It is important to ask ourselves questions that evaluate our approach to serving in leadership and make us ponder principles that are imperative for effectiveness and personal spiritual growth while leading. Here are some questions that prompt us to reflect about our lives and ministry. Allow the Spirit of God to speak to you about these areas of your life:

1. As I am serving in leadership, who do I look to for accountability?

There is a problem with the modern definition of accountability. Either it leans to nothing more than intimate disclosure (affording someone the opportunity to air his/her issues without submitting to real accountability) or it comes through denominational or organizational appointment without one of the key factors of success in accountability – relationship.  Accountability must be sought after. It is developed and secured in a godly relationship with a spiritual elder where gratitude, loyalty and respect are present, and where we are willing to listen to – and follow – godly counsel and even warnings about our lives and ministry. If we want to lead like David, we need a Nathan in our lives!  

2. What is my understanding of “Sabbath” and do I faithfully practice it?

Sabbath is important for rest, but it is also important for our relationship with God. Without Sabbath in our lives, we lose one of the most vital elements of our spiritual leadership: the ability to hear God’s voice! When we do not take the time to listen, He is not obligated to speak. Song of Songs 8:13 (NLT) says, “O my darling, lingering in the gardens, your companions are fortunate to hear your voice. Let me hear it, too!”

3. Who I am personally discipling?

This is not a question of who sits in our classes or who is the object of our ministry mission, but who are we personally discipling? Who are you pouring into? Who are you mentoring? Paul, who is your Timothy?

4. Who is personally discipling me? Who do I allow to pour into my life?

Leadership can become stagnant and freshness fleeting because of the lack of personal growth that serves as the foundation for all that we do. While reading and personal study is vital, the New Testament also gives us the example of pouring into others and others pouring into us. I will never forget when a leader of international influence (who was mentoring me) sat with me asking question after question about something and then stated, “You have taught me something today.” Here I was eager to be taught by him, and he was eager to learn! The greatest teachers are also the greatest students who, in spite of position and years of experience, are eager to expand their knowledge and understanding through the experiences of others. True servant leaders are always hungry for God to pour into their lives through His servants. The greatest leaders know they can’t lead if they can’t follow and that, no matter what leadership they have, they are always disciples.