FOLLOWERS’ FAITH MUST BE RENEWED

Just as Moses fear was in the beginning when he asked God “What if they do not believe me or listen to me…? (Exo. 4:1), the children of Israel soon proved the importance of continuous persuasion as they journey to the Promised Land.

While many were glad enough to leave Egypt, they soon turned on him just later at the Red Sea. After God parted the waters and they joyfully accompanied Moses into the desert, their loyalty soon withered again. They were thirsty, hence Moses turned bitter water sweet; they were hungry, yet Moses pleaded God to provide manna and quails. Despite all these miracles, in the few days that followed, they were all at Moses’ neck again accusing him “why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst” (Exo. 17:3).

If parting the Rea Sea and drowning Pharaoh’s army couldn’t earn Moses the confidence of the Israelites as God’s messenger, it’s not surprising that the average manager has trouble sustaining the confidence of his staff. People may find it difficult to follow your ideas and changes. It’s like following you to walk on waters. There is no such thing as winning people’s trust once and for all, faith must be renewed no matter how brilliant your past successes. You are only as good as your last movies, says a Hollywood adage.

Even though many people did not believe in the exploits of Dr. Jonas Salk while he was working to develop the polio vaccine in 1953, yet when the result came out, he proved to the whole world how possible it is to stimulate antibodies by injecting a person with dead virus. Soon after, Dr. Salk again involved himself in pioneering the research to develop a vaccine for AIDS. This time, the scientific community insisted that AIDS vaccine was unfeasible because the virus was able to mutate so quickly. Salk’s response was “I know this will work, and I will do it”.

Two years after his death in 1997, the first report of the vaccine – “Remune” came in. The immune cells of people who had taken the drug significantly increase to fight off the HIV virus. Clinical trials of “Remune” continue today and on the web, it is referred to as Salk vaccine.

If there comes a time when you present your staff with a new or difficult challenge, and the majority of them seem to chorus how impossible it is, the only way to gain their faith is to proceed with the mission undaunted, until your Rea Sea disappears. Now when your impossible idea proves to be viable after all, then the crowd will follow you. Nevertheless, be ready when they stop at the next bridge and demand yet another miracle. Your staff faith must constantly be rekindled by your vision and energy. Be prepared to prove yourself not once, but every time and you will win the confidence of your staff the only way – day by day.

TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE SECONDARY IN RECOGNISING STRENGHT IN OTHERS

Unlike the secular system where the one with the best certificate takes it all, God’s principle of management defers in that it places more values on certain core character traits that lies at the heart of leadership. Honesty, faithfulness, integrity, compassion, courage and others may be considered more by God in placing people to a higher position than such individual’s technical skills or capabilities.

Without a doubt, the technical experience is certainly an essential element, but such can only be driven to a lasting productivity on the wheel of these core characters. When Moses expressed his fear that his authority will not be recognized due to those physical qualities he lacked, God knew that he already has the core character of meekness and compassion required for the position (Num. 12:2,3). I believe God chose this path due to the fact that it is easier enhancing a man’s technical skills than trying to build the required core characters in him.

Jesus started his ministry choosing Peter, Andrew, James and John who are all lay men found as fishermen at the coastline of Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:1-11, Act 4:13). He should have gone for scholars in the temple. As a manager, you are often in the position to encourage people to take on new challenges. When you see potential in others that they do not yet see in themselves, it can be just as difficult to broaden their views as it was to broaden you own, yet that is your job.

When God was persuading Gideon to take up the leadership position as a deliverer for Israel, He knew that all the man needed is to make him discover what his true identity is in relative to God program for Israel. (Judge 6:11-40). One of the qualities of good leadership is the ability to see far more than what ordinary eye can look. At his full momentum, Gideon’s initiative ability was sparked up. He was on in a full force in devising the extraordinary way of fighting the war using empty pitchers, trumpets, lamps and a loud shout (Judges 7:15-21). God only asked him to go, but the potential in him brought up the unique and amazing strategy to fight the battle. That I believe was what God saw in him in the beginning when He called him “a man of valor”!

CHRISTIAN MANAGEMENT IS BASED ON SERVICE, NOT EXPLOITATION

The need for well trained and highly qualified leaders in Christian organization is emerging as serious issue throughout the Christian community. Many Bible colleges, seminaries, pastors and leaders in both Christian organizations agreed that we need better prepared people to manage effectively organizations God has raised up to accomplish His work.

Unfortunately, while most pastors feel capable of providing spiritual leadership, not many feel adequately prepared to manage the organization. The reason for this being lack of resources on biblical management principles during training of most individuals.

Most often than not, Christian organization management team probably attended seminary or Bible college where the educational program emphasis such subjects as homiletics, ecclesiology, eschatology, hermeneutics, exegesis and others. All of these studies are certainly beneficial in helping teach and have an understanding of correct doctrine. Nevertheless, none of them is designed to prepare a person to manage or lead an organization. It is high time Christian organization begin to give more attention to management and leadership training without which no ministry or organization can be most efficient in productivity.

Perhaps you may ask what makes Christian management unique. It is unfortunate that most individual in the kingdom received their management philosophy and principles from the secular business world. Secular management is materialistic and humanistic in nature. It uses authority as a means of using, manipulating and controlling people. Secular textbooks define management as getting work done through others. Such concept which is highly appealing to man’s sinful nature simply gives leaders right to control and exploit men under them. Hence attempting to use such philosophy in accomplishing God’s work totally opposes God’s own principles.

Drawing from an incidence in the book of Matthew 20, verses twenty beginning, there was an instance when the mother of James and John (the two Zebedees) came seeking Jesus to allow her two sons sit next to him in His kingdom. The reply Jesus gave describes the philosophy on which Christian management principles must be founded;

 “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto…” (Matt 20:25-28)

Leaders in the secular system often use authority to “exercise dominion” over others, but Christian leaders are to serve those under them by helping them to reach their maximum efficiency. It is good to know that the higher you go in Christian organization, the more you serve, no wonders we are called ministers. Therefore, from scriptural perspective, I consider the best definition for management (according to Myron) is meeting the needs of people as they work at accomplishing their jobs. As a manager gives himself to serving the needs of others under him, he will make amazing discoveries and people will voluntarily and eagerly meet his needs in return (1 Kings 12:7).

INTRODUCING: CHRISTIAN LEADERS ON MANAGEMENT

Throughout the Bible, there are amazing revelations of individuals, great and visionary leaders exemplifying God’s wisdom and principles on management of different system (business, teams, military, political, family, congregation etc). Today, people are often called upon to lead and to manage. But do these two activities mean the same thing? According to Warren Bennis and Brurt Nanus in “Leaders”, managers are people who do things right, but leaders are people who do the right thing. The difference also stands out in the activities of mastering routines and activities of vision and judgment.

An entrepreneur who started his or her own business must be visionary and also understand a day to day running of the business. So also an associate pastor in a large congregation or a hired manager in a big corporation must share and promote the vision of the Founder/CEO or risk losing the confidence of the congregation or the staff as the case applies.

One of the qualities of a great leader is the ability to grow into the roles of both being visionary even as he or she effectively understand and run the day to day operations of the business. While he or she may possess certain innate characteristics of leadership like commitment, dedication, passion for justice, he must also learn those elements of leadership and management on the job. How do you resolve conflicts in an organization and most especially in spiritual settings? How do you delegate authority without fear of unfaithfulness? What are the steps to creating rules, policies and procedures for smooth day-to-day system running?

The exemplary leadership style of Jesus is so wonderful in that He was able to rightly lead and manage His disciples who came from various backgrounds and social settings through principles that was not only in existence when He was on earth but also after His departure to heaven.

Let’s also take Moses for example, a rare leader who demonstrates leadership traits that are highly prized today. As we presently live in the information age, where facts evolves daily and global marketplace is constantly shifting beneath us, the skills Moses used to lead his people through the wilderness are extremely relevant: being flexible, quick response, sustaining the confidence of the people in uncertain times for over forty years and creating rules and policies that work for individuals from widely diverse background.

There is no doubt that if we understand his God lead techniques and principles (and also that of others), this knowledge can equally guide us through similar circumstances in our own wilderness.

CORE OBJECTIVES:

i.                   Despite changes globally experienced in today’s business scene; learn the unchanging and undaunted biblical principles on management and administration.

ii.                 As the present 21^st century begins to reveal flaws and imperfection in secular management principles, develop the required leadership spirit on how to perfectly sustain a system through the ageless wisdom of God’s Word.

iii.              To proffer adequate material for sustainable and progressive system in Christian bodies (i.e. Churches, fellowships, groups, ministries, mission networks etc), with biblical guidelines for human and resource management and such which equally aids good succession.

iv.              The end time wealth transfer as prophesied in the scriptures only establishes its root on management and administrative principles as found in the scriptures.

v.                 In developing godly foundation and holistic approach for business sanctity, and such that will flush out the monster of corruption and dishonesty eating up both the governmental and private systems.

vi.              In such a time like this where downsizing, mergers and increasing uncertainty besiege our market place, locate an invaluable scriptural resources for sustaining a satisfying balance between life and livelihood.

Therefore in a bid to fulfill part of our mission in empowering Christian leaders at various levels with the essential divine tools necessary for making global impact in this changing period of 21st century (Joel 3:9-13), we hereby wish to introduce a medium for sharing resources on CHRISTIAN LEADERS ON MANAGEMENT. We hope you will find this useful in your daily running of the divine assignment committed in your care. Thanking you for believing in our vision.

EMPOWERING YOUR GIFTS (PART 1)

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).

The Spirit of God is essentially the Spirit of empowerment. Whenever the Spirit comes, He impacts on us the ability to do good works. It’s very important to know that the empowerment of the Holy Spirit is manifested in every Believer comes in two ways; the gifts of the Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8-10, Gal. 5:22). It is therefore impossible for any Believer to make maximum profit in his undertakings without the combination of these two.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” (1 Cor 12:7)

It may not be a surprise how the present Church culture has subordinated the fruits of the Holy Spirit to His gifts. More often than not, the measure of God’s dwelling power is more attached to miracles, healings and prophesies than godly characters of love, joy, temperance, peace or meekness. We count it more of God’s demonstration of power to perform healings and wonders than to walk in love and temperance. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25). It is one thing to live in the Spirit, while it is another to walk in it. And until we walk, there is no doubt if any progress may be achieved.

Living with gifts of the Spirit at the expense of the fruits has simply turned the present generation of Believers to “formed” Christians (2 Tim 3:5). This in turn has made it easy for us to disguise and hide our unseemly attitude inside “spirituality”. We place most emphasis on Church activities and replaced true Christian walk with it. Although there is nothing wrong about miracles or Church activities, however, the latter is not meant to be at its expense. It is the combination of the gifts and the fruit that makes for the empowerment of the Church.

Every time I think on how Solomon ended with his wisdom, my mind kept signaling something out of order. It was of recent that it comes to my consciousness that Solomon’s wisdom was simply a gift (1 Kings 3:5). Gifts are simply given and you don’t necessary need to know how it comes or what it cost the giver. However, fruits are grown. You are not only actively involved in its cultivation but such engagement also instills in you the essential character of patience and temperance required for it maturity.

It’s good to know that God rather waits to “eat” from your fruits and not from your gifts; after all, He gave the all those gifts to you in the beginning. This was what justifies Jesus action when He saw the fig tree in leaves (full of gifts); yet without fruits (Mark 11:13). In every case this happens, Jesus considered no reason why such tree should exist (Luke 13:6-9).

INTRODUCING JOEL INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP COURSES

We have the mission to service the existing Churches and Christian bodies through specialized seminars, workshops and leadership empowerment training resources such that addresses her spiritual and economic needs for exploits essential for this 21st century and thereby presenting the Church as a bride without blemish to Christ at His coming.

Our courses are in 3 different modules of Basic, Intermediate and Advance. The followings are the outlines and objectives of some of our Leadership Courses taken at various modules.

 1. PURPOSE & VISION

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jer 1:5)

“And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Col 4:17NKJV)

Course Objectives:

• Have a depth understanding of how to progress from purpose to pursuit of vision as you experience the joy of fulfillment. 
•  Be informed of your formation in the mind of God and develop the passion towards it. 

2. CULTIVATING POSITIVE ATTITUDE

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Prov 23:7)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov 4:23)

    

Course Objectives:

• Understand how to unleash the best of God right in your inside to affecting your world.
• Know how to utilize the force that control destiny to do the impossible. 
• Understand how to control and bring necessary changes to your life for ultimate success. 

  
3. POWER OF LOYALTY

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matt 24:45-46)

“And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12)

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principal qualification of every leader such which enhances success. 
• Understand the reward of faithfulness and what it takes to be a faithful follower.

  
4. PERSONAL DEVELPOMENT PRINCIPLES

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor 9:25-27)

“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb 5:13-14)

Course Objectives:

• Understand those principles that take to grow up spirit soul and body unto maturity. 
• Learn how to develop, enlarge and manifest the potentials of God within your life unto fruition.

  
5. MINISTERING IN POWER

“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:” (1 Cor 2:4)

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38)

Course Objectives:

• To bring to the understanding of the trainee that the secret of exploits in life and ministry is rooted in power. 
• To give better understanding of the personality of the Holy Spirit, how He imparts the ability to perform and how to sustain God's power to maintain relevance.

   
6. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars…” (Gal 2:9)

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it…” (Ezek 22:30)

Course Objectives:

• To assist in developing and refining Leadership qualities and to give practical insight to the God kind of Leadership. 
• To awake and enhance the potential hidden within the individual to lead. 
• To give necessary guidelines and guidance for effective Leadership.

  
7. FINANCING AND MANAGING GOD'S PROJECTS

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18)

“Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.” (Zech 1:17)

Course Objectives:

• Understand the difference between principles and methods in church administration and financial management
• Learn the principle of true financial prosperity without raising funds. 
• Learn more wisdom about handling and managing Church funds.

                            8. PRINCIPLES OF PERSEVERANCE

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

“If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” (Job 14:14)

Course Objective:

• Learn the importance of endurance to living a consecrated and successful life. 
• Develop the inner strength to persevere and drive your God given goals and vision to an accomplishment. 
• Learn how to stand strong during the heat and stormy weather of life and persist till the harvest comes.

9. BIBLICAL STRATEGIC PLANNING 
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” (Isa 46:9-10)

Course Objectives:

• Understand how to work with faith and good thinking in order to make your vision produce fruition. 
• Learn how to use your God given potentials to live ready and be on guard before the needs arises. 
• Understand the how to leadership succession and begin to see your future from now.

10. CHANGE MANAGEMENT 
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Prov 4:18)

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor 3:18)

Course Objectives:

• Learn biblical techniques of introducing new approach for profiting into a system where traditions are bringing setbacks. 

11. POWER OF PREPARATION

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it…” (Luke 14:28-32)

“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” (Isa 33:6)

Course Objective:

• Understand the blessing of planning as it relates to your God given vision and exploit of faith. 
• Learn how to overcome major obstacles stopping people from planning and preparing for life major changes. 
• Gain insight with power on how to finish strong.

  
12. MANAGING 21^st CENTURY YOUTH 

“The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.” (Prov 20:29)

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim 3:14-15)

Course Objective:

• Learn the critical role information playing in the lives of the 21^st century youths. 
• To help know how to direct the strength of the youth toward positive and profitable goals for the end time Church. 
• To receive wisdom for empowerment over lust and temptations often identified with the youth these last days.

 
Joel International is a traveling organization and we entertain invitations from any Church and any part of the world. For more information, please contact the following phone numbers:
+2348065303943 
+2348086180823
+2347060423639
+233540897170

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/joelinternational?ap=1