LEADERS ARE INTERCESSORS

Several weeks ago we began discussing what it takes to be a leader.  The first quality that we mentioned is not often recognized by the secular world, but highly valued in the words and actions of Jesus Christ.  I am referring to humility, an attitude that is hard to attain and even harder to keep. I must admit that humility is certainly not a characteristic that I have mastered.  My mother used to always say,  "the Burkholders don't have a problem with pride, because Brian has it all."  I trust, though, that as I contunue to mature in my faith, that my pride decreases and and that the Lord produces humility in my life.

The second essential leadership characteristic that sets a leader above the rest is intercessory prayer. Once again, that certainly is not an attribute that is secularly recognized, but then again, we are not talking about secular leaders.  A spiritual leader realizes that the best way that he can teach, mentor and encourage those under his leadership is to cry out to God on their behalf.

No doubt, Moses is one of the greatest leaders in human history.  His ability to lead a nation of people some one million strong through the desert and to the brink of the Promised Land is nothing less than remarkable.  Among his many admirable leadership qualities was his consistent intercession to God on behalf of his rebellious people.

The most well-known example is found in Exodus 32.  Even though, the Israelites, under Aaron's failed leadership had set up a golden calf and worshipped it in place of God, Moses still pleaded with God to spare them.   We find that he petitions God to do three things...

1. He pleads with God to remember - Exodus 32:11-13

His plea to God was based upon three historical facts:  God's actions (v. 11), God's testimony, (v. 12), and God's promises (v. 13).

2. He pleads with God to relent - Exodus 32:12, 14

The word "relent" had been a source of much discussion.  Did God repent of His plans?  Did God actually change His mind?  Was His initial course of action wrong?

The idea is not that God changed His mind, but rather that He embarked upon a different course of action.  God's character does not change, but He does respond to the prayers and confessions of His people.

3. He pleads with God to restrain - Exodus 32:31-33

Admittedly, these verses are difficult to interpret.  Succinctly stated, here is what Moses is saying…

 “Lord, if the Israelites are going to be destroyed, then destroy me with them.  I do not desire to see the name and family of Moses built upon the ruins of Israel.  I do not want to enter the Promised Land without them.  Please restrain from starting a new nation upon me.”

Wow!  What a powerful intercessory statement!  What kind of churches would we have today if pastors had a heart of intercession like Moses?  How many lives would be changes in our Christian School classrooms if teachers pleaded to God for their students?  How many disciples would be produced if we prayed for every new convert with such conviction?

Often, I have heard it said that leaders are readers.  Although, I certainly encourage reading books that will help and enhance our ministries, I am convinced that today's leaders must be intercessors.  Let's ask God to give us a burden to spend time on our knees interceeding to God for those underneath our leadership!

What you need to lead!

One of the things that we feel very strongly about at Hollywood Community Church is the importance of producing followers of Jesus Christ.   One of the key components of producing followers, though, is the need to develop leaders as well.  That truth is evidenced in the lives and ministry of the twelve disciples.  Remember that the apostles not only committed their lives to follow Jesus, but their dedication to follow Him pushed them to the forefront and they became leaders of the new Cristo-centric movement known as The Way.  

 Just as devout followers of Jesus in the first century were transformed into leaders, so today’s Church must be used by the Holy Spirit to grow passionate followers into passionate leaders.  That brings us to several pertinent questions…

ü What type of leader does God desire to use? 

ü Are the leadership characteristics that are so admired by the world what we should strive for in the Church?

ü Are godly leaders any different than secular leaders?

As we talk through these questions in the next few blog posts, I trust that you will begin to get a clear picture of biblical leadership.  In today’s article, we will deal with the first leadership characteristic.

Humility

In today’s alpha male and female, type “A” personality world of leadership humility is not considered a necessary ingredient.  In fact, many would go so far as to say that humility will get you nowhere.    You need assertiveness, bold confidence and even some hubris if you are going to succeed.  Yet, that clashes with the teaching of some of the New Testament’s greatest leaders.

 ü What did Jesus say about humility?

 Matthew 20:25, 26 – You know that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different.  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

John 13:14 – And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feel, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

ü What did John the Baptist say about humility?

John 3:30 – He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less.

ü What did the Apostle Paul say about humility?

I Corinthians 15:9 – For I am the least of all the apostles.  In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

Ephesians 3:8 – Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

As you read those verses, it doesn’t sound like Jesus, John the Baptist and Paul possessed a large ego.  There wasn’t a lot of leadership testosterone flying around.   They each demonstrated humility even though their leadership skills were “off the charts.”  What an example to us!

I am reminded of the words of Augustine, “if you ask me what is the first precept of the Christian religion I will answer; first, second and third, humility.”

As we close this first article, let me give you four biblical thoughts about humility.  I trust that they will challenge you as much as they have me.

• Humility is the realization that without God you are nothing – John 15:4, 5
• Humility is the realization that you are a servant and not a savior – Matt. 20:27
• Humility is the elevation of other’s needs above your own – Philippians 2:3,4
• Humility is the embracing of Jesus Christ’s attitude – Philippians 2:5

As I read those I am reminded that I need a lot of work.  Would you pray with me that God would make us humble?  It is only when we truly humble ourselves before Him and others that we are really ready to lead.

Hollywood Community Church Position on Heterosexuality & Homosexuality

We fully affirm that the Bible is the infallible Word of God with supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct (II Timothy 3:15, 16; Hebrews 4:12).  Secondly, we affirm that God is offended by man’s sin however large or insignificant it may seem (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23).  Thirdly, we believe that every Christian should live for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).  With those foundational truths in mind we offer the following eight declarations about heterosexuality, homosexuality, and ministering to homosexual persons.

1. We believe that heterosexuality is God's revealed will for man. God, as our loving caretaker created woman as a partner for man so both his and her physical, emotional and familial needs would be fulfilled.  (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:5, 6)

2. We believe that a homosexual orientation is a result of the fall of humanity into a sinful condition that affects every person.  Whatever biological or familial causes of homosexuality that may be determined, we do not believe that these would sanction or excuse homosexual behavior.   We do admit, though, that these factors should deepen our compassion and patience for those who are struggling to be free from sexual temptations.  (Romans 1:18-32; 3:10, 23)

3. We believe there is hope for the person with a homosexual orientation and that Jesus Christ offers a healing alternative in which the power of sin is broken and the person is freed to know and experience his or her true identity in Christ and in the fellowship of His Church.  (Romans 6:6, 7; I Corinthians 15:57)

 4. We believe that this freedom is attained through a process which includes recognizing homosexual behavior as sin, renouncing the practice of homosexual behavior, submitting oneself to Bible study and discipleship, embracing a biblically acceptable sexual lifestyle, and realizing that in the age to come, we will receive a glorified body that will be free from every sinful temptation. We believe that this freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ, by the power of his Spirit. (Romans 8:1-11)

5. We believe that all persons have been created in the image of God and should be treated with human dignity. We reject and repudiate any hateful, fearful, mean-spirited harassment of persons with a homosexual orientation.  We believe that respect for persons with a homosexual orientation involves a loving, honest articulation of the biblical facts concerning the immorality and liability of homosexual behavior (Genesis 1:26, 27; James 3:9).

6. We believe that Hollywood Community Church has been commissioned to reach out in love and truth to minister to people touched by homosexuality, and that those who Biblically fight against their own sexual temptations should be patiently encouraged and assisted in their battle, not criticized, ostracized or disdained (Galatians 6:1, 2: Ephesians 4:29-32).

 7. We affirm that both heterosexual and homosexual persons should find love, help and encouragement in the church to engage in the Biblical battle against all improper sexual thoughts and behaviors (II Corinthians 2:5-7; Galatians 6:1, 2; James 5:19, 20).

8. Since we believe that homosexuality is sinful just as viewing pornography, committing adultery, lying and stealing, we hold that a person involved in such an action is not qualified to serve in leadership at Hollywood Community Church (I Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9).