The Character of a Leader - Perseverance

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

Last month our VCP Director and Supervisors and guests gathered in Accra, Ghana, for our Supervisors Seminar. It was a rich time of fellowship, relationship building, and instruction. Because of Covid, this was our first time together in two years. As I reflected upon all that has happened in those two years, the thought occurred to me that this is a very resilient group. Our leaders have endured lockdowns, Covid illness, family deaths, family illness or injury, and many other challenges. Yet, in the midst of all these difficulties, our leaders have persevered.

Good and godly leaders will face challenges and difficulties. Jesus said as much in John 16:33. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

“In this world you will have trouble.” That’s not a cheery thought, but it does reflect reality. These past 20 months have brought much trouble, challenge, and difficulty. Yet our VCP leaders have pressed on; they have persevered.

How have they been able to do this? The book of James tells us how. Chapter 1, verses 2-4 instruct us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

I recall discussing this scripture about 40 years ago in a small group Bible study. At the time, I just could not understand this. Why would anyone in their right mind be joyful about encountering trials? It just did not make sense to my rational thought. As I’ve encountered many life experiences and difficulties since then (and hopefully matured in the process), I’ve come to realize that challenges and trials cause me to lean upon the Lord. Without him, I would be crushed by them.

During my younger years, when trials came, my first inclination was to run from them, to try to escape. But James speaks to this. “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Over the years I’ve come to learn that if I want to become more mature in my Christian walk then I must accept (and even embrace) life’s difficulties.

Challenges and trials cause us to grow in our relationship with Christ and in our dependence upon Him. As He accompanies us through difficult times, we learn of His faithfulness, and we grow to trust Him more and more.

Good and godly leaders demonstrate perseverance in their walk with Christ. They do not give up; they press on.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.