Go And Tell: Devotions From Time Of GraceSample

Spirit Gifts: Leadership

In real estate, as you probably know, the top three criteria for price are--ta-da!--location, location, location. In the world of the church, the top three criteria for a healthy and growing congregation are leadership, leadership, leadership.

Good leadership and governance are unfortunately not automatic in a Christian organization. Is your church well led and well governed? If it is, give thanks where thanks are due--to the Holy Spirit, who built those gifts into your leaders. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. . . . If it is leadership, let him govern diligently” (Romans 12:6,8).

Serving on a board of directors is often invisible and thankless work, but a strong board is critical for providing necessary checks and balances to staff, to represent the members’ interests, and to clarify and articulate mission. Managing people and money well is way harder than it looks and usually involves late nights, aggravation, and hard decisions. Good leaders inspire people, know what needs to come next, have a nose for talent, and know how to say thank you.

May I invite you today to identify the three best people in leadership and governance in your church and find a way to give them your thanks personally? Also--send up a prayer flare to heaven to thank the Spirit who gave them to you.