Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "The Leadership Challenge"

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This Sunday
April 24, 2016



Sermon Title:
"The Leadership Challenge"



Scripture:
Malachi 2:1-9
Picture of Pastor Tim
April 21, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
This Sunday we shall continue our current series on the Old Testament book of Malachi entitled Getting through the Tough Times. In our upcoming passage (Malachi 2:1-9), we find that Israel's leaders are failing to honor God as they guide the people. And the people are paying a high price for their lack of leadership. God calls the leaders again to tackle the leadership challenge with faithful commitment in the particular areas of (1) the character of a leader and (2) the call for leaders to instruct with all godly wisdom and truth.
 
These are two fundamental areas of good leadership; however, the leadership challenge is much greater than just them. At least in our time, leaders are called upon to do far more than lead solely through example and education. I pulled a leadership book from my shelf written by Albert Mohler, President of Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. It is named The Conviction to Lead and is a fine treatment of this important subject. Let me simply list some of the chapter titles of the book to give indication of how complex the leadership challenge is for today.    
-- The Conviction to Lead -- Leaders Understand 
    Worldviews -- Leaders Are Thinkers
--  Leaders are Teachers -- Leadership Is All About
    Character -- Leaders Are Communicators -- Leaders         Are Readers -- Leaders Are Managers -- The Leader         As Decision Maker -- The Moral Virtues of Leaders --         The Digital Leader
       -- The Leader and Time -- The Leader's Legacy
Whew! That is a lot to consider. And this is only a partial list from the Table of Contents.
 
When we think of our MLEPC leaders, who comes to mind? First and foremost is Jesus Christ whom Scripture calls "The Head of the Church." He is our Leader among leaders, and we ultimately look to Him in all things. In addition, we have ordained pastors, elders, and deacons. We have elected members of the Board of Trustees. We have an excellent staff that lends leadership and support in so very many ways. And we are blessed with a small army of other members and friends who stand in the leadership gap at MLEPC. As Lead Pastor of our church, I thank you all.
 
My modest request accompanying this letter is simply to ask for prayer. Pray for our local church leaders. Pray that they will be faithful. Pray that they will listen to and obey the Lord without hesitation. Pray that they will be wise and discerning. Pray that they will be strong and courageous. Pray that they will be merciful and gentle. Pray that they will have skill and energy to fulfill their callings. Pray that they will be guarded from falling when the devil and his minions attack. Pray! For as the Lord raises up good and faithful leaders who look to the Head of the Church, we shall experience the blessing of God and we shall become a blessing from God. And that is what we want at MLEPC.
 
Pastor Tim

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