Saturday, February 16, 2013

6 Characteristics of Spiritual Leaders

6 Characteristics of Spiritual Leaders

I am mostly offline, attending a business conference. I have asked several bloggers to post in my absence. This is a guest post by Bob Hamp, the Executive Pastor of Pastoral Care at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. You can find his blog or follow him on Twitter. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.
As believers, we recognize the value of imitating Jesus and His leadership style. But if we really think about it, it’s strange that we try to emulate a leader who never developed an organization, regularly encouraged people to stop following Him, and ultimately saw His death as the pinnacle of His accomplishments.

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/AurelianGogonea
What kind of perspective must a leader have to place high value on these kinds of strategies? Jesus was not a manager. His primary role was to function as a spiritual leader.

Not all leaders in religious organizations are spiritual leaders. This is not a criticism as much as a distinction. Distinguishing spiritual leadership from other forms of leadership can free people from unrealistic expectations of some leaders.
At the same time, making this distinction can help identify who the spiritual leaders in your organization are. Here are six characteristics that identify most spiritual leaders:
  1. They lead others into their own encounters with God. One of the most effective things about Jesus’ lifestyle was that He didn’t switch into another mode to introduce His disciples to the reality of God. Whether standing in the synagogue or picking wheat along the path, interacting with the Father was so natural that others around Him could not help but do the same. Whether a spiritual leader is training a new employee or working through a difficult conflict resolution, his followers will discover their own connection to God more deeply in the process.
  2. They lead others to discover their own purpose and identity. Spiritual leadership is characterized by great generosity. A spiritual leader genuinely wants others to fully discover who they were made to be. Workplace issues and strategic development become tools to help followers discover their own identity and overcome obstacles standing in their way. People functioning in an area of their created identity and strength will always be more productive than those who are simply trying to fill a position or role.
  3. They lead others into transformation—not just production. When the goal is spiritual growth and health, production will always be a natural outcome. People function at their peak when they function out of identity. Helping your followers discover that their own transformation can happen on the job will engender loyalty and a high level of morale. Spiritual leadership fosters passion in those who follow. Passion is the ingredient that moves people and organizations from production to transformational impact.
  4. They impact their atmosphere. While we may not stop a tempest with our words, spiritual leaders recognize that they can change the “temperature” of a room, interaction, or relationship. Changing the atmosphere is like casting vision, only it is immediate. When there is tension, fear, or apathy, a spiritual leader can transform the immediate power of these storms and restore vision, vitality and hope. A spiritual leader can fill a room with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and gentleness, even while speaking hard things.
  5. They help people see old things in new ways. Many people are stuck not in their circumstances, but in their perspectives and paradigms. The word “repent” means “to think differently, or to think in a different way.” Jesus called people to look again at old realities through new eyes. Changing ways of thinking always precedes meaningful change.
  6. They gain a following because of who they are—not because of a position they hold. Spiritual leaders can be found in secular organizations, in the same way managers and organizational leaders can be found in religious ones. Spiritual leaders influence more than they direct, and they inspire more than they instruct. They intuitively recognize that they are serving something—and Someone—larger than themselves and their own objectives.
Question: Who is someone who has been a spiritual leader in your life? What sets this person apart from other leaders?


 http://michaelhyatt.com/characteristics-of-spiritual-leaders.html

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Showing 100 of 155 comments

  • Jon Stolpe, Christ-follower, husband, dad, engineer, manager, runner, sax player, group life fan, and the list goes on...
    I have a friend, Dave, who has been a spiritual leader in my life over the past several years.  He doesn't work for a church or hold any "spiritual" positions of authority.  In fact, he's an auto mechanic.  But Dave cares for me.  He takes time to see how I'm doing and to ask me the tough questions.  He's walked beside me during some pretty dark days.  He's there to listen.  He's there to point me to God.  He sees the positive in the dark clouds that linger.  He's open in his own struggles as a husband and a dad.  I'm blessed to have a friend and spiritual example like Dave.

  • Rob Sorbo
    That reminds me of my old boss Eric. It is such a blessing to have people like that in your life.

  • Bob Hamp
    Jon...this is EXACTLY what I was trying to convey...sometimes those who occupy the non-vocational positions can impact us the most. How great that you have such a friend/leader in your life!!

  • Michele Cushatt, I am a public speaker, communications coach, and writer
     Wow, Jon. Incredible. What a gift!

  • Jim Martin
    Jon, what a wonderful friend you have in Dave!  You have also provided us with a model of how we might be that kind of friend.  Thanks.

  • kimanzi constable, I help people stop settling, stop making excuses, so that they can live the life of their dreams.
    My pastor since I was 14 years old, he lead me to the Lord and has always been there for me no matter what. He prayed hard for me when I turned away from the Lord for a few years, it helped!

  • Michele Cushatt, I am a public speaker, communications coach, and writer
    Thanks for sharing, Kimanzi. I know of several pastors who are in the trenches praying alongside someone right now. You give them hope and strength to continue!

  • kimanzi constable, I help people stop settling, stop making excuses, so that they can live the life of their dreams.
    Thank you Michele, don't know where I'd be with out his prayer and support!

  • TNeal
    Kimanzi,  I would agree with Michele. Pastors draw encouragement from testimonies like yours.

  • kimanzi constable, I help people stop settling, stop making excuses, so that they can live the life of their dreams.
    I will have to let him know more how much I appreciate his ministry!

  • Rob Sorbo
    Brilliant post, Bob. I love how the spiritual leader directs in so many aspects of our journey--discipleship, sanctification, vocational, perspective. I have seen so many of these traits in spiritual leaders whom I respect.
    How do I grow to become a spiritual leader to others?

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks Rob! I think the beauty of a spiritual leader is that if you follow them, you become a spiritual leader also. Pursue your own spiritual growth, and it will affect your relationships, and then, it will affect those you relate to. Become yourself! Others will be naturally drawn.

  • Michele Cushatt, I am a public speaker, communications coach, and writer
    Spiritual leadership always multiplies -- internally and externally.

  • Rob Sorbo
    It's always so reassuring when God reveals that He knows/knew what He's doing!

  • TNeal
    And when He doesn't reveal things so quickly in present circumstances, it's good to remind ourselves where He's directed, provided, and enabled in the past. Studying Scripture aids in developing a heart of understanding as well as eyes to see and ears to hear what God is doing in the present.

  • Michele Cushatt, I am a public speaker, communications coach, and writer
    Isn't it though?!

  • Jim Martin
    Bob, you express this reality very, very well!

  • Dave Anderson
    The names include Brad, Mike and Ross.  I think the thing they all impressed me with was their dedication to seeing me grow into the leader God wanted me to be.  Not the leader they thought the church needed me to be.
    I like your third point.  Too often the church sees a high potential person as just that, someone who can be productive to help the church get things done.  We need to be equipping people for doing ministry in life, not just in the church.  We spend 1.5 hours a week at church and 40+ hours a week at work.  How are we equipping people to be in ministry where they are most?
    People are God's vessels to accomplish His will, not our tools to have more productive churches.  Great post.

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks Dave. I think we live in a time when more attention is turning to being Christ in the workplace and in every day life. It's a good time to be alive! I love that you have a list of names!!

  • TNeal
     Dave, I think people who love the Lord want to make an impact beyond the Sunday morning scene. I know, when it comes to writing, I want to know how to improve and make a difference. When I see it modeled in others (like Jeff Goins' article yesterday), I absorb that information and apply it. The challenge at times is helping people see how to apply faith lessons to their particular situation in the work place. Stories of what others are doing helps.

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    Last year, I was introduced to Rob Bell's "Nooma" videos during a small group study. They're short, 5-15 minute videos about a particular aspect of the christian life and how it's applied outside the church. They were helpful for me to understand how to bring the gospel out of the church and onto the street.

  • Jim Martin
    Thanks Dave.  I like your point in the second paragraph.  Most of ministry happens not in a church building but wherever we spend most of our time.  For most of us, this will be work and home.  It is so important that those of us who are church leaders legitimize the everyday ministries of others.  This everyday ministry really is a part of the church's ministry.
    Good comment!

  • Dave Anderson
    I think I heard JR Vasser say this at a Work As Worship conference:  "The word secular is not in the Bible.  There is not sacred work and secular work.  For God, it is all sacred!

  • Daren Sirbough, Pianist, Musician, Leader, Educator.
    That's a very true point. Whether our deeds are for a Christian or non Christian audience, they are sacred because we are working for God. Great reminder of that truth.

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    You may not realize it but you night be the only image of Christ in many people's lives each day. That's an awesome responsibility--a reminder that character is important.

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    I've had many spiritual leaders who became "road signs" in my life to steer me in the right direction. The thing about road signs is that you usually see them only once along your way. They can be a flashing detour sign, warning me of danger ahead, an offramp sign telling me to get off the highway right now, or a mileage marker, reminding me of how far I've travelled so far. And although they come once in your life, they have an incredible impact on your safety when traveling through an unfamiliar town.
    My first encounter with a spiritual leader was a pastor named Randy who spoke after Saturday evening concerts at a church near my boyhood town. He had an unusual method of preaching. One evening after a Sweet Comfort Band concert, I heard him say, "Verily verily...that means 'for sure dude.'" Wait...your not supposed to laugh in church? But his humor helped me understand the Bible in a different perspective. When a friend invited me to his church, I listened to a pastor who transformed the "saints" in the Bible to normal, everyday people who had problems of their own. His teaching style was "hey, let's go through this and understand it together." He still ministers to me through his podcasts, and continues to impact my life.
    So sometimes God brings many spiritual leaders into your life, like specialists who can help you face a particular problem. I'm thankful that I've had many spiritual leaders in my life.

  • Bob Hamp
    "For sure dude!"...I love that and will likely quote it one day! I also like the road sign metaphor and the various ways you applied it.
    I notice the two guys you mention both made spiritual life normal and natural. That could be another significant characteristic! Thanks for your thoughts..

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    For sure.

  • TNeal
    Your observations remind us all that, when we serve the Lord, we influence others. Sometimes we don't even know that we've made an impact in another person's life. Your words are encouraging.

  • Daren Sirbough, Pianist, Musician, Leader, Educator.
    I'm learning that as I lead how powerful our words are. And to echo what has already been said in this blog, it's not the position which gives the impact.

  • chris vonada, branded... but not tattoo'd
    Good stuff Bob! I believe we all have a role as spiritual leaders, and that is to help influence people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ... your post shines a beautiful light on this theme!

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks Chris for your kind words!

  • John Richardson, Personal Development Blogger
    My good friend, John Hansen, has been a spiritual mentor for many years. He used to be my pastor, and I had the privilege of being in a discipleship group for a year with him. John has a heart for God, and has some incredible life stories. What I like about John, is that he is real. He talks about the good times as well as the bad. He talks about struggles and triumphs. He asks the tough questions.
    Even though my wife and I have moved away and we don't attend his church anymore, I still am able to keep in touch through Facebook.

  • TNeal
    Steve Hawkins wrote in another comment about a pastor who made the "saints" come alive as real people. I love the fact that Scripture shows us men and women struggling through faith issues and overcoming obstacles and their own frailties to serve God. When we meet people like that, authentic believers, we're attracted to their influence in our lives.

  • Jim Martin
    John, you've put your finger on something so important as you describe your former pastor.  You describe him as real.  Personal authenticity is so important for any spiritual mentor.

  • Rachel Lance, Love serving leaders via tech services at the WCA; on the slow plan to MSLIS, currently focused on getting the hang of motherhood.
    Great post, Bob. I love the line, "When the goal is spiritual growth and health, production will always be a natural outcome. People function at their peak when they function out of identity." There is a lot to think on in those two sentences alone - I have a couple people in mind to share & discuss this with. Can't wait.

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks Rachel! Enjoy those discussions!

  • Jack Lynady, Family Man | Upper-cervical Chiropractor | Writer
    Nice Read. I call them Sages. Like Jesus they are often discounted, overlooked, and avoided by the "ones in charge".  It's a big reason the church is in the state it is in. These folks walk with God but don't typically follow the seminary track. They are a rare treasure to those who find them....

  • Bob Hamp
    Strange isn't it? Sadly the spiritual leader and the leadership position do not always overlap. The good thing about that to me, is the example that seminary and church staff positions do not necessarily represent the final step in spiritual growth. Thanks Jack

  • Beck Gambill
    My Dad! I'm proud to say he is a gifted spiritual leader and I've had the privilege to be led by him. A pastor for a number of years he rejoined the secular work force when I was a teenager. He's held influential positions as an engineer often serving as production or plant manager. He leads from godly principals and has often impacted others personal lives. Men going through hard times he takes out for lunch and points to scripture, teams floundering he simply lays out ethical guidelines, he cheer-leads, and prays. He doesn't see himself as the spiritual leader others do, thinking he left ministry behind, but I see it and I'm so grateful for his influence!

  • Cheri Gregory, Christian speaker & writer, English teacher, Personality Trainer, wife of a teacher/pastor/musician, mother of two teens, servant to three psycho cats & one ADHD Keeshond. In my copious spare time, I love to shop, horseback ride, and scrapbook!
    Beck --
    My first response was my father, too! He's been working with AIDS patients since 1981, offering compassionate whole patient care, including spiritual care.
    Spirituality is so fully integrated into his life and identity, it flows through everything he does, whether working at the county STD clinic, listening empathetically to me, my brother, or one of our four cousins, or caring for my mother who has Alzheimer's Disease.
    As with so many spiritual leaders, he leads by example...not so much by what he does but through who he is, day in and day out, regardless of circumstances.

  • Jim Martin
    Cheri, your dad sounds like an incredible person.  Thanks for telling us about him.

  • Beck Gambill
    He sounds like a wonderful man! I'm sorry to hear his metal is being tested by such challenging circumstances, but it sounds like your family is blessed to have his care.

  • Bob Hamp
    I LOVE that your dad is who you think of! How wonderful for anyone to have a father who accurately represents God the Father.

  • Beck Gambill
     Thanks Bob. He's not perfect for sure, but he is good.

  • TNeal
     Beck,
    You remind me of my father's influence which is coming more and more to the fore as I grow older. I live in Wisconsin and the rest of my family are in Texas. A brother's recent cancer diagnosis has surprised us all. In the midst of this news, my brother has shown an indomitable spirit ("Tom, I'm in a win-win situation") and my father has responded as an example of, in my two sisters' words, "a prayer warrior."
    I don't enjoy the way character has been revealed but I am thankful that true character has arisen out of the difficulties.
    Thanks so much for sharing your story and helping to bring my own to the surface.

  • Jim Martin
    Tom, thank you for sharing with us a part of your family's story in some very trying circumstances.  You brother and your dad sound like they have an incredible spirit and character.

  • Beck Gambill
    I appreciate you taking the time to share your own story! What a gift a godly father is. I know I don't take it lightly and it sounds as though you don't either. I'm sorry to hear your father's character is shining through under such painful circumstances. I hope his care eases the ache for you all especially your brother.

  • Jim Martin
    Beck, what a tribute to your dad.  Many of us see a person in a particular role or function.  The child of that person, however, sees that same person when no one else is looking.  For the child of a pastor to speak the way you did regarding your dad is powerful!

  • Julie Rains
    Friends, Young Life leaders, and pastors who...believe in absolute truth but know that God has a unique design and call for each of us, so we don't all look alike or walk in lockstep; show that being extremely compassionate doesn't mean compromising holiness; are willing to admit struggles in order to acknowledge the power of grace as transformative; and demonstrate Christian community, treasuring everyone regardless of status and encouraging mutual support.

  • Ginacox1
    Excellent post. I teach leadership in our ministry school
    And will definitely share this post. Anyway to correct the misspelling of "characteristics" in the title?

  • Justin Wise, Social strategist. Burgeoning chef. Des Moines advocate.
    Gina ... Michael is on vacation and will be back next week. I'll pass along the word and have it corrected then. Thanks.

  • Cheri Gregory, Christian speaker & writer, English teacher, Personality Trainer, wife of a teacher/pastor/musician, mother of two teens, servant to three psycho cats & one ADHD Keeshond. In my copious spare time, I love to shop, horseback ride, and scrapbook!
    "When the goal is spiritual growth and health, production will always be a natural outcome....Spiritual leadership fosters passion in those who follow."
    Seems to me that compassion is a key part of #3. Instead of  using external rewards and punishments to motivate, a spiritual leader develops caring relationships.

  • Bob Hamp
    Great point Cheri!! Thanks.

  • Thad Puckett, VP of Technology at The Karis Group - @ThadPuckett
    I am blessed to work at a company full of spiritual leaders.  Mike is my direct boss, and he is a servant leader in every way.  He constantly sets an excellent example for me as a spiritual leader.

  • Justin Wise, Social strategist. Burgeoning chef. Des Moines advocate.
    Wow. What a daily gift!

  • Jim Martin
    What a blessing for you and others, Thad.

  • Lon Hetrick
    Thanks for this. To round out a nice "perfect 7", I'd add that spiritual leaders direct people to Scripture where they will discover God's will and ways and grace in Christ.

  • Bob Hamp
    Love it Lon! The number of perfection, and a great point!

  • Justin Wise, Social strategist. Burgeoning chef. Des Moines advocate.
    Lon .... Do you have a practical example of when you have done this in the past?

  • CC Shumake
    This by far one of the most concise yet powerful blogs I've read on spiritual leadership; evokes pratical application to authentic leadership in every day circumstances which points others to Jesus Christ.
    Thank you

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks CC!! Your words are very encouraging! I wanted the points to be practical and applicable. I am glad to hear that i hit the target!

  • Jory Hingson Fisher
    Bob, I am very touched by your article. Thank you and bless you.  Without a doubt, my father was the most incredible spiritual leader a daughter could have.  He modeled humility, grace, love, tenderness, patience, resilience, strength -- in short, he modeled the essence of Christianity.  I am happy to pay tribute to the late Capt. James Monroe Hingson, USN.  He went Home in 1999 followed 9 months later by his bride of 57 years.  I was fortunate to have them both as my parents.

  • Bob Hamp
    Jory, I am sorry for your losses. It sounds that you gained more from them than you could ever lose. I am loving how many people are naming their fathers as their spiritual leaders. It restores hope in our future!

  • Maurice F. Overholt, I am a father, worship leader and Christ follower, conductor, composer, and keyboardist. I am passionate about training and equipping worship leaders and musicians.
    I appreciate this post; it was a good reminder to me of what I should be trying to do in my life.
    My father is one of my spiritual leaders.  When he walks onto a job or into a room, people gravitate towards him.  When he is at a restaurant, people want to talk to him.  Almost always he has a word of encouragement for them or prays for them.  Recently he spent 15 minutes talking to me about my own vision and what he sees for me.  Who couldn't be attracted to that?
    Another leader is a pastor of a local church who was a colleague of mine in an earlier job when I was overwhelmed.  He came along side me and walked me through some pretty tough times.  As with my dad, whenever he walks into a space, people sense his presence because he is positive and God centered.
    My mentor is another.  I am so grateful for these people.

  • Bob Hamp
    Maurice...I think that you hit on another characteristic! Spiritual leaders are attractive and people want to talk to them.

  • Lisa Colon DeLay, Writer, artist, teacher, impromptu humorist, spiritual formation provocateur, mother of a special needs child, calling thoughtful readers unto me.
    What salient points! Bob, thank you.
    Leadership, like being as artist, is about seeing well. It's primarily  about a way of being and serving not about accomplishing an agenda (personal or otherwise). I think so many people who lead or want to lead never take this into consideration.
    Would that all leaders take your insights!
    I'm after a spiritual director as a leader for me, and hope for an appointment soon. She's like a spiritual Gandalf (Lord of the Rings), abounding in love, the presence of the Lord, and providing plenty of space to realize the omnipresence of God. Asking the right questions and finding where God is in all things are precious gifts a spiritual leader can bestow.

  • Bob Hamp
    Asking questions. Such a strong tool in the hands of a spiritual leader. I hope you find the leader and guidance you are after. Leadership, especially spiritual leadership is definitely an art form. I love that. Thanks Lisa.

  • Michele Cushatt, I am a public speaker, communications coach, and writer
    Bob, you have been the instigator of a great conversation at the breakfast table this morning. Thank you! Over the past few years, we've experienced a lack of spiritual leadership in our church community. But I grew up with a dad who is a strong spiritual leader, in a church that was led by a devoted group of Godly men and women. All that to say, I've seen the outcomes of both. Sobering. When faced with the absence of spiritual leadership, the temptation was to become negative, critical. But we're learning it's a prime opportunity for us to step up and hopefully become what we need from others. Thanks for leading us with YOUR counsel.

  • Bob Hamp
    Michele, I always love to instigate stimulating conversation!! I love your insight. It is too easy to criticize, and become the very opposite of what we are seeking. I do believe we are in a generation in which spiritual leaders are beginning to really take their place and become more visible in the church. Sadly, there will always be tares among the wheat, but as you said, our job is to be sure that we are wheat! Converse on!

  • Michele Cushatt, I am a public speaker, communications coach, and writer
    I'm seeing some of those same "signs of life" when it comes to spiritual leadership in the church. Exciting!

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    Where there's no vision, the people perish.

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    I've noticed in my own experience that some of the strongest churches have programs for men to help them become men of God. Passivity is an unspoken social disease that many men succumb to because of their past, family, or other experience. When men come together and sharpen iron with each other, some truly great things can happen.

  • Jaymes Downer
    Great Post!!! I think it is crucial to determine what a spiritual leader looks like. I believe we have an innate desire to follow these leaders, even after we become one. The role of leader is often occupied by people who want to be followed for personal gain, but your example of a spiritual leader seems to be quite selfless.
    By the way, you fit this role quite well in my own life.
    You're a Gentleman and a Jedi!

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks Jaymes! Nice to see you over here. Your comment made me smile.

  • Justin Wise, Social strategist. Burgeoning chef. Des Moines advocate.
    A jedi! Now how do I get a title like that?! ;)

  • Bob Hamp
    There is a special training you have to go through...it includes a little hand to hand combat, and working on your father issues. ;)

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    Spiritual leaders are readers!

  • JR Taylor
    I think of three people immediately. The first is Steve Shaver, at Austin Christian Fellowship in Austin TX (and previously Cross Camp). He has had the biggest influence on my own spiritual leadership for most of the above reasons. The second is Don Ellsworth, Worship Pastor at Austin Ridge Bible Church, and the third (and most recent influencer in my life) is Paul Kemp, lead pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Austin, TX. I am so grateful for each of these men.  Thank you, Pastor Hamp, for pointing out this important leadership distinction!

  • Connie Mcculloch
    The Kuehn's have been my mentors for 20 years.  They respond from the heart of God with Scripture passages.  They listen yet "never tell you what you should or should not do".  They ask questions and with their questions "steer you in a direction" as God reveals His desire within the situation.  I Corinthians 3:5-11 comes to mind when thinking of the Kuehn's.  They plant... they water... but GOD gives the growth.  A wonderful couple ... sharing God's love with many... They are a blessing to my son, daughter-in-law and me... "Thank you Lord, for the Kuehn's... Bless them Lord as they continue to serve you for Kingdom purpose and Kingdom living unto Your glory!!  In Jesus' Name... Amen!!

  • Nadya Dickson
    Ron is a new addition to my circle of colleagues, a true influencer and spritual leader. You cannot be anything but authentic in his presence. There is not only permission but a compelling atmosphere to reach for the impossible when around him. I look forward to continuing to build our organization under his mentorship and though he seeks no position am praying he will become or next chairman.

  • Bob Hamp
    Great example Nadya. I love how you describe that he influences even when he is NOT the chairman. What a strength, to compel others to be honest, just by being so yourself.

  • Laurinda Bellinger, Proj. Manager by day, Writer by night, Engineer by trade, Speaker sometimes & Christian always. A passion for leadership, wine, good friends & science fiction.
    Great post Bob!  The spiritual leaders that have had the greatest impact on my life also were very transparent about their strengths and failures.  It's something I strive to do as well.  Thanks for sharing this.

  • Justin Wise, Social strategist. Burgeoning chef. Des Moines advocate.
    Transparency is key, right? If we don't know how you both win and lose, we're only getting half the story, right?

  • Bob Hamp
    My pleasure LB! I can start a new list for part two of this post. So far Transparency, and making spiritual things seem natural have stood out in this comment string! Thanks!

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    One of the things that changed my life as a Christian was when I bought a Bible that  I could understand. Right now, I'm reading the New Living Translation. When I began to understand God's word more clearly, I discovered some startling things about the people in the Bible. Abraham lied; Jacob cheated; Moses murdered and complained; and David committed adultery. I just couldn't see all of this beyond the "Thee's" and "Thou's".

  • TNeal
    Even before you asked the question, I thought of my friend Gerd. He ran a GM dealership near the small town in which I served as pastor. What set him apart? He had a quiet integrity, a depth of character, that I observed even before I knew him well. As I came to know him, I recognized that this man was a man who studied the scriptures and spent time in prayer. He saturated his counsel with Scripture and personal experience.

  • Justin Wise, Social strategist. Burgeoning chef. Des Moines advocate.
    The world needs more Gerds!

  • TNeal
     Amen. And reading other comments, we've been blessed with more.

  • Bob Hamp
    I couldn't agree more! These comments have really been encouraging. The world is filled with Gerds, who are hidden in places of anonymity, waiting for you and I to show up with our need. Thanks T!

  • Steve Hawkins, Content Developer and new blogger.
    Isn't it awesome when you meet someone who lives a life of character and integrity and then discover later on that he or she is a Christian? I think that type of life brings more people to Christ than anything else.

  • TNeal
     Yes, and although integrity isn't exclusive to Christian believers, I'm not surprised when a person of integrity also has a strong, vital faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Sarahdicus2007
    Errol was a teacher who planted seeds lovingly lloooong before I became a believer. He died before i became a believer. Finding a leader willing to let you follow is not easy. The last two sentences are my favorate, Bob. But, how do u WORK at it, and when do you wait to be aligned with it?

  • Bob Hamp
    Sarah, the best way I know to answer, is that there is a difference between striving and diligence. Striving seems needlessly difficult, and often feels like movement against the grain. Diligence is staying with the things we know to do, when perhaps many other things call to us. Hard work can be easy, when it is not striving. I hope this answers some of what you asked.

  • Pauline Logan
    During a very low time in my life sixteen years ago, a friend came alongside me  with friendship and  spriitual mentoring. She allowed me to stay in her home for a time, soaking up God's Word. She put her own plans for the week on hold and made herself available to help me in whatever ways she could. This dear friend continues to pray for me and my three children, even to this day.
    Another spiritual mentor, a pastor, has  opened my eyes in a deeper way to God's Word. He continues to send out excellent teachings and prophecies without asking for anything in return--except praise reports and  prayers. I think of this man as "infected with joy."
    Both of these people demonstrate the selflessness and generosity that you said characterize spiritual leaders, Michael. Thank you for a thought-provoking post.

  • Bob Hamp
    Pauline, sounds like you have been well cared for. I think we would be in more trouble if we lost our spiritual leaders, than if we lost any other kind of leader. I am loving all the examples of how much we all need spiritual parenting.

  • Laurie Wallin, Speaker, Parenting/Life Coach, Mom of 4, and Parent of special needs. God-seeker. Overcomer. Confidence-builder. Incurable joy sharer.
    Bob, I've been struggling with a battle on the homefront with one of our adopted girls lately, and it's made me so insecure. This post was like a moment with Jesus, seeing Him smile over me about how I'm (trying to) live life. Thank you so much.
    (Edited by author 11 months ago)

  • Bob Hamp
    Laurie, I am so sorry to hear of the struggles. I have a friend with some adopted kiddoes and she has been going through some real heartbreak. Stay the course, and connect to people and leaders who can help. I am glad to hear that this post helped. May you be strengthened to continue to lead hurting kids.

  • Scott Fairchild
    First things first. Your first point was outstanding, I cannot lead people where I haven't been. To have my flock pursue Christ, I have to pursue Christ. You are on point.

  • Bob Hamp
    Thanks Scott, I fear the opposite if this is why so many have fallen in the past, and why so many people view the church through suspicious eyes. Sounds like you are leading well! Keep it up.

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