Any one can start a church service. A space, some music, a voice.

But leading people into a place of growth and daily encounter with our Father God takes skill.

More than that, it takes a heart that is prepared to do it first for themselves, and then is able take others along with them.

Pushing your way through virgin bush and marking out a new path takes courage, conviction and a strength that is not natural. It might be hard, but the joys it rewards you with are always well worth it.

In Exodus 17:4, Moses cries out to God:

“What am I to do with these people?”

Any leader in Christian ministry can relate to these words. Leading can be hard particularly when you feel your vision and direction is being met with less than full enthusiasm. Am I the only one hearing from God? Have I got it wrong? Am I expecting too much? Is the church totally apostate?!

In some ways it’s comforting to know Moses - yes, Moses - had the same leadership woes as you and I. What’s more comforting, is to hear how God answered his prayer (Exodus 17:5-6):

The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

“Go Ahead of the People” - Look on from where your people are. Stand in their shoes and survey where you need to go. Mark a path on ahead for them to follow. It is true that you can’t lead others where you haven’t gone.
“Take with you some of the elders” - Never go alone. Gather a team and take capable leaders on the journey with you.
“Take in your hand the staff” - What is in your hand? Don’t focus on what you don’t have, but what you do have. God’s given it and God will bless and will use it.
“I will stand there before you” - God is with you! Remember this is not for you, or about you - it is for God and is about God. And so it’s only going to happen because of God.
“Strike the Rock” - Go to Jesus the rock. Go to Jesus, hungry, humble and in prayer. Go to Jesus and from Jesus you will find the living water you need.

Lead well.

Do you ever feel like something’s missing?

Following that sense of “hang on, there is something not 100% right here” is a massive part of leading God’s people.

To me, that is what makes ministry leadership primarily spiritual in nature. It is not just training or skills or abilities or personality that we do this thing. It’s got to be something more. We’re talking supernatural, revelatory stuff. Seeing ahead of the seasons and making the necessary adjustments to keep pace with the Spirit of God.

If I’m honest, I want spend much more of my life there. In the spirit-led zone. Because, when everything is said and done, I’m sick of my own carnality and God’s name deserves much more than just our limitations.