A model of Leadership from Philippians: rejoice; pray instead of worry; strength in Christ to do anything.
Bill Hybels says that the highest stakes of leadership are in the local church. He argues (and I agree) that for a leader there is no other environment that requires more leadership where more is at stake then within the local church. In the church we are not dealing with lives but we are dealing with eternities which makes the local church, for a leader, the greatest leadership challenge. 
At the same time, the local church can be the greatest challenge in leading especially in a culture like that of the United States which is ruled by the dollar and the pursuit of wealth. This creates many challenges for the church which proclaims a message that pursuing Jesus is more important then pursuing wealth. I’ve learned that engaging in leadership within the local church is engaging in a constant conflict within the world and that there are constant pressures, stresses, situations, and reasons for conflict, which requires constant leadership.
In Philippians 4, I think Paul offers a great model for pursuing leadership within the local church in terms of a Leader’s outlook and approach to handling the daily pressures of leading a local church. Paul describes three attributes that I have found to be essential to leading a group of people toward Jesus and away from the world.
First, Paul says to rejoice in everything. Regardless of the situation as a leader we must “rejoice” as hard as it may be. For example, if you are dealing with a conflict that is tearing you a part; rejoice in the fact that God has given you the responsibility of leading through the situation instead of someone else.
Seond, Paul says not to worry but to pray and in the prayer we experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Often times we want to complain or talk a situation to death and this never leads to peace. But when we stop and pray we gain perspective of the situation and experience a peace that surpasses understanding.
Lastly, Paul urges us to remember that through Jesus we can do all things because He gives us strength. As difficult as the challenge may be to lead a local church we are only able to fulfill the task through the power of Jesus. If I try to Lead Crossroads on my own it will fall a part and I will fail miserably. However, if I depend on God’s grace then I am empowered to lead in this environment that not only requires the empowerment of God but effects the eternities of God’s beloved children.
Pastor P
chadpullins@connect2crossroads.com; www.wedesiremore.com
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