I’ve been reading a great book by Henry and Richard Blackaby titled, Spiritual Leadership. Two reoccurring themes of the book are these: spiritual leaders don’t seek out their own vision, but seek God’s direction/vision for the people they lead. And second, to be a spiritual leader of people, you must be a fully dedicated Christ follower.

We as leaders cannot take the people of Heartland into a relationship with Christ that goes any deeper than where we have gone ourselves. We can not lead people to higher levels of prayer; to higher levels of faith; to higher levels of spiritual maturity; if we have not traveled that road ourselves. Therefore the spiritual leaders at Heartland must continually be growing if we are to equip and develop fully dedicated Christ followers.

And while leadership is important, I believe that Heartland Church will not reach its maximum potential unless every member and every attendee also knows how to hear clearly from God and be willing to respond in obedience.  It is not merely enough for the leaders at Heartland to hear from God and relay the message to the people of the church.  Each member/attendee at Heartland must learn to recognize God's voice and seek divine confirmation themselves of the vision that the leaders are sensing from God.

So the challenge to myself and our leaders is this; will we take the necessary time to pray and to meditate and fast and grow in our own relationship with God; constantly listening for His voice and seek His direction for our lives and our church? And to the congregation, will you also go deep into God’s Word and prayer so that you can tune into what role God wants you to play in growing Heartland Church and becoming a dedicated Christ follower?