Probably “criticism” is the greatest power in the hands of an enemy. Because human beings become conditioned by a constant pattern of enforcement through repetition, frequent criticism tends to be a popular way for “control freaks” to control a good leader. A smart leader must be careful by evaluating what they hear. It’s probably a good idea to consider all criticism as a tool that can be turned into something good. For example, a person may criticize you for driving a Mercedes. However, it might be smart to examine the reasons why this person is criticizing you before you trade in your Mercedes for a Volkswagen. On the other hand, if several people have made similar comments about your car, it would be unwise to altogether ignore these negative remarks.

Image: Dylan Gillis

You may be totally destroyed if you consider every critical remark as the Gospel truth, but ignoring them is equally dangerous. It’s a good idea to have an accountability group with whom you can discuss such matters. Make sure the people in the group are objective, loving, godly, wise, and above all, have your best interest at heart. This kind of group can help you evaluate the ideas, comments, and criticisms of others within your sphere of influence.

This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of The Grapevine, a publication of AEGA Ministries. Used with permission.

How should we lead the church?

A Pneuma Review conversation

Over several issues, from Summer 2010 through Winter 2012, The Pneuma Review heard from theologians and pastors from around the world about how we should lead the local church.

If you could write a letter to church leaders everywhere, what would you say?

Join us as we ask of each other, “How should we lead the church?”

Andrew D. Clarke (Summer 2010)
New Testament scholar Andrew D. Clarke imagines what it would be like to interview the Apostle Paul about church leadership today.
An Interview with Paul: What might the Apostle say about the church today?

Tony Richie (Fall 2010)
Pastor-scholar Tony Richie discusses what having good leadership means for a local church.
Leadership in the Local Church: Discerning Practical Value and Developing Theological Foundations

Victor H. Cuartas (Winter 2011)

How to expand the vision of the local church to reach the world.
How to Lead a Missional Church that Expands God’s Kingdom

Woodrow E. Walton (Spring 2011)

The humility and anonymity of true servant leadership.
The Case for Anonymous Leadership

Aldwin Ragoonath (Summer 2011)

In this Pneuma Review conversation, preacher and international instructor Aldwin Ragoonath asks, what is hindering church growth in North America? How can we can lead towards growth in the church in the Twenty-first century?
Leading a Church in the Twenty-first Century: An International Perspective

Eric Scalise (Fall 2011)

In this Pneuma Review conversation, Christian counselor, Dr. Eric Scalise answers this question by saying that ministry leaders need to recognize how pastoral ministry causes stress and how they need to develop a plan for self-care.
Healthy Leadership and the High Cost of Caring

John Lathrop (Fall 2011)

In this Pneuma Review conversation, Pastor John Lathrop says that New Testament leadership should be scripturally based, marked by servanthood, Spirit-empowered, and equipping everyone for ministry.In this Pneuma Review conversation, Pastor John Lathrop says that New Testament leadership should be scripturally based, marked by servanthood, Spirit-empowered, and equipping everyone for ministry.
Principles of Church Leadership

Of course, there are many more articles at PneumaReview.com that seek to answer the question, “How should we lead the church?” For example, I invite you to read and practice what Steven Fettke has to say about every member ministry and “Forming a Community of the Spirit.” We would also love to hear from you about your story of effective, biblical leadership. Please leave comments underneath the articles or Contact Us.

Please join us to continue this conversation …

How should we lead the church? In this Pneuma Review conversation, Dr. Victor H. Cuartas describes how to expand the vision of the local church to reach the world.

Introduction

God’s plans for His beloved Church are marvelous. One of the most important aspects in the life of the church is leadership. Leadership is about serving and influencing people to advance God’s kingdom. This article will focus on important principles to lead missional congregations. What are the characteristics of a missional church? This article will begin with a brief description of the importance of the Trinity in both global and local (glocal) missions. Then, the author will describe significant principles of a missional church. Next, we will look at some considerations in regards to the life of the missional leader. This paper will conclude with some practical recommendations to lead churches glocally.

The Importance of the Trinity in Mission

God has a Missional Plan

God loves the families and nations of the earth. He has a missional plan with His creation. That is the reason why He sent His only Son to die for us on the cross. His plan was about redemption and salvation. “He sent His Son for this purpose and He sends the Church into the world with the message of the gospel for the same purpose.”¹

Jesus’ Missional Leadership

Jesus is our great example to follow in missional leadership. “One of the challenges that we may face is to be driven by personal interest rather than kingdom principles.”² There are several accounts in the Bible that describe Jesus’ urgency to meet the needs of the people. He always was willing to go and bless the needy regardless of the circumstances. Jesus went out and saw the needs of the people. Thus, every believer needs to follow Jesus’ example. “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matt 9:36, emphasis added).

Jesus called the disciples to fulfill His Father’s will. The verb “called” in the Greek is proskaleomai, which means (1) to call to, (2) to call to one’s self, or (3) to bid to come to one’s self.³ The NKJV translates the word as “called” (Mark 3:13; 6:7a). Jesus invited “those He Himself wanted” (Mark 3:13). The initiative lay not with the disciples but with the Master. Jesus chose and prepared normal people to change the world. Therefore, the disciples were called by Jesus for a specific purpose: “to preach the message of Christ and His love locally and globally.”

Rick Warren in 2004.

Rick Warren, “Pastors Who Lead the Way” Enrichment 9:1 (Winter 2004).

“The good news is that while we may never achieve excellence in administration, we can learn to lead the way.”

In this article, Rick Warren states that he knows his leadership style. He is the big picture, vision-casting leader. Details do not appeal to him so he surrounds himself with staff and volunteers who gifts will compliment his giftings.

He reminds the reader that there is nothing wrong with being a vision-casting leader. What the leader needs to do is recruit team members that will enhance and supplement the leader’s style.

“There is tremendous power in cooperation. We do our best work when, instead of jockeying for position or trying to build a base of power, we work together—building on each other’s strengths and shoring up each other’s weaknesses.

He uses Nehemiah as an example prayer from a leader’s heart in Nehemiah 1.

Secondly, “Must a Pastor Lead?” He quotes from Ephesians 4:11-12 and states that by definition the pastor is a leader. Then he refers to Jesus statement to Peter in John 21:17, “Do you love me? … Feed My sheep” that a pastor must show love and care for his people.

Love being introduced into the picture you will not feel coerced into leadership but rather do what we gifted to do and lead willingly. Leadership is guiding and being an example rather than controlling and being a boss.

Third, Rick Warren discusses, “Can leadership be earned?” “We may know our gifts are clustered in the areas of preaching and teaching, not administration.”

Even though we may not achieve in excellence in administration we can still be effective leaders. He says that we need to practice habits and that habits can be learned. This will enhance effectiveness in the pulpit, in staff meetings, and in interactions with the church board.

“Leading with limited resources” is the fourth principle that he deals with in this article. Rick recognized the need for administrative leadership at Saddleback. The church was in the position in which they were able to hire someone for this position.