Tonight we started our Shepherd 101 class, and it was wonderful! The conversation and discussion on Pastoral Leadership was filled with great insight and new perspectives. Below is a composition of the information from tonight's class in a article form.
Contributing Students: Sister Keshauna Sanders, Minister Shay Tribb, Elder Tina Lineberger, Pastor Shaunta Sherrill, Pastor Sunda Jones, Pastor Van Jones, Bishop Tammy Wilson & Bishop Ruben Lineberger.
Moses and the Balancing Act of Leadership
In a recent discussion on the relationship between leaders and God, the story of Moses captured our attention. Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, provides valuable lessons about the delicate balance between a leader's relationship with God and their relationship with the people.
Moses, undoubtedly, had an intimate connection with God. He received direct guidance and instructions from the divine, making his relationship with God his top priority. However, Moses also had a responsibility to lead and govern the Israelite community. This required him to navigate the complexities of human relationships while upholding his divine calling.
One of the challenges Moses faced was the temptation to become too entangled in the affairs of the people. This entanglement had the potential to distract him from his relationship with God and even lead him to disobey divine instructions. We witness this struggle when Moses, overwhelmed by the demands and frustrations of the people, acted against God's command, ultimately preventing him from entering the promised land.
This cautionary tale reminds us of the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Just as Moses needed to prioritize his connection with God, leaders today must ensure that their devotion to serving their community does not overshadow their spiritual journey.
The delicate balance between leadership and divine guidance requires leaders to be vigilant. It is crucial to avoid becoming so absorbed in the opinions and expectations of others that we lose sight of our relationship with God. By nurturing a strong foundation of faith and seeking divine guidance, leaders can find the strength and wisdom needed to navigate the challenges ahead.
As leaders, we must also be mindful of the way we represent God to others. Moses, at times, misinterpreted God's intentions to the people, leading to confusion and miscommunication. This serves as a reminder that leaders should humbly recognize that they are not personal scribes or exclusive voices of God. Instead, they are vessels through which God's message flows. It is essential to convey God's truth with humility and authenticity, avoiding the temptation to elevate oneself above the divine.
In sharing our personal struggles and vulnerabilities, leaders must exercise discernment. Not everyone is equipped to handle our transparency, and not everyone will extend grace or understanding. It is essential to confide in trustworthy individuals, such as mentors or close confidants, who can offer guidance and support without exploiting our weaknesses.
Leadership is a journey that requires continuous self-reflection and growth. By being true to ourselves, nurturing our relationship with God, and seeking accountability, we can navigate the delicate balance between leadership and faith. Just as Moses' connection with God guided him through turbulent times, our devotion to God will empower us to lead with wisdom, integrity, and grace.
Remember, as leaders, we are not alone. God is our ultimate guide, and when we prioritize our relationship with Him, we will find the strength to lead and serve with humility, purpose, and unwavering faith.
Summary:
The class discusses the delicate balance between a leader's relationship with God and their relationship with the people, using the story of Moses as an example. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance and not becoming too entangled in the opinions and expectations of others. Leaders should prioritize their connection with God, seek divine guidance, and represent God with humility and authenticity. It also highlights the need for discernment when sharing personal struggles and vulnerabilities, confiding in trustworthy individuals. Ultimately, leaders should navigate the balance between leadership and faith, leading with wisdom, integrity, and grace.
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It’s so important to have balance as leaders so you can hear the voice of God concerning yourself and the people. Being too close and familiar will cause you to become frustrated and miss God and his instructions.