Today, as never before, the church needs more leaders. Leaders totally consecrated to God and His cause. Leaders trained with the Christian philosophy of leadership to contrast with the politics and philosophies of labor unions and other secular organizations (see Matt. 20:25-28).
We need spiritual leaders loyal to God, to His church, and
to the brethren. We need leaders with backbones, leaders who
are able to stand firmly in defense of truth and justice, no matter
what. We need cheerful leaders with vision and faith who
are ready to move forward with the gospel message and defend
God’s interests in spite of difficulties, obstacles, and opposition.
We need leaders with spiritual discernment who are
willing to defy any corruption, injustice, or abuse in our ranks
in order to preserve our church “without stain or wrinkle or any
other blemish” (Eph. 5:27, NIV). We need leaders who do not
fear losing popularity while defending the interests of the Lord
and His church with firmness and gentleness.
Now as never before, as we face last-day events and the
rapidly approaching return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
we need leaders who will be bold enough to defile the ease of
a permissive, postmodern society while standing loyally on the
principles of God’s kingdom. We need leaders of integrity who
can exert a positive influence over our society and especially
over children and youth—no strings attached. We need leaders
who—no matter their age—will become role models for
our youth and will inspire them to follow the greatest Leader of
all times, Jesus Christ!
With the apostle Paul, we may ask, “And who is equal for
such a task?” (2 Cor. 2:16). Paul himself—a leader worthy of
emulation—says, “Not that we are competent in ourselves . .
. but our competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). The requirements
are high, but everyone who is willing to consecrate
himself or herself in service to the Lord and His church will find
the way to reach that competency from God. The following are
some of the requirements:
1. A personal encounter with God and an intentional desire to do His will.
2. A sustained relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and daily supplication for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
3. A personal commitment to the call through genuine revival and reformation.
4. A deliberate pursuit of excellence through self-motivation and professional training.
5. A correct attitude to accept ever-present leadership challenges, “never [to] be lacking in zeal” but serving “wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord . . .” (Rom. 12:11; Eph. 6:7).
6. A dependence on the Lord and a determination to support His church—no matter what.
7. A willingness to face opposition with a right attitude,
keeping God in the loop and discerning everything through a
prophetic lens.
Yes, we need more leaders with courage, integrity, and
commitment. May we catch a vision from above as we read
the following inspired thoughts for Christian leaders?
“God calls for cheerful co-workers, who refuse to become
discouraged and disheartened by opposing agencies.
The Lord is leading us, and we may go forward courageously,
assured that He will be with us, as He was in past years.”1
“To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when
the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when
champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we
must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage
from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason.”2
Leaders are wanted. We need more leaders like Jesus—
with the vision of Jesus, the philosophy of Jesus, and the
spirit of Jesus—to lead His church accordingly. Are you
ready to accept His highest call and invite others to this kind
of leadership?
1 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, 265, 266.
2
———, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 136.
Alfredo Garcia-Marenko has served as elder, pastor, administrator,
departmental director, and editor, and is an international speaker
with wide experience in youth leadership and family life. He is
editorial assistant for the Elder’s Digest magazine in the General
Conference Ministerial Association. Alfredo was trained as an
associate trainer for the Million Leaders Mandate of John C.
Maxwell and EQUIP®.
