Nice Isn't Always Enough

Much could be said about leadership and leaders in general and indeed, much has been said over the years and even more, with every passing day.

That said, I heard an interesting perspective today; one that makes plenty of sense and while nothing knew, sometimes how it's said, makes all the difference. Dennis Prager made the point on his show and if you'll permit me to expand his specific comment into a broader statement...

[an organization, institution or government] isn't helped or hindered by whether a person is nice, but by the policies and values from which they operate. A nice person can cause ruin with their policy; a not-so-nice person may create improvement.

The same dynamic could happen in ministry just as easily. We don't like to think of mean people being in ministry, though we'd be foolish to think it never happens. I think our shared experience would say otherwise. However, while a pleasant, bed-side manner may go a long way in ministry, that doesn't guarantee successful and sound policies and procedures.

Scripture, though, does establish a solid foundation of guidelines regarding elders and deacons within the church. And long before wisdom is stated as a factor, we deal with morality and character issues.

In a day when we need great examples, of men who would live and lead with conviction; from a foundation of righteousness, Godliness and holiness... with integrity and honor. Not because of their greatness, but because of the goodness of God and His having set them apart for service to the kingdom of God.

Pray, this #deaconThursday that church leadership would be full of such men. Men who are people of prayer; who seek the face of God. Pray that they would live with integrity, whether at home, in the marketplace or in ministry. May the men of sound wisdom; grounded in the Word and firm in the faith. Pray a sensitivity to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and a humility regarding the Hand of God leading and directing their lives.

For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC