Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

According to the grace and love of our God and Savior, he has given us the high privilege to represent his purposes and interests in the midst of his people. We who are called are part of an unbroken chain of servants who have sacrificed, labored, and given their best to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, our Source and Life. As Christian leaders called to reflect the beauty and character of Christ among his people, we have been called to ministry. This ministry has many facets, including leading the people of God in worship, word, and sacrament, and incorporating and parenting new believers into God’s family. As his representatives, we are called to exhort and encourage his people for their edification, and oversee responsible spiritual discipline and restoration of the estranged. In this lesson we learned, too, that the practicing Christian leader is also one who provides counsel to the people of God by providing effective spiritual direction through a careful, relevant application of the Word of God, as well as one who cares for and seeks the well-being and healing of the members of Christ’s flock during their times of trial and distress. Among others, these lie at the heart of all credible Christian leadership which is based both on the model of Christ and the example of the Apostles. What is immediately obvious from this list is the reality that no one in their own strength and effort can attain to such a high status or practice. Only in the power of the One who alone fills us with the presence of Christ can this be done. The Father has sent to us the Holy Spirit in order that we might be filled with his fullness, and thus be able to represent our Lord with honor and excellence. Our sincere desire is that the Holy Spirit will fill you with his presence and a mind to understand the Word of God in order that you might be counted worthy to represent our Lord among his dear people. May our Savior give you grace and direction as you strive to live out your call to leadership with excellence and honor, all to the glory of God in Christ. Amen!

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