THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – SUNDAY, 28TH JANUARY, 2024

THEME:              PROVIDING RESPONSIBLE & ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP

READING:           PSALM  34:11-18; ISAIAH 30:18-21; 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-13; MATTHEW 5:1-12.

INTRODUCTION: After dying for our sins on the cross, our Lord Jesus ascended up to Heaven to be enthroned at the right hand of our heavenly Father (Acts 1:9-11; Ephesian 1:20-22). From that place of authority He gave leadership gifts to the Church. He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for perfecting (equipping) the saints (Ephesians 4:11, 12). The Greek word translated ‘perfecting’ in Ephesians 4:12 means to ‘repair’ the damage found in new believers (caused by sin); ‘prepare’ and ‘equip’ the believers to do works of service in the Church.

Leadership is everything in any institution or society. Everything rises and falls from the leaders because they are the ones who determine the vision, the mission, and the executions. Leaders can recreate themselves in their followers. This is why the lifestyle of any leader always reflects in the lives of their followers. They are not just people who occupy positions, they influence and guide others. Many leadership positions exist in the workplace, volunteer settings and other environments.

Anyone in this position, according to Paul, must be accountable and responsible.Leadership involves not only making decisions but also inspiring and empowering others to contribute their best efforts. Paul urged the Corinthians to think of him, Peter, and Apollos as mere servants of Christ entrusted with the secret things of God (1Cor. 2:7). A servant does what his master tells him to do. We must do what God tells us to do in the Bible and through his Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right.

Responsible and accountable leaders train the church members so the members can do the work of the ministry and thus fulfill Christ’s will for the Church. They do not see the flock as being their personal property but as the flock of Christ and treat them so.They bring leadership for ministry to the Church. They lead by example.

SOME QUALITIES OF RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS

1. INTEGRITY AND HONESTY: Proverbs 11:3, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Accountable leaders are honest and maintain integrity in their actions and dealing with everyone. Their yes is yes, and no is no. They do not engage in shady dealing and lifestyle.
2. STEWARDSHIP: They are responsible and responsive. Leaders are often seen as stewards of the resources and responsibilities entrusted to them. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship.

3. SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Jesus set an example of servant leadership, as seen in Mark 10:42-45. Accountable leaders know that they are called to serve others with humility and selflessness.

Accountable leaders clearly communicate their goals to their teams to foster alignment and team focus. They accept responsibility when things go wrong and give credit where it’s due. Accountable leaders are responsible for the people who report to them, too.

4. HUMILITY: Proverbs 22:4, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” Accountable leaders are expected to approach their roles with humility, recognizing that their authority comes from God.

A humble leader is not afraid to admit when they do not know something and is willing to learn from others. They are also able to put the needs of the team, the organisation, and the success of a task above their own ego.

5. ACCOUNTABILITY TO GOD: Leaders are accountable to God for their actions and decisions. Ecclesiastes 12:14, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

6. FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE: Proverbs 29:4 “By justice, a king gives a country stability.” Accountable leaders are expected to uphold principles of justice and fairness in their decision-making.

7. COMPASSION AND MERCY: Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Accountable leaders are called to show compassion and mercy.

8. WISDOM: James 3:17 describes the wisdom that comes from heaven as “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Accountable leaders seek and apply godly wisdom in their leadership.

Conclusion: The fivefold ministry leadership gifts prepare the Church for the Spirit’s purposes. He has given these pioneers to the Church to lead her in the areas of new works, addressing the culture, witnessing to the lost, shepherding the body, and expounding God’s Word. Let us be thankful that the Holy Spirit leads through the leadership gifts, given people with these gifts to the Church. Where would we be without the leadership of these five gifts? Do you see something in these gifts in yourself? Perhaps you have one of the five leadership gifts, you can pray and ask God to help you fan it to flame.Note, the endowment of these gift is not to use it to satisfy our horrendous desire but to demonstrate and live a responsible and accountable life as seen in the life of Christ.