Should ministry and marketplace leaders be partners? (85-3)
A large portion of my working life was spent working in the film industry creating films that delivered a godly message. Sometimes it is uncomfortable being a ministry leader among marketplace leaders. The life of Samuel gives some insight to those living in this situation. Read 1 Samuel 9:1-15:31.
God has a role for the ministry leader (priest) and the marketplace leader (king). In order to be effective the priest (ministry leader) must settle the issue of personal security while the king (marketplace leader) must settle their position before God concerning personal submission. Ministry leaders will fail in their role if they feel intimidated and marketplace leaders will fail if they feel independent of God or the ministry leaders He appoints.
Samuel anointed Saul king over Israel. Saul became Samuel’s king and Saul could be very intimidating. Some lessons godly leaders can learn from Samuel as he handled his ministry leadership role:
- Even though God was appointing Saul as King, Samuel never considered Saul to be a celebrity. He never placed his security or emotional health in a man but only in God.
- Although Samuel had been the visible leader of Israel, at God’s command, he gave away his status by publicly honoring Saul. According to 9:21-24, Samuel gave Saul a special place at the table and a reserved meal so no one could question whom they were to follow. This took great personal security in his relationship with God.
- Samuel didn’t feel competition or envy over this new king. Samuel knew that both he and Saul would serve as complementary leaders as they partnered to serve God.
- Samuel did not resist helping Saul to develop into the spiritual leader God had called him to be. See 10:6-9.
- Samuel faithfully brought God’s word to Saul. He prepared Saul to receive his spiritual gifts by explaining what would happen and when to look for it.
- While Samuel affirmed the king, he also understood his own role in Israel and in the king’s life. Samuel never allowed Saul’s position or success to intimidate him. Samuel confronted Saul’s disobedience and continued to clarify their roles.
- Even after confronting Saul’s disobedience, Samuel was able to provide direction for the king and affirm his work on the battlefield. He did not shrink back from playing his role as a ministry leader in Saul’s life.
- Samuel hurt for the king when he failed. Samuel grieved when God rejected the disobedient Saul. The king’s failure broke Samuel’s heart.
- Samuel continually provided the big-picture perspective to Saul and consistently reminded him of his roots and God’s mission. See 15:12-23.
- Samuel fulfilled his role as ministry leader by using a combination of grace and truth when dealing with Saul. Samuel spoke the truth in love, never out of spite or superiority.
Some of the most effective leadership partnerships are between marketplace leaders and ministry leaders. Determine at least one more way that Samuel worked in partnership with Saul.
