courtesy of InterVarsity’s 2100 productions
[This is part of a series on “How Do I Develop an Apostolic Leader?” You can read the other posts here.]
“The hand cannot say to the arm I have no need of you…” I Cor 12:21
It’s tempting for apostolic leaders to think that every new idea should be pursued independently, no matter the cost. But, when we teach apostolic leaders that running without restraint is their Godly task we are in danger of developing misfits who are unable to build a movement of change or have impact on a large scale.
In order for apostolic leaders to achieve the Godly kingdom impact they desire, they must serve within and through a community of faith.
But too often we don’t see this. Either apostolic leaders resist community and letting others speak into their dreams and desires, or the community resists the apostolic leader and their crazy dreams.
This article helps to encourage us towards being healthy in community:
A community where apostolic leaders are humble and let community speak into their dreams, and actions, as well as a community that seeks not to subvert the apostles ideas but focus the apostolic leaders energy to its greatest effect.
So, how do we help apostolic leaders live in that kind of community?
Here are Ten Commandments to help guide them:
- Get your mission clear. Before you head out in ministry you’ll need to know what you are trying to do. Clarity with regards to your mission will serve you well as you seek others to join you.
- Pursue a devotional life that causes you to listen to God and not simply gather facts about God. In the company of others, learn to incorporate quiet and silence into your life with Him. Learning to hear from God will help you discern between your impulses and callings.
- Choose to be part of a missional community. It’s not enough to simply go to church. Ask God to guide you to a faith community that takes their calling to follow Christ seriously and where your passion for Christ doesn’t make you an outlier. A fellowship that is as serious as you desire to be will be able to not only earn your respect but have your ear when it speaks. It will also be willing to listen and understand your calling.
- Dream big. Be audacious in your vision. As you dream, learn to explain your vision to your community. You have to have language that helps others see what you see.
- Test your ideas. Ask those you trust in the mission if what you see makes sense in light of your calling and your mission. If everyone around understands what it is you are trying to do then their questions about your activity will provide appropriate checks and balances.
- Consider other’s questions seriously. You mustn’t just receive questions, filing them away so you can ignore them. Honor those questions by considering the wisdom inherent in them. Be willing to change your perspective in light of what you hearing from others.
- It’s not always about you. Make sure you are seeking the greater good of the community. Be willing to serve others, not just yourself or your area of responsibility. Ask how your dreams are serving others besides yourself or your interests.
- When you are being called to take a risk, don’t go alone. If God is asking you to step out He will call someone to go with you. It is the pattern of Paul.
- Always be willing to evaluate effectiveness.. Once you’ve attempted something, be willing to let others in to look at the results and see if what your are attempting is actually working. Let others speak the truth to you.
- Be ready to sacrifice. Vision requires obedience and obedience will require sacrifice. Ask God to help you understand what it means to suffer for His sake. At the same time, be willing to allow others to join you in suffering. You don’t have to go at it alone.
Life in the community is a gift for the apostolic leader. May God give you a willing heart as you invest in a life of ministry in the company of others.
Which one of these “Ten – Commandments” do you or your community need to focus on?
[This is part of a series on “How Do I Develop an Apostolic Leader?” You can read the other posts here.]
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Chris,
Great article. You’ve taught us here in San Diego a lot about how to embrace apostolic leaders, and be embraced by our communities.
I give a hearty echo to #7. Listen to your community, and to the community you will serve, and let them shape your ideas and dreams.
This is something I’ve learned along the way, in both community development and missional movement. I think it has helped humble me, and teach me a great deal. It has also made my movement as a missional leader incredibly more effective.