Friday Fight 203: Roles of a Spiritual Leader
Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF203.
Suppose we were to hear a sermon or a podcast about being a spiritual leader. How many would giggle or tune out the person speaking? When hearing the phrase "spiritual leader," most of us would imagine a pastor before immediately shutting down because of our feelings of inadequacy. Sure, we have Christ as a model and the Word for instruction, but without the spiritual part, the word “leader” often imposes fear. With that actualization out there, let's explore some areas of our lives that could change our perception of this position.
Roles of a Spiritual Leader:
In attempting to apply the term spiritual leader to our lives, let's look at ways we may be leading others to Christ without realizing it. For example, how many of us have a random face pop into our mind only to discover that person needed help at the precise moment we called? Has anyone ever felt annoyed being in the longest line at the grocery store, then quickly humbled when noticing the young mom checking out was carefully removing needed items she couldn't afford? We instruct others when the Holy Spirit guides us to receive His insight on their behalf. Instruction is done through our support, remaining still, or joining others in their journey. We become spiritual leaders when we make that call or bless another with financial backing. This is all leading others to God. 1 Peter 4:10 emphasizes the importance of using our unique gifts and abilities to serve others, allowing us to reflect on the various roles of spiritual leadership in everyday life. It says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Let's consider some other roles. Ever desired to preach? We preach, perhaps not on stage but sharing the Word with someone or displaying Christ through our actions in another way to preach. Many of us facilitate being a spiritual mentor whenever we encourage others to lean on God, individually or in a group setting. If this still does not fit your perspective of leading another spiritually, then consider the role of being a coach whenever talking to someone about the latest inspirational book, a new class at church, or helping someone map out their spiritual goals. Finally, we spiritually impact others by praying and participating in being present. It could mean we stand as an audience while those around us serve God above others, stand beside us in our journey, or fulfill whatever role we need.
It's important to remember that spiritual leadership isn't confined to traditional roles. It could also be represented when we instruct, preach, facilitate, coach, or stand alongside someone in their spiritual journey, exemplifying spiritual leadership. It's an active and inclusive position, and we can all show others daily. By acknowledging that God moves and leads through our actions, support, and genuine engagement, we can move from fear and inadequacy to humility and purpose in helping others find a deeper relationship with Christ.
Pastor Shannon
River Church