Christian Leadership – Part 1 by Gilbert Quarcoopome, Ghana Africa

Gilbert Quarcoopome

Gilbert Quarcoopome lives in Ghana Africa. He has a Bachelors of Christian Leadership with United Graduate College and Seminary International and is preparing for his Masters program. This is part 1 of a 4-part article on Christian Leadership.

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One of the most difficult roles ever in this life in my opinion is Christian Leadership. In describing Christian leadership we need to recognize that it operates in two realms: the spiritual and the physical. An adequate definition therefore must recognize that while the Christian leader is called to operate in the physical realm in order to do so effectively and be efficient they must, as a matter of priority, also draw upon the resources offered through the spiritual realm from the original source, which is God Almighty. This means having a gift of leadership conferred by God, which is developed through an intimacy with Him and honed by instruction in leadership principles and skills. Together these lead to the insight and influence necessary to lead effectively.

The Christian leader must first be “Spiritually” connected to its source and a “Leader” second. There is no better and finer example for Christian leadership than what our Lord Jesus Christ showed us whiles on earth when He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” – (John 10:11). It is within this verse that we see the perfect description of a Christian leader. He is one who acts as a shepherd to those “sheep” in his care. Also in Mk 10:42-45, Jesus explained clearly the principle under girding Christian leadership in which those who rule must not lord it over them but rather seek to serve.

Based on these two scriptures, I believe that the real definition and function of a Christian leader is clearly stated without ambiguity. We would therefore, look at a few characteristics of a Christian leader from these two passages.

When Jesus called us His sheep, He was saying that without a shepherd, we are helpless. The shepherd is one who has several roles in regard to his sheep. He leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects and protects. The shepherd of the Lord’s flock leads by modeling godliness and righteousness in his own life and encouraging others to follow his example. Of course, our ultimate example and the One we should follow is Christ Himself.

The Apostle Paul understood this so he made a categorical statement that: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). The Christian leader is one who follows Christ and inspires others to follow Him as well.

The Christian leader therefore must have and possess certain characteristics based on scripture. The Christian leader as a shepherd is also a feeder and a nourisher of the sheep and the ultimate “sheep food” is the Word of God. Just as the shepherd leads his flock to the lushest pasture so they will grow and flourish, so the Christian leader nourishes his flock with the only food, which will produce strong, vibrant Christians. The Bible not the world’s wisdom is the only diet that can produce healthy Christians. “Man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4).

Counseling/Coaching Philosophy - Two is Better Than One

Prof. Donella Pitzl, PhD

Prof. Donella Pitzl, PhD writes on life, purpose and the need for others to come along side during our journey through life. She is a Board Certified Master Life Coach and has her PhD in Biblical Counseling with emphasis on Kingdom Character Building.

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It has been my observation during the course of my life and my studies that mankind, as a whole, is at a loss without hope and encouragement. Not only are we overrun by our life circumstances, but also, we really do not know why we are on the earth. For many, making ends meet, striving to become a professional at something, or raising a family is not enough incentive in life, and rightly so. God’s Word addresses how a lack of vision in life affects us, it speaks of a “perishing.” In every culture and society across the globe mankind in general suffers from a lack of vision and understanding. The result is strife, greed, violence, suffering, lack of provision and integrity to name a few. This state of being is very contrary to the plan of our Creator for His creation. It is my intention in life to address God’s answers, provide tools and challenge old mindsets in the hope that the Life of God and hope will be embraced and we can change the direction of our state of being.

We have been blessed with those that have discovered they are gifted to offer good Christian counseling and coaching. I am a firm believer in the importance of good counsel and coaching. In Ecc 4:12 it says, "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."  

There are many lines of thinking and approaches to aiding mankind and addressing the difficulties of existence on the earth. I have participated in programs that have been created to help people. I have been involved in Christian counseling with varying results. In my studies of and interaction with the methods to help people, even Christian programs, I find a lack of long lasting results. Statistics show that in programs like AA and even Christ-centered recovery programs, there is under a 20% true recovery rate and that is being generous. 

The central strength of these programs is that they encourage you to find help by interacting with others and having accountability - two are better than one. So why the low percentage of long lasting results? In my personal experience with these programs I discovered there is an emphasis on our mistakes and “cleaning up” our past, but very little on learning our purpose for being on the earth and discovering what our future can become by creating a pathway of discovery. We can work all day long on cleaning up our life but if we do it just to relieve pain, if we don’t get to the root of the pain, the pain will return again and again. If we don’t discover the “why” of our existence, we will perish as our troubles remain to haunt us.

I believe we have to combine good Christian counsel, coaching, support, and engage in activities that are holistic and well rounded. Thus, in my work, I encourage and engage in both good Godly counsel and also guidance and empowerment in an interactive program of personal discovery and kingdom character development.

My hearts desire and vision is to offer practical tools to build a life that reflects God’s intentions and strengthens one to face the difficulties of life - facing the journey with integrity of character that only comes from the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Jesus Christ.

Be blessed in the knowledge that you do not have to face life alone. If you truly want help, help is there for you. Face the challenge and the  hard work and seek it out. God truly makes a way for HIs people, His creation.

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PROPHETIC WORD SPOKEN OVER BURUNDI AFRICA

Prof. Clyde Rivers

Prof. Clyde Rivers, Honorary Ambassador at Large for Republic of Burundi hears the Word of the Lord for Burundi. 

The Spirit of the Lord says, “I will now fight the enemies that fight you. It is a new day in Burundi I have turned the page. You will no longer have famine - you will have riches. You will have prosperity from the kingdom of God because your country’s leadership seeks first My kingdom. Now all these things will be added to you. Burundi, you are a model nation of the wisdom of God and I will shine your light all over the world. I take no pride in status, says the Lord, but I look for those that have gratitude for what they have received. Though you are a small nation, says the Lord, your light will shine bright and the whole world will see the goodness that has come from a small nation that obeys Me. Isaiah 60 is your decree and it is your God that they will see, says the Lord.”