Walter Lippman said, “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the conviction and will to carry on.”  As spiritual leaders we extend our influence and legacy through the investments we make in others.  If we are not mentoring, training, helping, and serving the next generation, we are limiting our influence to the temporary terrain of today, the here and now.  But authentic leadership sees beyond the temporary moment, it understands the importance of leading for tomorrow.

Spiritual influence is rarely measured in the lifespan of a particular man; it is rather measured in the …

Among the Millennials, the subjects of leadership and influence are at the forefront of ministerial advancements.  We buy leadership books, subscribe to leadership podcasts, attend leadership conferences, and study leadership gurus.  Even though I am not technically a Millennial (I was born before 1980), I am still a student of leadership.  I love to learn, I love to listen, I love to lead.  I personally believe every pastor should embrace his calling of leadership and constantly seek to improve His God-given abilities and skills. 

However, we must be aware of the kind of iron we use to sharpen our blade.  …

Christ is the embodiment of servant leadership.  His incarnation not only authenticated His deity, it also accentuated the manner in which He would lead His disciples.  Christ was not a go-with-the-flow pushover who excused all and any activity from those around Him; but neither was He an in-your-face-tyrant who coerced His followers to make decisions for egotistical purposes.  Christ did not seek self-fulfillment or self-validation; more times than not He actually refused recognition and pointed men to the Father.

As spiritual leaders, we have a similar responsibility – we should cause men to bypass the titles, positions, and futile accolades …

Social media gives way for leaders to affect thousands of lives.  With just one post, one article, or one small comment, today’s leader can radically influence the thinking of his followers.  Needless to say, anyone who is in leadership should take great caution when it comes to their online presence.  Social media can be used in one of two ways for those in leadership: it can be a powerful force or a problematic farce.

I say “powerful force” because social media can help you rally your troops, promote good causes, expand your network, communicate truth, and encourage others, all while …

Fred Smith contends, “In every significant event there has been a bold leader, a shaped vision, and most often, an adversary.”  This principle rings true from Genesis to Revelation.  The Bible is full of men and women who triumphed in the face of insurmountable odds, daunting enemies, and impossible circumstances.  As a spiritual leader, you too will find yourself in precarious situations throughout the course of your ministry; situations that are never addressed in seminary training, situations that cannot be resolved through text-book solutions.  It is during those dark moments of faith that we must rely on the strength of …