Strategic Leadership: Balancing Structure and Divine Guidance
Summary
### Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the theme of strategic leadership, drawing from Acts 6. We began by acknowledging God's presence and the importance of worship, especially for those struggling with illness. We then transitioned into the sermon, emphasizing the need for structured and organized leadership within the church, as well as in our personal lives. The Book of Acts serves as a powerful example of how the early church grew through strategic leadership and divine guidance.
We discussed the supernatural events in Acts, where the apostles were freed from prison by an angel and continued to preach the gospel despite opposition. This led to the growth of the church and increased persecution, culminating in the martyrdom of many early Christians. We explored the concept of martyrdom and the rewards that come with it, such as the diadema (royal crown) and the stephanos (victor's crown).
The sermon highlighted the importance of being both an organization and an organism. While structure and order are crucial, they must be balanced with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. We examined how the early church managed to grow despite challenges by appointing leaders full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to handle specific tasks, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.
We also touched on the significance of strategic leadership in various aspects of life, including family, business, and community. The need for intentionality, vision, mission, and values was stressed, along with the importance of adapting to changing contexts and not relying on past successes. Delegation and trustworthiness were identified as key components of effective leadership.
In conclusion, we were reminded that strategic leadership is not just about managing tasks but about fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. We were encouraged to be intentional in our leadership, to seek God's guidance, and to ensure that our actions align with His design and order.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Design and Order: God is a God of design and order, evident in the natural world and in His plans for our lives. Just as the earth rotates and revolves in a precise manner, our lives should reflect God's structured design. This means being intentional and organized in our personal, family, and spiritual lives. [01:05:26]
2. Balancing Organization and Presence: Effective leadership requires a balance between being an organization and an organism. While structure and order are essential, they must be infused with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This balance ensures that our efforts are not just human endeavors but are divinely inspired and effective. [01:03:53]
3. Strategic Leadership in Growth: The early church grew because of strategic leadership. The apostles appointed leaders full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to handle specific tasks, allowing them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This model of delegation and trustworthiness is crucial for growth in any organization or community. [01:00:38]
4. Adapting to Change: Success in leadership requires the ability to adapt to changing contexts. Holding on to past successes can hinder growth. We must be willing to innovate and adjust our approaches while staying true to the unchanging Word of God. This adaptability is essential for staying relevant and effective in our mission. [01:19:35]
5. Intentional Leadership: Being a strategic leader means being intentional in all aspects of life. This includes having a clear vision, mission, and values, and ensuring that our actions align with God's purpose. It also involves being accountable, seeking God's guidance, and being willing to repent and adjust when necessary. [01:37:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:11] - Worship and Healing
[52:24] - Introduction to Acts 6
[53:51] - Supernatural Events in Acts
[55:30] - Growth and Persecution
[57:17] - Martyrdom and Rewards
[59:05] - Four Baptisms
[01:00:38] - Strategic Leadership in Acts 6
[01:02:28] - God's Design and Order
[01:03:53] - Balancing Organization and Presence
[01:05:26] - Natural World as a Model
[01:07:04] - Jesus' Model of Discipleship
[01:08:37] - Vision and Mission
[01:10:18] - Theology as the Queen of Sciences
[01:11:48] - Strategic Leadership in the Church
[01:13:25] - Dealing with Division
[01:15:09] - Knowing the Condition of the Flock
[01:16:38] - Unity in the House
[01:18:03] - Determining Priorities
[01:19:35] - Adapting to Change
[01:21:30] - Last Year's Nest
[01:23:19] - Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal
[01:24:58] - Devotion to Prayer and Scripture
[01:26:45] - Accountability in Leadership
[01:28:31] - Delegating Duties
[01:30:35] - Competency and Trustworthiness
[01:32:20] - Pain in Leadership
[01:33:41] - Different Gifts and Graces
[01:35:36] - Demonstrating Faith
[01:37:07] - Strategic Leadership in All Areas
[01:39:21] - Importance of Regular Gathering
[01:41:13] - Parable of the Fig Tree
[01:42:53] - Altar Call and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 6:1-7: "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.' This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
2. Ephesians 3:10: "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the main issue that arose among the early disciples in Acts 6:1-7, and how did the apostles address it?
2. According to the sermon, what are the two types of crowns mentioned, and what do they signify? [57:17]
3. How does Ephesians 3:10 describe the role of the church in revealing God's wisdom?
4. What does 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 say about the diversity of gifts and services within the church?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was it important for the apostles to delegate responsibilities to others in Acts 6:1-7, and how did this decision impact the growth of the early church?
2. How does the concept of balancing organization and the presence of the Holy Spirit apply to modern church leadership? [01:03:53]
3. In what ways can the church today adapt to changing contexts while staying true to the unchanging Word of God? [01:19:35]
4. How can the different gifts and services mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of church ministry?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you need to be more intentional and organized to reflect God's design and order? How can you start making changes this week? [01:05:26]
2. How can you ensure that your leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace, is balanced with both structure and the presence of the Holy Spirit? [01:03:53]
3. Think of a time when you held on to past successes. How did it affect your ability to adapt to new challenges? What steps can you take to be more adaptable in the future? [01:19:35]
4. Identify one specific task or responsibility you can delegate to someone else this week. How will this help you focus on your primary mission and vision? [01:00:38]
5. Consider the different gifts and services within your small group or church. How can you encourage and support each other to use these gifts effectively for the growth of the community? [01:33:41]
6. How can you be more intentional in seeking God's guidance in your leadership decisions? Share a recent decision where you sought God's guidance and the outcome. [01:37:07]
7. Reflect on the importance of regular gathering and community in your spiritual growth. How can you prioritize attending church and small group meetings in your schedule? [01:39:21]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Design and Order
God is a God of design and order, evident in the natural world and in His plans for our lives. Just as the earth rotates and revolves in a precise manner, our lives should reflect God's structured design. This means being intentional and organized in our personal, family, and spiritual lives. When we align our lives with God's order, we find peace and purpose, knowing that we are part of a greater plan.
In our daily lives, this can look like setting aside time for prayer, organizing our tasks to reflect our priorities, and ensuring that our actions align with our values. By doing so, we honor God's design and allow His order to bring clarity and direction to our lives. Remember, God's order is not about rigidity but about creating a space where His presence can dwell and guide us.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels chaotic or disorganized? How can you bring God's order into that area today? [01:05:26]
Day 2: Balancing Organization and Presence
Effective leadership requires a balance between being an organization and an organism. While structure and order are essential, they must be infused with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This balance ensures that our efforts are not just human endeavors but are divinely inspired and effective. The early church exemplified this balance by appointing leaders full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to handle specific tasks, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.
In our personal lives, this means that while we plan and organize, we must remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our plans should be flexible enough to accommodate God's interruptions and guidance. By doing so, we ensure that our actions are not just efficient but also spiritually fruitful.
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your daily plans and routines? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions are both organized and Spirit-led? [01:03:53]
Day 3: Strategic Leadership in Growth
The early church grew because of strategic leadership. The apostles appointed leaders full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to handle specific tasks, allowing them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This model of delegation and trustworthiness is crucial for growth in any organization or community. By trusting others with responsibilities, leaders can focus on their primary calling and ensure that all aspects of the mission are effectively managed.
In our own lives, strategic leadership means recognizing our strengths and weaknesses and delegating tasks accordingly. It involves trusting others and empowering them to take on roles that align with their gifts and talents. This not only fosters growth but also builds a strong, united community.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
Reflection: Who in your life can you trust with responsibilities that align with their strengths? How can you delegate tasks to foster growth and unity in your community? [01:00:38]
Day 4: Adapting to Change
Success in leadership requires the ability to adapt to changing contexts. Holding on to past successes can hinder growth. We must be willing to innovate and adjust our approaches while staying true to the unchanging Word of God. This adaptability is essential for staying relevant and effective in our mission. The early church faced numerous challenges and persecutions, yet they continued to grow by being flexible and responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading.
In our personal and professional lives, this means being open to new ideas and willing to change our methods when necessary. It involves a willingness to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace new ways of thinking and doing. By doing so, we remain effective and aligned with God's purpose for our lives.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding on to past successes? How can you adapt and innovate to stay aligned with God's purpose? [01:19:35]
Day 5: Intentional Leadership
Being a strategic leader means being intentional in all aspects of life. This includes having a clear vision, mission, and values, and ensuring that our actions align with God's purpose. It also involves being accountable, seeking God's guidance, and being willing to repent and adjust when necessary. Intentional leadership is about making deliberate choices that reflect our commitment to God's design and order.
In our daily lives, this means setting clear goals and priorities, regularly evaluating our progress, and making adjustments as needed. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer and scripture and being open to His correction and direction. By being intentional, we ensure that our lives are purposeful and aligned with God's will.
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: What is one specific goal or priority you can set today to align your actions with God's purpose? How can you seek God's guidance in achieving this goal? [01:37:07]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We need to center on how privileged we are and maximize every moment that the Lord gives to us and in the book of acts chapter 6 we see that how God began to move in those days in those days when the number of disciples was increasing." [01:00:38] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is a God of order, God is a God of design and if you look at how the whole new testament is structured even the old we'll see God never for a moment is just flippant or casual always structured always organized." [01:02:28] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Imagine right now I can tell you that the earth is rotating on its axis and while it's rotating it's revolving imagine the earth right now is rotating but simultaneously revolving and it's in an elliptical orbit it's got its own path it never clashes with other planets." [01:03:53] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How can I be born again and be chaos in the way I love my family in the way I lead my family in the way I lead my organization or my business in the church right in the way that's chaotic yet the God that we serve as a God of design." [01:05:26] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need strategic leadership because that's what he gives to us I thank God I'm born again I thank God I'm a Christian I thank God he saved my life I thank God I don't care about the studies they are valuable but they cannot praise the university of the holy ghost numerology the study of the holy spirit if you born again enter into the university of the holy spirit man give the lord a hand of praise." [01:11:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first point I want to make this morning is disciples were increasing you see God is a God of order God is a God of design and if you look at how the whole new testament is structured even the old we'll see God never for a moment is just flippant or casual always structured always organized." [01:02:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see you can't be an organism be alive in God but be chaos no structure no design no pattern no order and you can't just be an organization you have everything in order but no presence no power you're legalistic and you actually kill people with doing over structure." [01:02:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We got to be intentional about being organizationally structured and being an organism and we can do it through faith you won't be the only ones who are going to be the only one that is going to take over and alive in life and by the power of the holy spirit it's not either or it's both ends which one are you leaning towards if you're not and you balance good for you you'll experience a blessing of god in increasing measure." [01:03:53] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The bible says we need to know the condition of the flock so when we preach up here we don't just preach because it's a nice thing to preach we preach because of what's needed i learned that from michael cassidy you get what you preach you preach prosperity people become wealthy you preach holiness people become holy you preach faith people's faith builds up that's why we must have a well-balanced sermon types that so that they reach the whole of the human being." [01:15:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have a vision i told you what the vision is we have a mission but we also have a set of values the word of god is the highest court of appeal the holy spirit is necessary to live righteously in a fallen world number three we need to be disciples we have a discipleship process in the house so that you can be a part of that process and be a part of that process and be a part of that process and grow and then servant leadership it doesn't mean we just you can walk all over us we got to be the lion and we got to be the lamb we got to be humble but we got to be assertive." [01:16:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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