Dr. Robert Clinton's Biblical Leadership Commentaries are a must read for every pastor, elder and spiritual leader.
The following free download covers the daunting task of finishing well. In his introduction Clinton writes,
"A repeated reading of the Bible with a focus on leadership reveals four crucial observations fraught
with leadership implications:
- Observation 1. Few leaders finish well.
- Observation 2. Leadership is difficult.
- Observation 3. God's enabling presence is the essential ingredient of successful leadership.
- Observation 4. Spiritual leadership can make a difference.
And what is true of Biblical leaders is equally true of historical and contemporary leaders. It is the first observation to which this article speaks. Identifying the fact that few leaders finish well was a breakthrough warning for me. This led to further study. Why do few leaders finish well? What stops them? What helps them? What does it mean to finish well? This article identifies six characteristics of those finishing well."
Six Characteristics of Leaders who Finish Well.
- Characteristic 1 - They maintain a personal vibrant relationship with God right up to the end.
- Characteristic 2 - They maintain a learning posture and can learn from various kinds of sources—life especially.
- Characteristic 3 - They manifest Christ-likeness in character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
- Characteristic 4 - Truth is lived out in their lives so that convictions and promises of God are seen to
be real. - Characteristic 5 - They leave behind one or more ultimate contributions.
- Characteristic 6 - They walk with a growing awareness of a sense of destiny and see some or all of it fulfilled.
Six Major Barriers Identified to Finishing Well
- Barrier 1. Finances—their Use And Abuse
- Barrier 2. Power—its Abuse
- Barrier 3. Pride--which Leads To Downfall
- Barrier 4. Sex--illicit Relationships
- Barrier 5. FAMILY--Critical Issues
- Barrier 6. Plateauing.
Five Factors That Enhance Finishing Well
- Enhancement 1. Perspective.
- Enhancement 2. Renewal.
- Enhancement 3. Disciplines.
- Enhancement 4. Learning Posture.
- Enhancement 5. Mentoring.
These articles by Dr. J. Robert Clinton comes from the Clinton Biblical Leadership Commentary. This commentary is available from the Clinton Resources.
I could not resist commenting. Perfectly written!
Posted by: useful site | September 13, 2013 at 11:26 AM