Empowered Leadership: Character, Skill, and Daily Pursuit
Summary
In our gathering today, we delved into the essence of being a ministry leader at Hope City, focusing on the second part of our ministry leader's culture, inspired by Psalm 78:72. This scripture highlights the importance of character, skill, and the courage to "charge the hill" in advancing God's kingdom. Our vision at Hope City is to see the lost found and the found set free, which aligns with the Great Commission. This mission is achieved by offering hope, community, and a better way to live life, grounded in our five core values: hope finds people, hope brings change, hope serves others, hope builds community, and hope gives extravagantly.
Character is foundational, as emphasized by John Wooden's quote, "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." This principle is crucial for ministry leaders, as our actions and words reflect our character in Christ. We are not merely volunteers; we are leaders whose character sustains our roles. The importance of reliability and integrity was illustrated through the example of our children's ministry, where commitment and follow-through are vital.
Today, we shifted our focus to skill, recognizing that God equips us with unique abilities to serve His kingdom. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see that God grants skills and talents to accomplish His work. However, skill alone is insufficient; it must be coupled with willingness. This combination of skill and will is essential for effective ministry.
The spiritual battle we face as followers of Jesus requires us to be equipped and ready. The enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, but we are called to be a formidable force for God's kingdom. The one skill that will make the most significant impact in this battle is the daily pursuit of Jesus. This pursuit is not accidental; it requires intentionality and dedication. By seeking Jesus daily, we align ourselves with His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will provide for all our needs.
Key Takeaways:
1. Character as a Foundation: Character is the bedrock of effective ministry leadership. It is not just about having the ability or talent; it is about maintaining integrity and reliability in all we do. Our character reflects our relationship with Christ and sustains us in our roles. [05:56]
2. Skill and Will: God equips us with unique skills and abilities to serve His kingdom, but these must be paired with a willing heart. Skill without willingness is of little value. We must be ready to use our God-given talents for His glory. [18:30]
3. Spiritual Battle Awareness: As followers of Jesus, we are in a spiritual battle. The enemy seeks to destroy, but we are called to be a powerful force for God's kingdom. Recognizing this battle helps us stay vigilant and prepared. [23:25]
4. Daily Pursuit of Jesus: The most crucial skill for a ministry leader is the daily pursuit of Jesus. This intentional pursuit strengthens our relationship with Him and equips us for the spiritual battles we face. [27:31]
5. Intentional Spiritual Growth: Growing closer to Jesus does not happen by accident. It requires intentional daily practices such as prayer and reading God's Word. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, we ensure that we are spiritually nourished and ready to serve. [32:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:14] - Offering Hope, Community, and a Better Way
- [04:03] - Character, Skill, Charge the Hill
- [05:56] - Importance of Character
- [07:42] - Talent vs. Character
- [09:21] - Commitment in Ministry
- [10:20] - Reflection of Character
- [11:55] - Challenges in Ministry
- [12:53] - Importance of Reliability
- [13:51] - Let Your Yes Be Yes
- [15:36] - Focus on Skill
- [16:50] - God Equips with Skill
- [18:30] - Skill and Will
- [19:07] - Unique Gifts and Abilities
- [21:06] - Gratitude for Ministry Leaders
- [23:25] - Spiritual Battle Awareness
- [24:18] - Training for Battle
- [25:38] - Pursue Jesus Daily
- [27:31] - Full-Time Pastor, Part-Time Follower
- [28:42] - Importance of Personal Devotion
- [29:33] - Pursuing Jesus Daily
- [30:26] - Struggles in Ministry
- [31:31] - Daily Habits and Spiritual Growth
- [32:22] - Intentional Pursuit of Jesus
- [33:36] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 78:72
- Exodus 36:1-2
- Matthew 6:33
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 78:72, what qualities did David exhibit as a leader, and how are these qualities relevant to ministry leadership at Hope City? [04:03]
2. In the sermon, what example was given to illustrate the importance of character in ministry leadership? [09:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between skill and willingness in serving God's kingdom? [18:30]
4. What is the one skill mentioned in the sermon that is crucial for ministry leaders, and why is it emphasized? [27:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "character as a foundation" relate to the challenges faced by ministry leaders, as discussed in the sermon? [09:21]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of God in equipping individuals with skills, and how does this relate to personal responsibility? [16:50]
3. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of being aware of the spiritual battle we face as followers of Jesus? [23:25]
4. How does the sermon interpret the daily pursuit of Jesus as a skill, and what implications does this have for personal spiritual growth? [32:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own character. Are there areas where you feel you need to grow to better reflect Christ in your ministry role? How can you work on these areas this week? [09:21]
2. Consider the unique skills and talents God has given you. How can you pair these with a willing heart to serve more effectively in your ministry? [18:30]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for spiritual battles. What practical steps can you take to stay vigilant and ready for these challenges? [23:25]
4. How can you intentionally pursue Jesus daily in your life? Identify specific practices you can incorporate into your routine to strengthen your relationship with Him. [32:22]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually drained or disconnected. What changes can you make to ensure you are a full-time follower of Jesus, not just a part-time one? [28:42]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of integrity and reliability in ministry. How can you ensure that your commitments, especially in ministry, are honored consistently? [13:51]
7. Think about the distractions in your life that may hinder your pursuit of Jesus. What steps can you take to minimize these distractions and prioritize your spiritual growth? [32:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Character as the Bedrock of Leadership
Character is the foundation upon which effective ministry leadership is built. It is not merely about possessing talent or ability; it is about maintaining integrity and reliability in all actions and words. A leader's character reflects their relationship with Christ and sustains them in their roles. This principle is crucial for ministry leaders, as their actions and words are a testament to their character in Christ. The importance of reliability and integrity is illustrated through examples such as children's ministry, where commitment and follow-through are vital. [05:56]
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your integrity was tested. How did you respond, and what does that reveal about your character in Christ?
Day 2: The Power of Skill and Will
God equips each of us with unique skills and abilities to serve His kingdom, but these must be paired with a willing heart. Skill without willingness is of little value. We must be ready to use our God-given talents for His glory. This combination of skill and will is essential for effective ministry, as it allows us to serve with both competence and passion. Recognizing and developing our skills while maintaining a willing heart ensures that we are prepared to fulfill God's purposes. [18:30]
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching." (Romans 12:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a skill you possess that you have not fully utilized for God's kingdom. What steps can you take this week to pair that skill with a willing heart?
Day 3: Awareness of the Spiritual Battle
As followers of Jesus, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. The enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, but we are called to be a powerful force for God's kingdom. Recognizing this battle helps us stay vigilant and prepared. It is essential to be equipped and ready, understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. By acknowledging the reality of this battle, we can better align ourselves with God's purposes and stand firm in our faith. [23:25]
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might it have been part of a larger spiritual battle, and how can you prepare yourself spiritually for future battles?
Day 4: The Daily Pursuit of Jesus
The most crucial skill for a ministry leader is the daily pursuit of Jesus. This intentional pursuit strengthens our relationship with Him and equips us for the spiritual battles we face. It requires dedication and intentionality, as growing closer to Jesus does not happen by accident. By seeking Jesus daily, we align ourselves with His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will provide for all our needs. This pursuit is the foundation of our spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry. [27:31]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: What specific daily habit can you incorporate into your routine to ensure you are intentionally pursuing Jesus every day?
Day 5: Intentional Spiritual Growth
Growing closer to Jesus requires intentional daily practices such as prayer and reading God's Word. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, we ensure that we are spiritually nourished and ready to serve. This intentional pursuit of spiritual growth is essential for sustaining our faith and effectiveness in ministry. It involves setting aside time each day to connect with God and seek His guidance, allowing us to grow in our understanding and love for Him. [32:22]
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current spiritual practices. What changes can you make to ensure that your spiritual growth is intentional and consistent?
Quotes
"Based on those two quotes, that ability gets you to the top, but it's character that keeps you there. It's talent that gets you to the door, but it's character that keeps you in the room. This is why we don't call you volunteers, because you can't fire a volunteer, but you can fire a ministry leader." [00:09:02] (19 seconds)
"Throughout scripture, we can read from Old Testament to New Testament, we see that it is God who gives people the skill and the gifts and the talents to accomplish the work of building his kingdom and building his church. And so I just want to read a few passages from the Old Testament." [00:15:57] (19 seconds)
"God is the one who equips and gives the skill and ability, and that person has a part to play too. That person has to be willing, willing. It's skill and will. Somebody say that. Skill and will. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you're not willing, you're of no good." [00:18:02] (28 seconds)
"As I look at this room, I think we had 149 ministry leaders register for tonight. 149 of you, right? We all don't have this. We all don't have the same skill. We all don't have the same ability. Our God uniquely designed and fashioned each and every one of us so that each of us has a unique skill and unique ability." [00:19:33] (19 seconds)
"The way I said it here is this way. I said the reason we focus on skill at Hope City is because of the spiritual battle that we're in. I don't know if you realize this or not, but the moment you said yes to Jesus, you became a target for the enemy." [00:23:00] (21 seconds)
"And so let me tell you, the one skill that's going to make all the difference in this battle, that if you do, I promise, if you do this one thing, it's going to make an incredible impact on your life and on your role as a ministry leader here at Hope City. Here's that one thing." [00:26:20] (24 seconds)
"It doesn't happen by accident. We just don't accidentally grow closer to Jesus. It's something that we have to intentionally do, and it's something that we have to intentionally decide. That every single day, I'm going to pursue Jesus. Every single day, I'm going to pray. Every single day, I'm going to be in God's Word. Not because I'm studying for a lesson." [00:32:28] (25 seconds)
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