It is sad and unfortunate to hear the countless stories of those in dance ministry who are scarred by leadership. Is it often reported that many dance leaders are self-centered, egotistical, greedy, and downright unpleasant. Is this the type of leadership that Christ modeled?
We must be especially careful in the worship arts arena. Talented people often attract praise, attention, and semi-fame in many of the communities we impact. If we are not actively practicing humility and Christ-centered leadership, we can morph into ungodly examples of what NOT to do!
When someone is a leader, it generally means that they are out front, providing direction or instruction. This is a position of high responsibility and honor, but should never be an opportunity for terrorism in our churches and communities. Although there will always be people who are very sensitive and unable to take correction, how leaders deal with people should be more closely scrutinized. If you are currently a leader, how would your people describe you--- BEHIND YOUR BACK?
It is not how leaders are celebrated, lavished, or touted that makes us Christ-like. How we serve privately matters.
-How do we talk to others?
-Are our opinions based on the Scriptures or our own prejudices?
-Are we often argumentative more than instructive?
-Is the ministry growing (spiritually and naturally)?
-Do we refuse help from others and position ourselves as the focus of the ministry?
-Are we battling massive rebellion from those who should be following us?
-Are we accountable to other respected leaders who will tell us the truth about US?
-Are we studying books on leadership and praying for God to lead us daily?
Teachers are definitely held to a higher standard. Movement ministries have been plagued with countless stories of infighting, rebellion, mistreatment, and frustration. As a leader, what are you allowing to happen on your watch? The greatest weapons to combat toxic spiritual environments are by using the Word of God and staying in that prayer place. What is done in secret will be rewarded openly. We must also remember that what's done in the dark will be revealed by the Light.
NEW KING JAMES VERSION
Malachi 2:7-9
7) “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
8) But you have departed from the way;
You have caused many to stumble at the law.
You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,”
Says the LORD of hosts.
9) “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base
Before all the people,
Because you have not kept My ways
But have shown partiality in the law.”
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
4 comments:
AMEN.
yes...and AMEN.
What a sensible post. I agree totally. God has given me a small leadership position in dance ministry, but I've always felt that this requires me to put the needs of the people under me ahead of my own needs. My job is to be a positive role model and to teach and encourage people, not to promote myself. Ultimately, what matters is not how much we get, but how much we give.
I read this post with my dance leader in mind. Sadly I can say that her leadership has not been a positive one for me. When I was first called to the ministry of dance, the excitement of praising God was there! However, over time a number of incidents, discoveries, formed cliques and secrets within the ministry have caused me to constantly ask God "is this really where I'm supposed to be?"
In the previous blog entry I read, one of the questions that individuals were charged with asking themselves was: " Is there a lot of joking, disrespect, talking, or carelessness taking place when there should be focus and unity?" This question I can shamefully answer with a "YES". This is constant and at every rehearsal! I have brought this to the team leader and assistant team leader's attention and the response is, well when you see this going on, say something about it then to that person(s). What a Godly response!
God has kept me in this ministry despite my flesh wanting to leave it, so all I can do is obey and remember that I am there to praise and worship Him who called me. It's just sad.
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