Find Us Faithful: Introduction

Introduction

Few would question the need for faithful leaders and good leadership in our day. This need for good leadership crosses the various spheres of human relationships and activities in our world. And I would submit that the more chaotic our world seems to be and the more complex our world’s problems, the more concerned people are about leadership. This does not negate cynicism, indifference, or frustration—all of which certainly abound as well—but most people who are concerned for societal or global problems are concerned about leadership issues.

As I write these words, we are in an election year in the United States. It is fascinating to watch all that is taking place during these pre-election months. Candidates, political parties, campaign strategies, major issues, potential scandals, speeches, debates, analyses, polls, commercials, mistakes, corrections, momentum, and much more dominate the media.

All of these pre-election processes and activities seem a long way from Moses and the burning bush, and they are! I do not say this to criticize what takes place today but simply because it’s true! At the same time, there is something that ties together the human process of electing a president and God’s initiative in calling Moses into a major leadership role. Both processes affirm the importance of getting the “right” person in leadership. Though the “burning bush” approach would seem more reliable, I do believe that somewhere in the midst of all of the hype and hoopla of an election is a concern on the part of many for a true leader. By a true leader, I mean someone who will be faithful to important principles and faithful to the people of the country. I know there are many other concerns and subplots, but despite the differing definitions or descriptions of what a faithful leader looks like, many people (in the end) still want such a person in charge.^[Endnote1]

Many churches today are going through difficult times in terms of leadership and leadership issues. This is not a new thing, but it is a real thing. Dismissals, church conflicts, and church splits abound, and often leadership decisions and issues are at the center of it all. In a time of rapid change and with an influential culture impacting the church, leadership issues seem to intensify. Many models and expectations for leaders are available (with more or less biblical support). But despite all the confusion and evidences of the “flesh” in the church of Jesus Christ, there are those who still desire to have ministry leaders faithful to the Lord, His Word, and to the people they serve. What such faithful leadership looks like, especially in the church of Jesus Christ, is what this book is all about.

I simply want in the following pages to describe faithful leadership—faithful Christian leadership specifically—and encourage us to pursue such a standard for our own lives and the lives of other leaders. I hope to do this by presenting some biblical instruction, examples, and models that will challenge and encourage us to think about being faithful leaders within the sphere of influence God has given. And of course, I hope that such thinking will lead to more faithfulness in our personal character and the actual practice of leadership in the future.

I know this book is not unique in its burden nor in its appeal to the Scriptures for the truths and examples that will be set forth. It is my hope, though, that what is written will be truthful, meaningful, and helpful. At the same time, by going to various key Scripture passages, I desire to let the Scriptures do the talking as much as possible. Good things happen when we look to the Scriptures afresh with an open heart and mind in order to hear and obey what God would say to us.

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