There are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible as God has always raised up men and women to lead others. The death penalty is certainly one possibility. A theophany had taken place in Joshua 5:15: "The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." Their troubles to this point would seem insignificant compared to what was soon to come. The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. Their safety was relative, however. I confess, I am distressed at the ways in which Christians are trying to take control of the political and governmental positions of authority. "Perhaps he's sleeping and will wake up!" Paul: "Believe in something bigger than yourself." "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Priscilla and Aquila were hospitable. Think of it. Scripture offers examples of both. He left this to God. 551 Although there almost certainly would have been some loss of life, apart from divine intervention. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Moses. Far to the south, off the African coast, lay the notorious Syrtes (17), the graveyard of many ships, as underwater archaeology has vividly revealed in recent years. How this decision would be regretted, and soon! The gospel sustains men in the greatest storms of life. Paul did not have a formal position as leader, but was rather a functional leader. And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, let her not send her husband away. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Simply put, Paul warned those making the decision about whether or not to press on that continuing on was not wise. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose. This journey began on an Adramyttian ship, which took them as far as Myra, where they boarded an Alexandrian ship, headed for Italy. Handling the ship in this storm was almost impossible, and any attempt would require an expert crew. Christianity is not a fair weather religion. For others it extends beyond the walls of your home possibly into your community, your job, or even your ministry. Smith suggests that the mainyard is meant; an immense spar, probably as long as the ship, which would require the united efforts of passengers and crews to launch overboard. Bruce p. 486. Several days before, Paul had told the passengers, who had lost all hope, that they would all be saved, although the ship would run aground (verses 21-26). There is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of danger. 555 From verse 38 we know that all the cargo was not thrown overboard at this time. (2) The Sovereignty of God and Mans Safety. The otherstwo hundred and seventy-six in allfollowed his example. (1) A look at leadership. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. The journey was delayed by unfavorable winds. There is no thus saith the Lord here, but Pauls words were worth heeding. Neither Lasea nor Fair Havens is mentioned by any ancient writer, two of the hundred cities of Crete. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 460. For some, your leadership responsibilities are limited to yourself and your home. 4. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. 548 This harbour is named Kalus Limeonas, a small bay two miles east of Cape Matala. 554 The wind would tend to blow the ship much more quickly than the current, and so a sea anchor would reduce the force of the wind on the ship by using the sea as a brake. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. It was the crew of the ship who lived dangerously, foolishly risking the ship, the cargo, and the lives of all on board, just to get ahead a little. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal. Susan Ward. You may be familiar with the story of Esther. They were also able to build a church that met in their home. Engage group members: The leader involves members and encourages them to involve others. They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Ex. In all of this God protected Paul. A friend of mine, Jonathan Leath, wrote a book he titled You Only Lead One (YOLO). . God has given each leader specific gifts. . 545 This seems to be the same Aristarchus mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4; Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy (1 Corinthians 7:13-14). A democratic leader likes people who disagree with them and challenge their views. If Paul had been incompetent and impotent in this time of crisis, who would have wanted to hear him tell about faith in Jesus as the Messiah? My guess is that he had skills the like of which Moses himself admired, perhaps even envied. 565 In particular, much may be learned from Lukes portrayal of Pauls character and behavior in circumstances in which the real man is most likely to be revealed. Photo Credit: Sparrowstock. Here is a list of famous examples of democratic leaders: Dwight Eisenhower, The 34th U.S. President Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Larry Page, Co-founder of Google Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter Read more about these Famous examples of democratic leadership and feel inspired. Leadership Styles in 1 & 2 Kings Merida introduced his Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings by touting the relevance of the biblical text to the modern world. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 2:2). To Paul (in my opinion) this would be akin to jumping off the pinnacle of the temple, and thus putting God to the test (Luke 4:9-12). Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. Looking back on these words would demonstrate that this was indeed prophecy. Julius and the others did not seem to look upon Paul in religious or spiritual terms, but only in terms of practical and proven ability and knowledge. Whatever dangers might arise, He will protect His people, in accordance with His purposes and promises. As peoples personalities are different, so are the leadership styles. Peter: Leaders recover from failure. He has surrounded himself with executives that are experienced and insightful. He portrays Paul in many roles throughout Acts, but here he shows him standing out as the practical man in a critical emergency--keeping his head when all about him are losing theirs. 564 Would he not have dared to command the soldiers not to kill Paul, but to have allowed the others to be put to death? And who would not be afraid in such a storm. First, those who were considered the experts favored doing so. Proud member Pastor Appreciation Month and Pastor Appreciation Day are great opportunities every October to show how much you care for your pastor and church leaders. Thus, he did not expect a miracle, nor did he even ask for one. Gods promise was fulfilled, just as Paul had said He would. The final verses (42-44) tell of the plan of the soldiers to kill the prisoners, of the intervention of the centurion, and the safe arrival on land of all 276 passengers. Tim Cook became CEO of Apple in 2011. 31 What then shall we say to these things? One more detail about the future was revealed by Paul: the ship must run aground on a certain, but unnamed, island. Finally, in the following chapter, there will be the snake bite, from which Paul will be spared as well. From here on, sailing will not be smooth. in 1971. 550 As they waited for a change of wind at Fair Havens, it soon became clear that they could not complete the voyage to Italy before the onset of winter. Time would prove Paul right. 562 St. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! 557 This is not to suggest that Paul now emerged because he knew that this was the low-point of his fellow-passengers, but because the night before the angel of God had appeared to him. He loved God. Their arrival had not been without difficulty, but things were only to go from bad to worse. Pauls leadership emerges on board the ship, on which he was headed toward Rome. Some call it a tough mind and a tender heart. It seems that there was no protest from the sailors when the ropes to the lifeboat were cut. They boarded this ship and set sail. They could not handle the ship in the stormy waters. Your family. When the ship was far out at sea, and no one knowing how far they might be from land, abandoning ship was no temptation. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. They were not going to get to Rome until after winter was over anyway, and they could stay right where they were, with no real problems. Up to this point in time, they had gone a long while without food. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. They want to use numbers and influence decisions based upon voting power. Let us, like Paul, have a word from God for such needy times as ours. How often, I wonder, are others benefited by the presence of a believer? The amount of talking by the leader is another clue. They had little to gain and much to lose. The time which had been lost, due to unfavorable winds, made it evident that they would not be able to reach Rome, not without wintering at some port, and finishing the journey in the Spring.550 The only question now was where they would winter, and whether or not they would press on to some more favorable port. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. 1 Timothy 4:12. I would say that is a great example of Godly leadership. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. It was time for another word of encouragement. God does not jump through our hoops and thus Paul never presumed that he had Gods power on tap to use when and how he chose. modern political leaders are good examples (Tony Blair, Geogrge Bush, Sarcosie, JFK, David cameron) What is a sentence with the words democracy and democratic? He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself, namely, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified," (1 Cor. However, there is no story of Esther without Mordecai. Inclusive Meetings A weekly meeting provides the best illustrations of the democratic ideology. You can learn valuable and unique lessons on leading the church and furthering the gospel from these men of the Bible. It was, I believe, for the sake of the gospel that Paul and these passengers were saved. It was drifting wherever the storm carried it. He was going to survive. Great leaders wash their people's feet. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. They took down the sail, which would have been ripped to shreds by the winds, and lashed down the rudders, which would have been broken up as they were smashed against the ship by the waves. I think not. Brooks Faulkner previously served as the senior pastoral ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. Fourteen days have passed since they left Fair Havens and the storm first struck the ship.558 The sailors now have little idea as to where they were, or how far they might be from land. An Uncorrupted View of Godly Leadership from Jude, 10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. Paul tells the soldiers that the sailors must remain on board ship, if they themselves are to be saved. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Several factors contributed to the decision to sail on. Because it was a part of Gods sovereign plan, God did purpose to spare Paul and the ships passengers, but in a way that would to some seem only like good luck. The miraculous aspect is seen in Pauls prediction of what happened in complete agreement with all that did happen, even to the minute details. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).South African political leader victim of the racial policies of Apartheid that segregated black and white, in favor of the former. He did not claim to have a certain (prophetic) knowledge of what was going to happen. They did not know exactly where they were and they could not recognize anything familiar about the land, but they did resolve to run the ship aground in a bay which they could see ahead. It was still late at night, too dark to try to make shore until it was light. Examples. He had already survived one shipwreck, and he knew the dangers of sea travel: Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Brooks Faulkner on Tuesday, September 08, 2015 at 6:00 AM. It is not surprising, though, that he would take the advice of the ships captain and its pilot as being more expert. The potential gains were minimal, while the potential loss was great. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. I am not certain that anyone ever thought of Paul as the leader, but he did lead and they followed. Pauls influence was not the result of his political maneuverings, but mens response to his personal competence. God used the centurion, who had come to deeply respect and admire Paul, to spare him, along with the rest. Remember, he struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. (This also required a small boat, which was going to be taken by those abandoning the ship.) When Daniel was living in captivity in Babylon, he was obedient to the point of losing his life if necessary. of Other words for democratic leadership The first 8 verses of the chapter take Paul from Caesarea to a harbor named Fair Havens, not far from the city of Lasea. You are the devil's advocate. In so doing, the sailors would not only be abandoning ship, they would be abandoning all the passengers on board ship, leaving them helpless. There are portions of Scripture that talk about the qualifications of a leader in the church. As a church staff or volunteer ministry leader, you can learn valuable and unique lessons from several biblical characters. During the night, an angel of God had appeared to Paul, with a sure and certain word about the future, a word that would bring encouragement to all on board ship. Pauls execution was sought by the Sanhedrin, which first tried to execute him legally (like Stephen) and then by assassination, but God used Roman soldiers once again to spare His servant. This was probably due to seasickness, and perhaps to the difficulty of cooking under such circumstances. . He wanted to spare him, and so he forbade them from killing any of the prisoners.564 All of the prisoners were spared, on account of one personPaul, just as all of the passengers were spared for Pauls sake. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for careless or reckless living. Bureaucratic leadership is defined as a form of leadership in which there is a hierarchy of authority that creates rules for management and decision making. What was required for this situation was Godly leadership. He had had enough. A late date for the day of atonement is required also by the time notes of the subsequent journey to Italy. Bruce writes. A centurion of the Augustan cohort by the name of Julius543 was placed in charge of the prisoners. The safety of the passengers, involved their actions, in eating a good meal, in lightening the ship, and in swimming to shore or in clinging to some wreckage and floating to shore. But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. True leaders aren't afraid to call a spade a spade. The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. There will come a time, however, when God will take His own to the full and final safety of heaven. If you want to be a godly leader, I encourage you to focus on the qualities that God identifies as necessary in a leader. In spite of this fact, one man, Paul, emerged as the leader. Paul took bread, and giving thanks to God before all, he began to eat. While there are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible, there are some you are probably more familiar with than others. Where is your God, he asked. The storm caught the ship in its force, and so they could do nothing but allow the ship to be driven along by it. The bottom line is that everyone leads in some fashion, be it great or small. The decision that faced these sailors is not an uncommon one, even in our day. Related articlesHow and Why Should I Pray for Leaders?An Uncorrupted View of Godly Leadership from Jude10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others, Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages. It is as certain as the salvation of His own. But we can still have hope, even when we are afraid. Then the passengers would have a better chance to reach shore. Would any have heeded Paul or the gospel as seriously as they did, had the trip to Rome gone quickly and smoothly? He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Since leadership happens inside and outside the church, these examples are good wherever you lead. I suspect so. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. I believe leadership must be positive influence . Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. Moses was seen as the patient leader of a people with little faith (Ex. Progress was slow, due to wind conditions. One church member compliments your Sunday morning message, the next complains about your quoting Carl Jung because he is not a Christian. He was not the captain of the ship, nor one of the soldiers. These are questions that we shall seek to answer in our study of Acts chapter 27. Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him sooner. Jesus: A leader is a servant first. Your Bible study. Pauls leadership enhanced the preaching of the gospel. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who dont have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. He . If the relative safety of the passengers was in being on board ship, with Paul, our certain safety is in being in Christ. He has weathered the storm of Gods wrath on the sinner. nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. In a storm, control of the ship is limited, and so navigating a narrow entrance to a port would be almost impossible. They intended to put all the prisoners to death,563 thus eliminating the risk of an escape. He must live a devout and disciplined life. Joshua had been in the presence of God. But he was wrong about the loss of passengers. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. The hour is hopeless. They followed Paul because he knew where he was going and inspired confidence in others to follow him.