AMERICA, AND MOST OF ITS INSTITUTIONS, IS FACING A REAL CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP. SO IS OUR CHURCH TODAY

1. We have been taught self rights, anarchy, independence, & criticism & we are neutralized
2. God has a plan for civilization, government, and church organization to lead us forward
3. If Satan can get us sidetracked, he can destroy our effective leadership & stall church.

Some areas our church has not advanced- I've been discouraged but see chance for revival-

I.- "TOO MANY CHIEFS AND NOT ENOUGH INDIANS"

In former college days- everyone was supposed to become great leader- but where are followers?

A.- THE EARLY CHURCH PATTERNED ITSELF AFTER THE JEWISH SYNAGOGUE, AN OPEN DOOR TO LEADERS, TEACHERS

1. The historical background-in captivity the Jews set up Synagogue- each one taught what they knew
2. Anyone who came by the area was urged to teach them, to say what they knew, to tell new thing-
3. Jesus spoke in Capernaum; -Paul was welcomed into many Synagogues,- So early church- Sermons-

B.- BUT THIS OPEN DOOR POLICY PROVIDED PROBLEMS IN THE EARLY CHURCH, AND LEADERSHIP FRAGMENTED

1. In Corinth- I Cor 1:12- the people developed political parties -Paul, Cephas, Apollos, Christ, etc.
2. Jude warned of men creeping in unawares- & some ego loved to hear themselves talk- problems
3. So God set up safeguards- I Cor 14:26-each ministering, but v.33 in order; & warned by Apostles

C.- WITHOUT LEADERSHIP ANY CHURCH, OR NATION, WOULD SOON DIE, SO GOD RAISED UP LEADERS, PUT DOWN.

1. In Rev. 2:5 God warned the church if it did not repent--He would remove its Candlestick-(leader)
2. In our nation we have watched subversives destroy many leaders- & popular to debunk leaders.-
3. Whether it be the nation, church, or family-without leadership it will perish! Satan takes over.

We need to carefully consider just how we can develop and use right leadership!

II.- WE NEED TO TRAIN FOLLOWERS TODAY !

No one can be a great leader without coming up through the school -being a great follower first!

A.- THE PATTERN IS ESTABLISHED - NO MAN CAN BE TRUSTED TO BE A LEADER WHO CANNOT BE FAITHFUL FOLLOWER

1. Jesus called men to be His disciples- from them He chose the Apostles- who lead the early church
2. Paul I Cor 4:16,11:1 "Be ye followers of me as I am of Christ" endless chain. If you can't of Paul- you can't of Christ
3. The early church- "don't lift up a novice- let a man prove himself-first, I Tim 3:6,10

B.- THE BATTLES ARE WON BY THE FOOT SOLDIERS, THE JOBS ARE DONE BY THE COMMON LABORERS

1. When disciples fished-John21-John saw Lord, Peter swam ashore- but who rowed the boat of fishes?
2. When the Apostles were encumbered- church gave them Deacons to serve; Moses' Arms lifted up
3. A Camera Crew-clears way for Director & Camera Man; Football team obeys Quarterback, clears for runner

C.- FEW GREAT LEADERS ARE BORN, FEWER ARE CALLED, BUT WE MUST GET THE JOB DONE ANYWAY!.

1. Some people are just born with a sparkle-called Charisma (good or bad- Castro, or Joan of Ark)
2. Some are called of God- from Swineherd to Caedmon- some specially gifted, some faithful work
3. We have not all been called to be leaders- but we have ALL been called to be faithful!

And if we will be faithful- God will promote us- Matt 25:21 (Baptist Youth President to Pastor in 1 year)

III.- WE NEED TO TRAIN LEADERS TODAY !

We have allowed a spirit of anarchy to inhabit our nation- & our churches - leads to AntiChrist!

A.- THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP, AND IT IS NOT CHEAP - WILL YOU PAY IT? Js 3:1

1. James warns that (WE) will receive the greater judgment, so next time you want to lead- look
2. Luke 12:48 tells us of whom much is given, much will be expected -If you fail-not faithful-
3. Rom 2:17-21 Paul tells of judgement of those who preach but do not practice!-set aside!

B.- THERE IS A PATHWAY TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP THAT GOD WILL BLESS. SEEK IT, AND USE IT FOR LORD!

1. A speaker at ABC- "you have not trained your children to lead-so schools-etc. led by non Christians"
2. I taught speech at Palmcroft- one took over a PTA in 6 weeks; Hard work, faithfulness, works!
3. Leadership that is right is no accident- it is planned! Earned! prayed for! & made to work! Tim 3:13

C- WHATEVER THE PRICE, IT IS WORTH IT ALL FOR JESUS! THERE IS A GLORY IN LEADERSHIP

1. One glory is found in success- Mel Johnson meetings glorious! Leaders led- & followers obeyed!
2. But all it takes is 1 or 2 "Bad apples" to ruin the finest program! Then they gripe about it.
3. Matt 25:23 -"Enter thou into the Joy of the Lord".- the greatest glory- Christ's "Well Done"

God has a great calling to fill the vacuum today- great followers, or great leaders?

GOD HAS LEFT YOU ALIVE BECAUSE HE WANTS YOU TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING, - WILL YOU DO IT?

1. You must be saved - and know it
2. To lead you must be on the team - a member of the church
3. The need for personal-faithfulness - is vital