In every ministry, group, or organization, change is inevitable. Often, many dance and movement ministries start out with great momentum, but stumble along the way. Disagreements, disunity, and division can creep in and alter membership, introduce bitterness, and cause massive departure. It can even dismantle the ministry altogether. We should not be surprised when this happens, but we should be prepared.
True dance and ministry leaders should not be destroyed when alterations must be done. Moses was a great leader, but he had to deal with the sons of Korah who rebelled openly against his leadership. It is important to note that Moses continued to behave righteously in the midst of adversity, and acknowledged that Korah and his camp were revolting against the Lord (instead of trying to justify himself). When controversy appears in ministry, we must resist the urge to defend ourselves in order to look good before other people. What we must remember to do is to continue to walk according to the Word and remain obedient to God. He will take care of those who stand against Him.
We must keep in mind that there will be people who will remain with the leader after the storm passes. These people are watching how the leader responds, endures, and recovers from conflict. Leaders can unknowingly cause further damage by making insensitive remarks, revealing confidential information, behaving self-righteously or telling the story in a way that exclusively benefits themselves. Although there is no need to mislead people about the facts, wisdom will teach us that all information is not necessarily public information.
I have personally experienced heartbreak in ministry, but thanks be to God, I continued to listen to Him as I was going through it. While facing a particularly challenging time, I distinctly remember Him saying, "Strengthen that which remains." Instead of focusing on the negative, I was reminded to encourage those whose commitment extended beyond my own personality, popularity, charisma, and even shortcomings. Through it all, I learned how to become a better and more effective leader. I was also able to reflect back on the experience with joy. We are now stronger than ever!
If you are dealing with difficult leadership, pray about how God wants you to handle the situation. Do not allow yourself to become critical, accusatory, or revolutionary outside of God's will. Make sure that you are following a leader that is in right fellowship with God. Sometimes, we stay too long under a leader who can no longer steward us and become problematic instead of progressive.
Facing adversity as a leader? Remember that ALL leaders face challenges. How we respond will expose us as great front-runners or expose us as unqualified to command. The people who stay with us will internalize how we treat others and imagine themselves in the same position. We must look beyond our own need for justice and remain just in all we do.
Continue to review the mission of the ministry and make sure that objective has not been lost. Encourage obedience to the voice of God, and stay in position until the Lord ordains a move. When we strengthen those who stay, we may rediscover the joy of ministering with like-minded believers, united in focus: To spread the Gospel and bring glory to God.
NEW KING JAMES BIBLE VERSION
Nehemiah 2:18Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.Luke 22:32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.Revelation 3:2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
