LEADERS ARE POWERFUL
because they will never put forth the energy to be out front setting the
pace; and they never make good followers because they cannot keep up!
The core of their problem is spiritual – not physical. Oswald Sanders
rightly pointed out:
Many who drop out of ministry are sufficiently gifted, but
have large areas of life floating free from the Holy Spirit’s
control. Lazy and disorganized people never rise to true
leadership.^4
By contrast, authentic leaders are people of purposeful movement and
positive motion. They are able to build a powerful momentum. They have
usually been generously endowed by both nature and God with abundant
physical energy...mental energy...emotional energy...spiritual energy. They
tend to pulsate with energy through their personality and presence. The
moment they enter a room – the energy level rises! People quickly begin
to be aware of their presence. Very soon they are the center of things...
the focus of attention...the catalyst that sparks activity and involvement.
The Apostle Paul was just that kind of energetic leader. That’s why he
could remind the Corinthian church:
“When I came to you, my message and my preaching
were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a
demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (I Cor. 2:1-4).
Principle:
“Leaders generally have a lot of physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual energy that results in their
movement, motion and momentum.”
As a result of their level of activity, leaders are characterized by an
energetic personality and a compelling drive that causes them to “rise to
the top”...“work their way up the ladder”...“be out front”....“come out
on top of things.” Spiritual leadership requires a high level of spiritual
commitment, mental focus, and emotional energy to accomplish God given
goals – often against great odds and opposition. People will not follow a
leader whom they perceive to be weak, feeble, failing and inept. When a
leader loses his physical strength, mental alertness and emotional energy
to lead, he generally loses his followers. At that point he may move into