Tag: leadership

Traits of a Biblical Man: Decision-making. The Weight of the Crown 

A businessman sitting at a wooden desk with a slingshot and blueprint plans on them. He sat in an office with large windows behind, showing a procession of animals 

In a world often defined by ambiguity and a reluctance to commit, the call for decisive leadership rings louder than ever. For Christian men, this call is not merely a secular ideal but a biblical mandate, woven into the very fabric of God’s design for humanity. From the dawn of creation to the restoration of a city, the Bible provides powerful examples of men who embraced their leadership roles by making pivotal decisions.

Let’s explore three distinct moments of decision-making from biblical narratives: Adam in Eden, David facing Goliath, and Nehemiah approaching the king. Through their choices, we uncover timeless principles for modern biblical leadership.

Adam: The Steward’s First Decree (Genesis 2:19-20)

Our journey begins in the pristine Garden of Eden, where God entrusts Adam with dominion over creation. Before the fall, in a moment of pure stewardship, God brings all the animals to Adam “to see what he would name them.” This seemingly simple act is profound. It wasn’t God who named the animals; it was Adam’s responsibility and privilege.

The Decision: Adam decided on the names for every living creature. This was not a passive observation but an active engagement with his delegated authority. Each name he uttered was a declaration of his understanding and relationship with creation, a tangible exercise of his leadership over the animal kingdom.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: Adam’s decision-making here highlights the essence of responsible stewardship. As the first man, he was given dominion and immediately put that authority into practice. His decision to name the animals demonstrates active participation in God’s creative order, an immediate embrace of his assigned role. For us, this speaks to the importance of taking ownership and making informed decisions in our spheres of influence, whether that’s our home, our workplace, or our community.

David: The Courage to Stand (1 Samuel 17:32-37)

Thousands of years later, on a battlefield in the Valley of Elah, fear gripped the armies of Israel. The giant Philistine, Goliath, hurled insults and challenges, yet no Israelite warrior dared to face him. It was a moment of national paralysis, until a young shepherd boy arrived with provisions.

The Decision: When David heard Goliath’s blasphemies and witnessed the fear of his countrymen, he was moved with righteous indignation. His explicit decision was to step forward and offer to fight Goliath himself. Addressing King Saul, David declared, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” He didn’t just feel an urge; he articulated a clear, courageous choice to confront the seemingly insurmountable foe, grounded in his past experiences with God’s deliverance from lions and bears.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: David’s decision exemplifies courageous conviction. In a situation where experienced warriors were paralyzed by fear, a young man, relying on God’s power, chose to act. His leadership was not about physical stature or military rank, but about a deep-seated faith that empowered him to make a radical decision. This teaches us that true leadership often involves making unpopular or risky decisions when the status quo is failing. It demands faith to step into uncomfortable situations, trusting that God will empower us to overcome challenges that seem overwhelming.

Nehemiah: The Bold Request (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

Centuries after the initial glory of Israel, Jerusalem lay in ruins, its walls broken down, its people in disgrace. Nehemiah, a Jewish exile serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, was burdened by this news. After a period of prayer and fasting, he seized a divinely appointed moment.

The Decision: When King Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah’s sadness and asked him why, Nehemiah made the crucial decision to reveal his distress and articulate his bold request to be sent to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. This was a high-stakes moment; approaching a powerful king with such a personal petition carried significant risk. Nehemiah prayed briefly, then explicitly stated his desire: “If it pleases the king… send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild it.” He didn’t just express sorrow; he presented a solution and requested the authority and resources to execute it.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: Nehemiah’s decision highlights strategic boldness and proactive problem-solving. He didn’t wait for someone else to take action. He leveraged his position, prepared his request, and chose the opportune moment to present it. His decision was not impulsive but born from prayer, planning, and a deep sense of purpose. This shows us that biblical decision-making often involves discerning the right timing, articulating a clear vision, and humbly yet confidently presenting a solution to those in authority, all while relying on God’s favor.

Becoming Biblical Decision-Makers in Modern Life

These biblical narratives offer more than just historical accounts; they are blueprints for godly leadership in our own lives. As Christian men, how can we emulate Adam, David, and Nehemiah in our daily decision-making?

  1. Embrace Stewardship and Initiative: Like Adam, recognize the spheres of influence God has entrusted to you – your family, your work, your church. Don’t wait for others to define your role. Proactively take ownership, make informed decisions within your delegated authority, and seek to bring order and purpose to your environment.
  2. Cultivate Courageous Conviction: Like David, be prepared to stand firm in your convictions, especially when fear or popular opinion dictates otherwise. This means discerning God’s will and acting on it, even when it feels risky or unpopular. It requires faith to confront challenges that seem insurmountable, trusting in God’s power to work through you.
  3. Develop Strategic Boldness: Like Nehemiah, approach challenges with prayerful preparation and strategic thinking. Don’t shy away from making bold requests or taking on daunting tasks if you believe it aligns with God’s purpose. Learn to discern opportune moments, articulate your vision clearly, and humbly yet confidently seek the resources and support needed to bring about positive change.

The weight of the crown, the responsibility of leadership, is not meant to crush us, but to empower us to reflect God’s own order and purpose in the world. By consciously choosing to be decisive, faithful, and proactive in our decision-making, we can honor God and lead effectively, becoming the biblical men our families, churches, and communities desperately need.

Check Your Pastor #SundaySuggestion

In case you misread the title of this one, it is not a blog post about cooking – check your pasta! Instead, my suggestion this week is to check in with your pastor or church leader.

In my experience, church leaders can find it very difficult to manage their time and workload. This comes from the fact that they are not merely doing a job, but trying to fulfil a calling. For many church leaders, ministers and pastors, they are rarely off the clock and can be called on night and day for support. While many try to take a day off each week, the demands of a church family can encroach on that time. This is, of course, understandable at times and we cannot schedule our problems to fall on pastor’s working days! However, if a minister is frequently missing out of their time off, then it is only a matter of time before they run out of energy.

How is your #church leader doing? How can you support them this week? #Bible #Jesus #Christianity

Also in my experience, church leaders are not always so good at asking for help. They are so busy ministering to others that they forget they need ministering to as well.

So, this week, why not check in with your pastor. Ask them how they are doing, and if there is anything you can do to support them. You may be able to pray for them, and indeed is something we should try to do regularly. In what other ways can you be a blessing to them?

Perhaps you can offer to take care of their children for the night, giving them and their spouse an evening off? Maybe you can drop them in a meal or two, saving them having to prepare something during a busy period. I am certain there are lots of things that could be done. You might have to draw in the support of other leaders in the church to find out what they really need or to find the best way of supporting them. It could take a bit of effort, but I am sure it would be appreciated.

Many churches in UK, and I suppose it is similar elsewhere, are rather small consisting of fewer than 50 members. If they have their own minister (as many share), that person might be the only member of staff in the church. That can be a lonely position, especially if they are unmarried. In such a situation, ministers can be left carrying the burden of a whole church on their shoulders.

I am reminded of this passage from the Old Testament.

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Exodus 17:10-13 NIV

Moses could not bear the weight of his staff for a long time, so Aaron and Hur came alongside him and supported him. Can you stand alongside your pastor or church leader in a similar way?

Have a great Sunday!

Pray for your Pastor – Sunday Suggestion

Today’s Sunday Suggestion may seem an obvious one, but your pastor/minister/vicar needs your prayer support! I am not a pastor, but have been in church leadership for many years, and let me tell you it is no easy task! You know the phrase, “You can’t please everyone all of the time…”? Well that is sadly apt for church leaders!

If you have a faithful pastor or group of leaders over your church, then you ought to be eternally grateful. I know so many church leaders who have worked themselves sick for the sake of their flock, and now more than ever, pastors and leaders need our help and support.

The Bible encourages us to pray for those in authority over us. Scriptures such as Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2 direct us to pray for kings and ruling governments, and I do not think it a stretch to include those in church leadership over us also.

A passage I return to when thinking of my own leaders is found in Exodus:

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Exodus 17:10-13 (NIV)

Now your pastor may not be facing a physical battle as the Israelites were (although I bet it feels like that sometimes!) but they need just as much support. Can you be an Aaron or a Hur for them, come alongside and hold up their hands for a time?

How can you pray for them right now? If you are not sure, why not ask them, or send them an email?

Most leaders or pastors would probably like the following to be prayed over them:

  • Prayers for strength, energy and good sleeping patterns
  • Prayers for protection for them and their family; physically, mentally and spiritually
  • Prayers for wisdom and discernment
  • Prayers to help them manage their workload and prioritise
  • Prayers for their own relationship with Jesus
  • Prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their life and ministry

The list could go on and on. If you have other good ideas of how to pray for church leaders, do share them below.

One final suggestion – you might like to set aside a specific day or time to pray for them each week. If your life is like mine, then it can get rather hectic at times. Set a reminder or put a weekly appointment in your diary or calendar so it does not get missed.

Your pastor will be ever thankful for your prayers and support!