. That was the wisdom of a serpent in action – the wisdom to hide and to flourish.

When the attacks began, we were a bigger and stronger church. Some medical students had committed suicide and the Dean of the medical school had grown to appreciate the presence of our church in the middle of the hospital. He felt we were meeting a need for the medical community. This made him sympathetic to our presence. He refused to move against us.

Later on, we faced stronger attacks to get rid of us from the hospital. But our church had flourished and we had a member of the board of the medical school in our church.

I told the board member that we were being driven out of the medical school canteen. She promptly called the authorities and asked them why they were harassing her church.

“Which church?” they asked in surprise.

“My church,” she answered. “The church in the canteen is my church! That is where I go to church! Why are you harassing us?”

They were shocked. “We never knew you went to church there! We will have to look into this.”

This slowed down the pressure that was building up against us. That allowed us enough time to acquire our own church building and to move out.

After we left the canteen, another church decided to meet in that same place. I soon noticed their big banners displayed outside. After a short while, the hospital community took note of this church’s activities.

Satan’s hatred is not for one particular church, but for all churches. Unfortunately, after a few months they were kicked out of the hospital canteen before they had the chance to flourish. Learn the wisdom of the serpent: the wisdom to hide and to flourish!

3. To avoid attracting an enemy you cannot handle.

Snakes know that they cannot survive in the presence of human beings. I would personally kill every snake I see, whether it were poisonous or non-poisonous, and so would you.

This is the reason why snakes live in grass and under rocks where they cannot be seen. The snakes have a good time, do all that they want to do and multiply in their protected environment.

They do not attract human beings who are enemies they cannot handle.

I once stopped my national TV programme from being broadcast because I thought we were attracting big enemies who hated our success.

Upon analysis, I felt that the sight of our growth and ministry was stirring up too many potential enemies, such as the government and the Press. I knew that my ministry did not need television per se to be fulfilled. So I cut it off!

The wisdom of a snake is the wisdom to hide and to flourish. I don’t need enemies I cannot handle.

Chapter 5

Overcome the Effect of Rumours, Questions and Controversies about Your Person

When Peter began his ministry, there were rumours flying about that he was a gravedigger and that he had stolen the body of Jesus. Many people believed this story, even up till today.

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Matthew 28:12-15

But Peter had to minister in spite of the controversies and rumours that were whirling around him. Every successful minister must learn to overcome the rumours, stories, questions and controversies that he may face.

Seven Ways to Overcome Rumours, Controversies and Questions

1. Never mention the controversial subject.

2. Stop talking about your past mistakes.

3. Do not repeat the bad things people say about you.

4. Recognize that everyone is limited in one way or the other.

5. Do not magnify a question or rumour about your life or ministry.

There is no need to even speak about it.

6. Do not advertise the rumours manufactured by your enemies.

7. Leave it to God.

He will fight for you.

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Exodus 14:14

Learn from Jesus

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:20

1. Jesus was born of a virgin.

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:23

2. Hundreds of people probably laughed at Joseph for marrying Mary.

3. Jesus was probably thought of as a son of an unfaithful woman or perhaps the son of an unknown man.

4. Some people called Him the son of Mary.

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Mark 6:3

5. They probably mocked Him and said, “The fatherless self-proclaimed Son of God.”

6. But Jesus never discussed the issue! Jesus never spoke about Joseph.

7. No Scripture ever brought up the question of His background or His parentage.

8. The question of His father and His mother was never once discussed in any of Jesus’ teachings.

Chapter 6 - Take That Decision! Most Decisions Will Involve Choosing between Two Bad Options Anyway!

It is important to realize that things are not perfect. Most decisions that a leader will have to make are not decisions between the obviously good and obviously bad. Most things are not a clear-cut choice between black and white or light and darkness. A good leader must recognize the need to decide when he is faced with such choices. A good leader knows how to choose the lesser of two bad options.

Often, life presents us with two bad choices. Many leaders are paralysed into inaction because of the imperfect choices presented to them. They refuse to take that important step because they cannot see two very contrasting alternatives.

Marriage is one such decision. God did not create bad women and good women. Men are not choosing between the good and the bad. God did not create the charming and the ugly.

The choice is not between a princess and a frog. Every woman has something attractive about her. Unfortunately, every beautiful woman also has some unattractive aspects. Some men are paralysed into indefinite bachelorhood because they are looking for the perfect female. There is no such thing. Some of the so-called beauties come with horrible flaws.

The same thing applies to women deciding on husbands. There is no such thing as the perfect male. Dear sister, you are going to have to choose between two imperfect options. The “tall and handsome” may come with quarrels and beatings. The “short and stocky” may come along with lifelong financial hardships. The scar- faced man may come with peace and spirituality. Life is like that!

You do not have to be paralysed into inaction because you do not see two obviously different things. You have to take a decision!

Choose the better of the two. When you fail to choose, you have chosen to have nothing. Perhaps, that is why you have nothing today.

Jesus Taught This

Jesus told us clearly that it was better to go to Heaven with one arm than to go to Hell with two arms.

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:29

To go to Heaven with one arm is not a good thing! When everyone is raising his or her hands in worship, you will have only one arm! When the saints are clapping, you will have to beat your chest! That is truly a tragedy!

However, to go to Hell is even worse. Having two arms or two legs will not mean anything to you in the fires of Hell. Jesus taught us to take the better of these two options. Jesus taught us to choose Heaven with one arm rather than Hell with two arms! Some people have not prospered because they have not understood this important principle. They do not understand that if they do not choose the lesser evil they will have only one other worse option.

Years ago, our church was being thrown out of the medical school canteen. We were under pressure from the authorities to leave the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. We located an old decrepit roofless cinema hall situated next to a rubbish dump and an exploding toilet.

I took friends there and asked, “What do you think about this place?”

“Horrible!” was the general response of everyone.

However, as the leader I was faced with two bad choices. Acquire this nasty, run-down structure and move in or stay in the canteen and face the possible collapse of the church. I chose the decaying building by the rubbish dump. That was one of the best decisions of my ministry.

Do you want to be a good leader? Then you must realize that there are often only two bad options. Be analytical! You must realize quickly that you do not have much choice in this imperfect world.

I once advised a pastor who had a problem to relocate to a different city. This brother could not see that he had two difficult options. I told him, “This is your chance of continuing your ministry.” It is not easy to relocate. It is not easy to move into a new city.

I explained to him, “You will be more accepted in the new place because your reputation is tarnished here.”

I told him, “You must move out and make a fresh start. God is giving you a second chance!” Unfortunately, this pastor could not see that relocation was a better option than the total loss of his ministry. He did not listen and his ministry deteriorated until he became a proverb and a byword.

Examples of Seven Decisions That Are between Two Imperfect Options

1. Whom to marry

Every marriage partner comes with peculiar blessings and difficulties. You are not choosing between a prince and a frog.

2. Where to live

Every country has its advantages and disadvantages. Europe is developed but is a more stressful place to live and a more godless society. Africa has more God-fearing people and a less stressful lifestyle but is also less developed.

3. What job to do

Being a lawyer may make you rich, but you may become a cantankerous individual. Being a doctor may make you prosperous but you may spend most of your life in the hospital, overseeing misery and death.

4. What to study in school

It may be quicker and shorter to study carpentry. But in the end it may be more profitable to study medicine which is more difficult, and requires many years of study.

5. Which church to attend

Every church has its strengths. You may be in a church that is strong in the anointing but weak in teaching. Some churches have no miracles but teach the Word.

6. Whom to vote for

Each political party has its good and bad sides. Do not be deceived into thinking that you are choosing between the good and the bad. Most elections are between two bad options.

7. Which car to drive

A Korean car may be cheaper but not as strong as a German car. Japanese cars are not as strong as German cars but are easier and cheaper to maintain.

Chapter 7 - Don’t Destroy Your Ministry by Saying the Wrong Things in Public

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Proverbs 6:2

A leader must be careful about the things he says. By your words, you are snared and by your words, you will be judged. Be careful of the things you say.

And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

1 Samuel 25:10,11

This statement almost cost Nabal his life.

Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

1 Samuel 25:21,22

If you are a leader, pick your words very carefully. If you do not know what to say or how to say it, then say nothing.

People are looking for an opportunity to take you up on your words.

They want to write an article about you and make you out to be something that you are not.

There is no need to tell everyone what class of airline you travel. There is no need to tell people the cost of your clothes. There is no need to tell the congregation what you bought for your wife. Not everyone appreciates these things.

Some people hate you because they feel that you are having a good time with their money. Your closest friends may appreciate God’s blessings on your life, but most people feel that ministers should be poor.

I am a very frank person. I often say exactly what I think. Because of this I totally avoid interviews and journalists. I do not want to be provoked into giving foolish answers to foolish questions.

Even Apostle Paul had to do that sometimes because he was so aggravated by the foolishness of certain people.

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

2 Corinthians 11:1

I see no reason why I should go for an interview only to be asked where I live, what car I drive and what I eat for breakfast. I have heard ministers being asked these questions repeatedly and I consider these questions frivolous. Learn the art of saying the right thing in public or saying nothing at all! A leader is someone who says the right things. Build your ministry by saying the right things in public.

Chapter 8 - Avoid Becoming an Artificial Leader. Develop Natural Leadership Skills

Eighteen Signs of a Natural Leader

1. A natural leader inspires.

2. A natural leader speaks off the cuff.

3. A natural leader acts out his belief.

4. A natural leader is practical.

5. A natural leader is emotional.

6. A natural leader leads by example.

7. A natural leader makes great sacrifices for his beliefs.

8. A natural leader uses himself as an example because he is a good one.

9. A natural leader is God made and God appointed.

10. A natural leader says what he believes.

11. A natural leader is often criticized.

12. A natural leader is often controversial.

13. A natural leader has a genuine concern.

14. A natural leader is concerned about the real thing.

15. A natural leader is not keen on much debate and analysis. He wants to get to the job.

16. A natural leader is not interested in what title he is given. He is more interested in the job.

17. A natural leader is not motivated by money.

18. A natural leader loves people.

Fifteen Signs of an Artificial Leader

1. An artificial leader is boring.

2. An artificial leader often reads his speeches.

3. An artificial leader holds seminars and conferences but takes no action.

4. An artificial leader is theoretical.

5. An artificial leader shows no emotion.

6. An artificial leader prepares ideal speeches, says the right things but does nothing.

7. An artificial leader never uses himself as an example (as he is not a good example).

8. An artificial leader is man-made and man- appointed.

9. An artificial leader says what people want him to say.

10. An artificial leader is often not criticized.

11. An artificial leader fits the accepted mode.

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12. An artificial leader is concerned in an official capacity but not in a real way. He does not love the people.

13. An artificial leader is concerned about the ceremony and not the job.

14. An artificial leader is very concerned about the title.

15. An artificial leader is most concerned about salaries and benefits.

How to Induce Natural Leadership

Qualities

1. Form an opinion and develop a conviction.

It is your conviction that makes you stand out.

2. Observe natural leaders.

Observe and admire natural leaders; notice what they do and do the same.

Watch the artificial, appointed leaders and don’t do what they do.

3. Fellowship with natural leaders.

Do not miss an opportunity to spend a few moments with great leaders.

4. Study the lives of different natural leaders.

5. Fellowship with great leaders through their books and tapes.

6. Listen to great natural leaders.

Chapter 9 - Do Not Allow Tiredness to Be an Excuse

Someone said, “The world is run by tired people.” If you are not a true leader, you will not give up your life for anything. A non-leader is not prepared to work because he is tired. Do not allow tiredness to be an excuse. If tiredness is an excuse then you cannot be a leader. If I used the excuse of tiredness, I would not have accomplished seventy per cent of what I have accomplished.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Tiredness is part of giving your life for the sheep. As soon as you begin to give up your life, it tells on you. I am not saying that every leader should be exhausted. What I am saying is that leadership is very exacting.

Sometimes I see non-leaders murmuring about being tired. All they want to do is to go away. It is a known fact that many workers have no concern for their places of employment. They are only interested in their salaries.

Such people (who are usually not leaders) are not prepared to become unduly tired.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

As I write this book, I can assure you that I am exhausted. But I know that I have to do it. A good leader often does much hard work in secret. It is these hidden jobs and unseen pressures that make our leaders tired.

If you want a life of relaxation and ease, you are probably not a leader.

Heads of State, Chief Executives and prominent leaders are often viewed as glamorous jet-setters who have many privileges at their disposal. I can assure you that these privileges are a very small compensation for the genuine leader who gives his life for a great cause. Are you a leader? If you are living a life of constant ease and pleasures, perhaps you are on leave from true leadership.

Chapter 10 - Gain Control over Your Domestic Life

One of the first qualifications that Paul gave for leadership was to have a wife and disciplined children. It is interesting that the qualifications for ministry were basic and domestic.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

1 Timothy 3:2,4

Six Signs That You Are in Control of Your Domestic Situation

1. The sign of having acquired a wife or husband.

2. The sign of a stable home.

3. The sign of a marriage that is working.

4. The sign of a student who does well in school.

5. The sign of financial stability and being debt free.

6. The sign of a stable job.

Have you been able to instill peace and order in your own home? Is your marriage working? If you are a student, have you been able to get your academic life under control?

I was a pastor when I was a medical student. I made sure that I did well in all my exams. I made sure that I had no problems with school. Leadership begins by bringing your domestic affairs under control. Look at your domestic affairs: your school, your job, your home and your marriage. If these are in order then you are well on the road to leadership.

Chapter 11

Be Sincere, Not a Hypocrite

When Jesus was alive, there was a group of people He did not get along with. They were the hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

Matthew 23:27

Sooner or later, people will see the different standards that you maintain. They will see beauty on the outside, but ugliness inside. This has the potential to drive away every follower. A leader wants to have followers.

Hypocrisy is an offensive vice. It has the power to scatter all your followers in a short period. Make sure that what you do outside is what you are inside.

The reason why so many children do not obey their parents is because they resent them due to what they see at home. They see hypocrisy. They hear their parents talking about ideal values in public but there is only ugliness at home. This makes many children decide within themselves: I will never be like daddy, and I will never be like mommy. They turn away from all the high standards and expectations of their parents.

Do you consider yourself a leader? Remove all skeletons from your wardrobe. Be as pure inside as you are outside and you will have a good following.

A good leader is able to sustain trust over a long period. Unfortunately, as time goes by, much trust is eroded. But God is raising up a new breed of leaders who do what they say and say what they do.

Chapter 12

Know Your Limitations

Every leader has limitations. God did not make us into supermen. Even Jesus knew when His time was up. He knew when it was time for the Comforter to take over. He began to speak of the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. He promised that the Comforter would make a great difference in our lives. Unfortunately, the disciples could not believe that there could be a better substitute for Jesus.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 16:7

How many leaders realize when it is time for them to leave the scene? How many leaders are prepared to accept that other leaders with different talents are needed? You will be rewarded for fulfilling your calling. You will not receive a heavenly award for impressing human beings.

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Luke 16:15

The admiring smiles of people around you have no influence on the opinions of your Heavenly Father. That is why I do not really care what others think about me. Because I am human, it occurs to me that people may find me weird. I often think that many of my medical colleagues see me as strange. But what does it matter?

Do not try to please people anymore! Try to please the Lord. When it is time for others to play their role allow them to. Do not stifle others. See yourself as building the kingdom of God and enhancing the Body of Christ. Recognize that you cannot do everything. Allow others to play a role. They will be blessed and so will you!

Moses allowed seventy other men to help him in the ministry. That decision certainly prolonged his life.

When Jesus called the services of the Comforter, He was not acknowledging defeat. There are some pastors who lack administrative and management skills. If you do not employ the services of the appropriate people, your ministry may crumble.

Do you consider yourself to be a great leader? Recognize your limitations.

Chapter 13

Be Courageous

Do you want to lead people? You are going to need a lot of courage.

In Joshua 1:1-9, God exhorted Joshua three times to be courageous.

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous…Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid…

Joshua 1:6,7,9

This was the beginning of Joshua’s life as a leader. Obviously, courage was very important for the ministry of Joshua to succeed. It takes a courageous person to advance into fearful and frightening circumstances. It takes courage to advance when the outcome is uncertain. You need a lot of courage when failure looks like a real option.

When defeat is rallying around to welcome you, you need to be bold to press on to victory. We all know that the bystanders are waiting for our downfall.

It takes courage to continue on a certain course of action. Without courage, you cannot call yourself a leader. It takes courage to start a church or a business. What about if it fails? What about if it doesn’t? It takes courage to follow a new idea.

It is only courageous people who can be leaders. Success or failure depends on being courageous.

It takes courage to stand up for the truth. The reason why many people do not try new aspects of ministry is because they lack courage. It takes courage to pray for the sick. It takes courage to minister the Spirit. It takes courage to launch out! What if no one is healed?

Ask God for the spirit of Joshua. You will find yourself advancing into higher heights when you are very courageous!

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Other Best-Selling Books by Dag Heward-Mills:

Loyalty and Disloyalty

Leaders and Loyalty

Transform Your Pastoral Ministry

The Art of Leadership

Model Marriage

Church Planting

The Mega Church

Lay People and the Ministry

These titles are also available in Spanish and/or French. Information about other foreign translations of some of the titles above may be obtained by writing to our email address.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Always Stay One Step Ahead

Chapter 2

Avoid Distraction

Chapter 3

Make People Obey You When You Are Not Present

Chapter 4

Hide and Flourish Like a Snake

Chapter 5

Overcome the Effect of Rumours, Questions and Controversies about Your Person

Chapter 8 - Avoid Becoming an Artificial Leader. Develop Natural Leadership Skills

Chapter 11

Be Sincere, Not a Hypocrite

Chapter 12

Know Your Limitations

Chapter 13

Be Courageous