A Google search for the term “What is the number one reason nonprofits fail?” boils down to effective leadership, or lack thereof. Poor planning, unclear strategy, vague direction, inexperience, negativity…many articles attempt specifics, but it boils down the same. Leadership.
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judges 21:25 AMPC
“There was no king in Israel because in Israel there was no God. The Lord is King. ..They kept God as a sign but paid no tribute to Him as a King, worshiping Him possibly in outward form but knowing nothing of the subduing and directing power of godliness. That is more to be dreaded than any intellectual difficulty of a theological kind… Dead consciences, prayerless prayers, mechanical formalities—these are the impediments which overturn… the chariots of progress.” ~ Joseph Parker
Effective leadership is found where Jesus is Lord, when those being led are influenced and supported by Him. The size of our fear is in direct proportion to the size of our God and communication with Him.
1. Personal Prayer
Do you have a good relationship with Jesus? This is what Jesus wants most. Intimacy with you. Not you for “all you can do” but your heart, your mind, your soul!
“And He (Jesus) replied to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.’” Matthew 22:37-38
(No hands or feet there, and not your mouth either.) Do you find yourself doing things with Jesus or for Him? Spend a great deal of time doing things for someone, without spending time with them and affection is lost. Fellowship with God is our created purpose. Communication is key to any great relationship!
Remember, God is God. We need Him, not the reverse. That’s what makes Him magnificent.
“Hello! This is God. I will be taking care of everything today. I will not be needing your help.”
How do I maintain a good prayer life while so busy?
What are you busy doing? Why believe these are tasks He directed you to? Often we run to godly tasks never meant for us. Jesus said His burden was light. We pick up things we should not be carrying, even good things.
23 Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily, as something done for the Lord and not for men,
24 Knowing with all certainty that it is from the Lord and not from men that you will receive the inheritance which is your real reward. The One Whom you are actually serving is the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
Colossians 3:23-24
We all have a sinful propensity to see ourselves and our efforts as primary while relegating God to a secondary role in what we do. As we serve Jesus, let us spend the needed time asking Him what our tasks may be and wait for Him to answer.
2. Together inside the Organization
“God will move heaven and earth to show us His will, and then provide everything necessary for us to do it.”
Charles Stanley
Organizations have board meetings, management meetings, and staff meetings. Agendas are planned, presentations are prepared, notes are taken. Imagine if we spent as much time together in prayer with our King, just as determined to communicate our needs and gain direction!
I do not need to describe a method for prayer as a group. We know how to present, request, and share! Jesus is the Head, let us treat Him so. Let’s not wonder where to start. If your next meeting is only prayer together, know that your organization is effectively led.
3. Outside support
I fondly remember both of my grandmothers. If they prayed for you, it would happen. Everyone asked to be added to their “prayer lists.” We once joked that they had the ‘red phone.’ The church, Jesus’ bride, is relationship – us with Him and with each other, supporting and helping each other.
Are you looking for support? For power? For purpose? It is here. Ask for prayer from those outside of your organization. Be specific, be unreasonable (nothing is impossible with God), be persistent. Share important projects and results. Grow your prayer support teams.
God desires to lead you today! Talk with Him now.
Want to learn more?
Are you longing for a closer relationship with Jesus? Do you feel a need for more prayer in your life or organization but struggle to accomplish it? I am Holly Bot, owner of Bot Consulting LLC, and I would love to help you today. Contact me today.
holly@botconsulting.llc