The Remnant

1. Prayer and fasting: The foundation of spiritual leadership

"Prayer is energized by fasting."

Prayer is communication with God. It's not just talking, but also listening and aligning oneself with God's will. Effective prayer involves a structured approach, such as the "tabernacle prayer" model, which guides believers through different aspects of worship and intercession.

Fasting amplifies prayer. By denying physical needs, one can focus more intently on spiritual matters. Fasting isn't about punishment, but about redirecting attention from worldly concerns to heavenly ones. It's a practice that leaders should engage in regularly, both personally and with their congregations.

Developing a burden for prayer is crucial for spiritual leaders. This means cultivating a deep concern for others' spiritual welfare and the advancement of God's kingdom. Leaders should establish personal prayer routines and encourage their followers to do the same.

2. Bible study: Nourishing the soul and guiding the flock

"God puts the cookies on the bottom shelf so everyone can reach them."

Biblical literacy is declining. Many Christians, even those who have attended church for years, lack a basic understanding of Scripture. This is a critical issue that leaders must address.

Leaders must prioritize Bible teaching. This involves:

• Encouraging personal Bible reading and study
• Preaching expository sermons that explain Scripture in depth
• Using creative methods to make the Bible relevant and understandable
• Emphasizing the application of biblical principles to daily life

The goal is transformation. Bible study shouldn't be merely academic, but should lead to changed lives. Leaders should model a love for Scripture and demonstrate how it guides their decision-making and lifestyle.

3. Integrity: The cornerstone of credible ministry

"Integrity is like virginity. When it's gone, it's gone."

Financial integrity is non-negotiable. Leaders must:

• Avoid debt and pay bills promptly
• Use designated funds only for their intended purpose
• Maintain transparency in financial matters
• Avoid business entanglements with church members

Honesty in all dealings is crucial. This includes:

• Keeping promises and commitments
• Avoiding exaggeration in testimonies or reports
• Being transparent about personal struggles and failures

Doctrinal integrity matters. Leaders should:

• Adhere to sound, biblically-based teaching
• Avoid chasing doctrinal fads
• Be willing to admit when they're unsure about an interpretation

4. Purity: Maintaining moral standards in a compromised world

"Purity refers to the inward control of fleshly lusts, thoughts, and actions."

Sexual purity is a battleground. Leaders must:

• Establish clear boundaries in interactions with the opposite sex
• Use internet filters and accountability software
• Be open with their spouses about temptations

Mental purity is the first line of defense. This involves:

• Guarding against lustful thoughts
• Being selective about media consumption
• Practicing thought capture and replacement

Marital faithfulness is a powerful testimony. Leaders should:

• Prioritize their marriages
• Speak positively about their spouses
• Seek help if experiencing marital difficulties

5. Example: Leading through actions, not just words

"Your example to your family, your business, and your community makes you a leader."

Personal conduct matters. Leaders should exemplify:

• Punctuality and strong work ethic
• Appropriate dress and grooming
• Courteous behavior in public

Family life is a crucial testimony. This includes:

• Treating one's spouse with respect and affection
• Disciplining children lovingly and consistently
• Prioritizing family time and spiritual growth at home

Community involvement is important. Leaders should:

• Engage in local affairs positively
• Show respect to civic leaders and law enforcement
• Demonstrate good citizenship

6. Relationships: Building a network of support and accountability

"God doesn't breathe on anything that isn't connected."

Leadership requires teamwork. Leaders should:

• Cultivate relationships with other ministry leaders
• Participate in pastoral support groups
• Mentor younger leaders and be mentored by more experienced ones

Accountability is essential. This involves:

• Submitting to spiritual oversight
• Being transparent about personal struggles
• Allowing others to speak into one's life and ministry

Kingdom mentality is crucial. Leaders must:

• Celebrate other ministries' successes
• Collaborate on community-wide initiatives
• Avoid competition and territorialism

7. Philosophy: Developing a clear vision and approach to ministry

"Simple is 'sticky.'"

Simplicity in ministry is key. Leaders should:

• Focus on core functions rather than numerous programs
• Communicate vision clearly and concisely
• Streamline decision-making processes

Sincerity is attractive. This means:

• Being genuine in interactions
• Avoiding hype and manipulation
• Admitting mistakes and limitations

Sacrifice is part of the calling. Leaders must:

• Model generosity and selflessness
• Be willing to forgo personal comfort for ministry effectiveness
• Prioritize missions and outreach

8. Faith: Trusting God's plan and timing

"Faith relaxes in the vision you have seen and turns the timetable over to God."

Vision fuels faith. Leaders should:

• Seek God for His vision for their ministry
• Communicate that vision clearly to others
• Align actions with the revealed vision

Trust is essential. This involves:

• Resting in God's promises
• Avoiding panic when things don't go as planned
• Maintaining a long-term perspective

Words shape reality. Leaders must:

• Speak words of faith and encouragement
• Avoid negative talk and complaining
• Praise God in all circumstances

9. Spiritual warfare: Recognizing and combating unseen forces

"If you never run into the devil, you must be going in his direction!"

Spiritual conflict is real. Leaders should:

• Recognize spiritual opposition to ministry efforts
• Understand that people are not the real enemy
• Be aware of Satan's tactics of discouragement and division

Spiritual armor is necessary. This includes:

• Daily putting on the "full armor of God"
• Maintaining spiritual disciplines
• Staying under spiritual covering and authority

Offensive spiritual warfare is biblical. Leaders can:

• Pray for breakthrough in their communities
• Confront demonic influences through prayer and fasting
• Teach believers how to stand firm against spiritual attacks

10. Wisdom: The essential skill for effective ministry

"Wisdom is truly the principal thing in all ministry and embodies all the other nine commandments."

Wisdom is multifaceted. It involves:

• Discernment in decision-making
• Understanding of human nature
• Knowledge of Scripture and its application

Wisdom can be cultivated. Leaders should:

• Study Proverbs and other wisdom literature
• Seek counsel from more experienced leaders
• Learn from both successes and failures

Wisdom produces longevity in ministry. It helps leaders:

• Navigate complex relational dynamics
• Avoid common pitfalls in ministry
• Build sustainable structures and systems

Last updated: November 10, 2024