10.4.2011
Question: What do you think stands as the main contributing factor in why many men today seem to be less mature than the generations of old? What do you feel are the spiritual applications?
Reply: (by Danny Akin and Alvin Reid): This is an excellent question and one that is quite relevant and extremely important for our times. When we see beer commercials mocking the immaturity of young men in our culture, we know that we … [Read More]
Q&A 8: Why Are So Many Men So Immature?
Christian Leadership Essentials: A Recommendation
Of the writing of leadership books there is no end. Fortunately, some of them are quite useful for pastors and other Christian leaders, especially when they are uniquely focused on ministry-related leadership. One particularly helpful example is Christian Leadership Essentials: A Handbook for Managing Christian Organizations (B&H Academic), edited by Union University President David Dockery.
Christian Leadership Essentials includes a number of helpful essays that address such topics as vision development and communication, the nuts-and-bolts of management, … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (13): Six Lessons on Leadership for a World in Crisis
1. A nation looks to its leaders for guidance and direction in times of national crisis. At the young age of twenty-three, Spurgeon was requested to lead a special prayer service for the country in a time of trouble in India.
2. A Christian leader to whom people look for guidance must bring people together to seek God’s aid and unite their hearts and minds in prayer. Spurgeon was resolute in leading the country toward worship … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (12): Seven Lessons on Suffering
1. Leadership always comes with a cost. That cost often takes a toll on the personal well-being of a leader from within. Spurgeon suffered greatly throughout his ministry, especially from rheumatic gout, which led to severe depression and other complications.
2. Depression can afflict even the greatest leader. Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and others suffered from depression their entire lives. Spurgeon had long bouts with depression and lamented that “there are dungeons underneath the Castle of … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (11): Seven Lessons on Criticism and Conflict
1. Controversy is unavoidable for the person who seeks to be faithful to the Lord’s calling. Spurgeon wrote, “Controversy is never a very happy element for the child of God. . . . But the soldier of Christ knows no choice in his Master’s commands…” Jesus counseled His disciples that because the world hated Him, the world would hate them as well. Even the most effective leader will encounter controversy along the way.
2. A leader … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (10): Nine Lessons on Compassion
1. Effective leaders balance “strong convictions” with a loving spirit. Although he was tough in personal discipline, Spurgeon was sensitive when it came to his pastoral role with people. He wrote, “With all his maturity and firmness, the spiritual father is full of tenderness, and manifests an intense love for the souls of men.”
2. A leader who is committed to providing leadership that will include the best qualities of Christianity will demonstrate sensitive compassion in … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (9): Nine Lessons on Creativity
1. A creative God calls creative leaders to exercise creativity in their work for His kingdom. Spurgeon believed fully in infinite possibilities and used all of his creative energies to communicate the gospel.
2. The message of the gospel does not change, but the manner of its presentation may be adapted according to the situation. Spurgeon said, “I am not very scrupulous about the means I use for doing good. I would preach standing on my … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (8): Nine Lessons on Commitment and the Family
1. The leader who prioritizes a commitment to his family honors the God whom he serves. Spurgeon gave great attention and devotion to his family, as evidenced by their testimonies in his Autobiography. His wife and sons grew to love and serve the Lord under his influence.
2. A godly heritage is great gain for the Christian leader. Spurgeon was blessed to have been born into and reared by a family that instilled in him Christian … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (7): Nine Lessons on Courage
1. A true leader is willing to stand by the courage of his convictions. When it came to leadership issues related to sin and righteousness, Spurgeon yielded no ground whatsoever. If he encountered error, he would confront it. “We must not allow sin to go unrebuked. Yield in all things personal, but be firm where truth and holiness are concerned.”
2. People are inspired when their leaders show the willingness to risk everything for their beliefs. … [Read More]
Spurgeon on Leadership (6): Nine Lessons on Casting Vision
1. Leaders and organizations must have a vision to survive and thrive in an ever-changing world. Spurgeon recognized the need for a new vision upon his arrival in London to serve as pastor of a declining inner-city church. We must show our people the way forward.
2. Effective leaders are able to create and sustain a compelling vision for their followers. Spurgeon brought to his church creative leadership that extended throughout his thirty-seven years of ministry. … [Read More]
