Leading Yourself

OVERVIEW

Good leaders understand that our number one priority must be learning how to lead ourselves. God looks our hearts before he looks at our gifts and talents, so developing Christ-like character must be our primary goal. Spiritual leadership thrusts us into the heart of the battle against sin, the flesh and the devil, so we must ensure we are equipped through cultivating a close, fully surrendered walk with God. We are immersed in a culture that continually tempts us away from living God’s way, so we must be intentional about growing in discipline and self-control. That’s what this module is all about.

Core text

You will need your own copy of Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders. Work through the book slowly and systematically, writing down your responses to the three ‘For Reflection’ questions at the end of the each chapter. Then, at the end of each block, write down your answers to the questions in the six studies at the end of the book

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

i) The priority of self-leadership

Audio: Avoiding Burnout in Ministry, by Donnie Griggs http://www.commission-together.org/media/westpoint-2014-seminar-avoiding-burnout-in-ministry.aspx

Book extract: Self Leadership, by Bill Hybels

Book extract: Personal Integrity, by Bill Hybels

Article: Six Essential Commitments for Leadership, by Rick Warren http://pastors.com/six-essential-commitments-for-leadership/

ii) Spiritual Disciplines

Article: Slay Your Dragons Before Breakfast, by Michael Hyatt https://michaelhyatt.com/slay-your-dragons-before-breakfast.html

Article: The Dangers of Faking It in Ministry, by Kathy Keller https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-dangers-of-faking-it-in-ministry

Article: Ministry Can be Dangerous to Your Spiritual Health, by Tim Keller

Article: The Pursuit of Joy, by Andrew Wilson

iii) Stewarding Time and Setting Priorities