This morning finds me writing a paper on a course I took. “Raising Leaders for the Harvest” was the title of the course. The course took six weeks and was based entirely on Matthew 9:35-38.
The Workers Are Few
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Yes...six weeks. It was worth it. I really enjoyed this course because it reaches one of the things I try to do naturally. Character and Leader development. I love to see people grow in Christ. I recognize gifting and try to develop it. Most importantly, in trying to reach the lost, we know we cannot do it all by ourselves. Leaders in the church body should always be looking for the next leaders. Not everyone taken from the harvest is a leadership candidate. It is important though to reach the ones that are and assist Christ in growing them.
Well...that is the basis of the paper. There is a lot more detail and I have to go quite a bit deeper than what I describe. It is amazing thought that many of the principles can be used secularly. However, secular business would definitely use less of the spiritual world and gifts that come from God in developing Church leaders. Leaders include a multitude of positions in the church, whether they be Outreach oriented or administrative. Always the end result working together should be reaching the lost. Those that do not have a genuine relationship with God...and are missing out on eternal life and the benefits of life with the Holy Spirit.
Well, time to write. Peace All