Perry Noble recently wrote a bloggedon 10 reasons why he thinks leaders flame out in ministry. You can find the post here. I thought it was pretty insightful, and I have noticed myself struggling with some of these things at times. What follows are his 10 reasons with a comment or two from me. I encourage anyone to read the list, as it will help leaders be aware of possible traps and help those who follow them better support and encourage them.
As always comments and thoughts are welcome.
Aaron
#1 – They feel like have something to prove…and so instead of becoming obsessed with God’s greatness they become obsessed with their own.
This is a constant battle for many leaders. The nature of a leader sort of makes them ripe for pride and self-importance while seeing themselves in light of the grace and mercy of the gospel of Jesus is the only way to true effectiveness. I definitely find myself confessing this.
#2 – They have a hard time accepting Gods grace…thus throwing themselves into an achievement based mentality. They think the more they accomplish the more God loves them – despite what is written in Ephesians 2:8-9.
It’s easy in leadership for everything to become about what you can achieve, especially in relation to other leaders. Again, we are looking to boost our own importance rather than seeing ourselves in light of the gospel.
#3 – They feel like rest is sin…despite the LONGEST command in the 10 commandments being the one on rest! (Leaders…Isaiah 30:15…READ IT NOW!!!)
This I do not struggle with as much. My tendency is to be a lazy bum or to get distracted easily. Both still can become problems.
#4 – They do not trust the leaders around them…thus they feel like they need to do it all. (We were not called to do life and ministry alone!)
Huge problem in ministry. “If I want it done right, I have to do it.” This phrase can also turn into a desire not just to have it done right, but to have it done exactly like I want it. so doing it yourself becomes the only option. Gathering capable leaders around you can be a very freeing thing if you learn to trust them. It actually works better that way, but it’s so hard to let go that many leaders never figure this out.
#5 – They are unwilling to ask for help…thinking that doing so is a sign of weakness, when in actuality it is a sign of strength!
And in leading, we feel like the worst thing that can happen is to look weak. But seriously, we all need help, sometimes serious help. So when you notice I need help, please tell me.
#6 – They fear man way more than they fear God…thus becoming obsessed with “their” expectations rather than HIS! (SEE Proverbs 29:25).
Two huge areas here: struggling to keep up with others and trying to impress. Both are not good and come from an unhealthy fear of man. Learning to serve the Lord faithfully is so much more important, but is often a notch of two down the list than keeping up with the Jones’ in ministry.
#7 – An unwillingness to repent of sin…instead of doing so they become obsessed with pointing out the sins of others!
I don’t have anything to say here! (Thus proving the point.)
#8 – They do not allow their identity to be established in Christ but rather in how many people they having attending/giving to their church/ministry.
Self-importance. Fear of men. Desire to impress. All sin–all struggles.
#9 – They refuse to care for their own family and begin to recite the ridiculously stupid phrase, “I take care of the church and God will take care of my family.” Dude…the church is HIS bride, not yours!!!
This is a huge issue that is getting more attention recently. Any young leader must learn to put things in the right perspective and keep priorities in the right order. Even with good intentions it’s easy to get out of balance, but we have to remind ourselves constantly that our first shepherding and leading responsibility is in our own house. God will take care of his church when we are faithful and take care of the business he has given us–namely our wives and kids.
#10 – They get consumed with fighting the wrong battles. Christian leaders fight over the most ridiculous things…and doing so ALWAYS drains the life out of them! We should fight for what Jesus fought for–period–and leave the rest alone.
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