Monday 13 November 2006

Spiritual Leadership

The Training College was the scene of a class today on Spiritual Leadership. With Commissioning just over a week away, there was no time to waste to get the subject across. I see the subject more from the spiritual side than from the leadership side. That is to say that the Spirit is a strong qualifier of spiritual leadership.

In the SA, we need Spiritual Leaders, not simply leaders. The intimate relationship with God from which spiritual leadership is born is absolutely essential. This holy relationship informs and shapes the leader in her or his role and responsibilities. In these days when leadership definitions abound, let us be mindful of the creative involvement of the Holy Spirit in those He calls to Spiritual Leadership.

I have confidence in our Visionairies preparing for Commissioning. We're about to release a good session of Spiritual Leaders to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (MSG)
9 "God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that."

6 comments:

Evie said...

In a world filled with lots of people who aspire to be leaders, and other people who are all-too-willing to write books and sell videos to teach them how to be leaders, the best example we can find is that of Jesus Christ, the Servant-Leader.

Thanks for avoiding the current leadership fads and cliches and sticking to the basic truth of Christian leadership. Salvation Army leadership is always completely about spirituality, which boils down to servanthood. This is one of those confounding paradoxes that Paul wrote about. In order to lead well, one must first serve well.

Anonymous said...

May God shower these Visionairies with strength, wisdom and love as they make their commitment and take up their appointments.
Isnt it amazing that God not only knows and prepares what our Territory needs today in terms of leadership but already has in hand plans for leaders for 2010.. 2025.. 2050.. somewhere the heart of a teenager is touched.. and they are called.. and a toddler.. perhaps their family isnt linked with TSA yet.. and God is stirring your hearts to reach out to them.. and beyond..decade after decade the Holy Spirit whispers and people are given the experiences they need to draw on to be wise and valiant leaders of God's people..
How great is God!!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Friends,
I'm glad to see you have your blog up and running - we've found you! You have always been visionary leaders, and I'm reassured when I see the promotion of spiritual leadership in our Army. We were reminded by our Southern USA Territorial Commander just last week to "preach Jesus". Simple but effective.

Take care and don't forget to give an occasional cheer for England as they retain the Ashes!

God bless you both,
your friends
Faith and Ian

Jim Knaggs said...

Glad to hear from each of you. We share so much in common. In you I'm getting a "fortaste of glory divine."

Christian said...

I used to enjoy Spiritual Day's at the SFOT. I did enjoy some more than others, as some of the guests were better communicators at delivering the Word of God.

I had to chose my words carefully there!

Jim Knaggs said...

I would also recommend this article from Leadership that came to my attention today.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2006/003/14.75.html