SPIRIT-LED
DISCIPLESHIP
SPIRIT-LED
“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and do not lean on your own understanding . In all your ways acknowledge him , and he will make straight your paths ” ( Prov . 3:5-6 ).
“ Have I not commanded you ? Be strong and courageous . Do not be frightened , and do not be dismayed , for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go ” ( Josh . 1:9 ).
“ But I say , walk by the Spirit , and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh . For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit , and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh , for these are opposed to each other , to keep you from doing the things you want to do . But if you are led by the Spirit , you are not under the law ” ( Gal . 5:16-18 ).
DISCIPLESHIP
“ A disciple is not above his teacher , but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher ” ( Luke 6:40 ).
“ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things , and the God of peace will be with you ” ( Phil . 4:9 ).
If ever there were a model of what the impact of discipleship could achieve , Jesus proved this through His investment in 12 men over three years . Today , over two thousand years later , His intentionality in building relationships and training continues worldwide , with over two billion people identifying as Christians . Leaders recognize the impact of their mission will only survive beyond themselves if discipleship and development are deliberate and enduring .
While Jesus ministered to multitudes , His daily training targeted a small group of hand-picked followers . He poured into them . He prayed with them . He prepared them . Leaders need to be intimately involved in the selection process of key team members and then be intentional about developing them at a deep level . In today ’ s fast-paced culture , quality time is often emphasized over quantity time ; however , in reality , both are necessary . Carve out specific and ongoing opportunities to connect with and develop team members . Reproduce yourself by investing in your team . John Maxwell reminds us , “ A leader is one who knows the way , goes the way , and shows the way .”
While the aforementioned characteristics will help lead others well , the Holy Spirit serves as our daily compass . With so many voices shouting for our attention , only the leader who can turn down the noise and be directed by the Spirit ’ s call and fueled by the Spirit ’ s power can experience a truly enduring , thriving Christian school . Cultivating this level of Spirit sensitivity requires living out the spiritual disciplines of daily Bible study , continual communion with God through prayer , fellowship with trusted believers , and periodic , intentional fasting to humbly seek God ’ s presence and power .
The Greek word dunamis is often used in Scripture to refer to the Spirit . It ’ s the same base word used for dynamite . We have access to the same powerful and explosive nature of the Spirit that we see in the Bible but seldom leverage it . Understanding this truth should reduce our fears and strengthen our courage to boldly lead where the Spirit directs us . Exponential impact toward our mission must be rooted in our reliance on the Holy Spirit .
As you reflect on these biblical leadership characteristics , evaluate your Christian school leadership team , including both board members and administration . Is your Christian school thriving ? Where is focused improvement needed ? Are there significant gaps that need to be addressed ? Consider engaging with one of our Christian school leadership mentors to support your transformation journey to become a thriving Christian school . ■
Learn more about our Christian School Renewal Program on the next page or visit renewanation . org / christian-school-support .
Ron Gordon is the Executive Vice President & COO of RenewaNation and leads their Christian Education Division . He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an MBA from Virginia Tech . He spent 22 years in the Defense industry , leading manufacturing organizations , managing numerous multi-million dollar projects , and building cross-functional teams . In addition , Ron has supported church plants , led AWANA groups , and helped over 50 Christian schools through renewal and startup efforts . Ron and his wife , Tonya , live in Roanoke , Virginia , and are blessed with three adult children .
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