A pastor is not called to be a template. We have to be careful not to create a culture where people feel obligated to mimic their pastors or any leader in the church. In the past, there has been some of that – certainly not explicitly taught by any pastors that I am aware of but has somehow been assumed.
Leadership
Ed Silvoso
The Church Jesus launched is meant to be expansive, like salt, water, light or leaven—metaphors He used to describe the Kingdom of God—none of which is effective if contained or controlled. Salt left in a shaker is useless. Stale water turns putrid. Light that is blocked results in darkness. Leaven in a container remains inert.
Peter Scazzero
Jesus’ stunning success in teaching and feeding the 5,000 at the beginning of John 6 is followed just a few paragraphs later by a corresponding numerical failure: “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him” (John 6:66 NLT). Jesus didn’t wring his hands and question his preaching strategy; he remained content, knowing he was in the Father’s will. He had a larger perspective on what God was doing. Success isn’t always bigger and better.
Bill Johnson
Is God my friend? Yes, but He was my Lord before He was my friend and my friendship with God can only go where His Lordship has already been.
Bill Johnson
It is important to note, ruling from God’s perspective means to be the servant of all… Our strong suit has been, and always will be, serving.
Darlene Cunningham
If people reach for only authority it is not wise to give it to them. If, however, they reach out to accept responsibility, give it to them. And give them the authority required to fulfil the job. True humility is the willingness to be known for who we are, including our weaknesses and strengths.
N.T. Wright
We expect God to be, as we might say, ‘in charge’: taking control, sorting things out, getting things done. But the God we see in Jesus is the God who wept at the tomb of his friend. The God we see in Jesus is the God-the-Spirit who groans without words. The God we see in Jesus is the one who, to demonstrate what his kind of ‘being in charge’ would look like, did the job of a slave and washed his disciples’ feet.
John Ellerton
Take with you the joy of Easter to the home, and make that home bright with more unselfish love, more hearty service; take it into your work, and do all in the name of the Lord Jesus; take it to your heart, and let that heart rise anew on Easter wings to a higher, a gladder, a fuller life; take it to the dear graveside and say there the two words “Jesus lives!” and find in them the secret of calm expectation, the hope of eternal reunion.
Luc Niebergall
Anyone who is a seasoned leader knows that leadership can at times be lonely. Leaders regularly face times of being misunderstood, criticized, blamed, and judged. However, the cost is worth it. The reward is worth it. Peoples lives being transformed is worth it. Your job isn’t finished yet. Keep running, persevering, and pioneering. Keep reforming, inspiring, and building. God believes in the vision and dream He has placed within your heart.
Bill Johnson
Discipline is not for the benefit of the person doling out the discipline.