Proverbs 16:18...Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
I agree with everyone's comments posted. I try my very best to be hyper aware of disregarding a voice of accountability as a leader, or just in general...just as a person with no title to my name. In my own personal journey and experience, I have found it to be a huge "red flag" that my heart is off the path if I'm disregarding or discounting the voices of accountability that I've surrounded myself with. It wasn't always that way, and I learned hard lessons along the way. It doesn't take much to get off course when I start measuring achievement or success using the wrong measuring stick (not that of the Kingdom) and it becomes a very slippery slope that tends to lead a trap of self elevation and pride. It can happen to any of us...pastors, elders, business leaders, etc.
For me, being as intentional and genuine as possible in relationships with mentors and accountability partners helps keep me centered a little better. I like that you pointed out the fact that we need to surround ourselves with people that aren't always going to say "yes"...we need truth...or at least I need truth, not followers. Besides...iron sharpens iron...right?
This is sooo good! I agree- pride is one of the biggest threats to leaders, no matter the size of the church or organization. What I personally have tried to do is try to:
1. Remain grounded in my identity in Christ, rather than my role or achievements.
2. Reflect on my calling- I try and regularly revisit my sense of calling and purpose. Remembering why I became a pastor in the first place helps me stay true to my values and resist pressures that may lead me astray.
3. A TRUE culture of servant leadership within the church also helps, where the focus is on serving others rather than seeking recognition. By prioritizing humility and grace, a pastor can avoid the pitfalls of pride and lead with a heart that reflects Christ.
Just my two cents… thank you for all you do, and I love the changes you are implementing to the ReLeader podast. Keep fighting the good fight!
Really solid Jamisen! Love the idea of regularly remember our calling and going back to the simplicity and purity of that moment! Great thoughts. Thanks for adding.
Agree with all you said. Can't have people on your payroll and expect they will be fully open about their disagreements or ideas. Accountability starts with a humble leader who promotes honest feedback and even encourages it. They have trust in those who give constructive feedback and in an effort to continue to improve their organization set up honest feedback mechanisms. Leaders must not be controlled by fear or set in their ways. They are always willing to consider other points of view. An accountable church leader doesn't keep the same elder board in place as permanent members but is willing to rotate new leadership into their team on an ongoing basis. The two most common downfalls are pride and greed. Greed for fame or fortune. Jesus was an example of a servant leader. An accountable pastor has a heart for people and surrounds himself with a diversity of other leaders with humble hearts..
I agree with your insight 100%, Pastor. And pride is the thing that everyone around the person can see so clearly except the individual infected, right? It's a sneaky little devil, isn't it? Look at Saul. At first glance, a person feels so sorry for him for all the woundedness and rejection that he experienced... but even Father God couldn't coax him to see his prideful heart that was covering up all the bitterness associated with the emotional pain. It's a very heartbreaking story!!
Pride is a very, very scary thing to be infected with. In my humble opinion, more so than even the 2020 infection!!
A modern-day reality of our current state of affairs.... the emancipation proclamation, January 1, 1863.... yet Juneteenth didn't take place for 2-1/2 YEARS.... 135 years later, we all know of the James Bryd Jr. incident in Texas. And 157 years later, the George Floyd incident. WHY??? Because all the laws and rules, policies and procedures, do not change hearts, my friends!! Only Jesus can do that through our humbleness to accept His sacrifice on the cross and our surrender to allow HIM to change us from the inside out. No matter what it costs us, our cost will never out weight our Savior's!
When we have severe pain and woundedness that lies dormant in our hearts, it doesn't heal on it's own. And when we add to our troubles, status, influence, power, wealth, and authority, it's like baking a batch of monster cookies. They go down sweet, but can cause a massive tummy ache to all around!!
A heart full of pain, unattended, and covered up by pseudo-remedies, spells trouble enmass.
Just my 2-cents worth, friends. Let us earnest seek our Father's heart of love to be poured over those who are hurting so desperately.
Yes!! You and I must be on the same "wavelength"! We discussed this topic this morning in our Victory Church men's prayer circle and prayed for the leadership of Victory in this regard. God has to go before us and hold us accountable individually, as well as corporately, or our "work" is in vain. It cannot be about us. We must be good and faithful stewards of what the Father has given us to do, no matter our title or position or standing in life. Thank you Pastor Jon! Keep on keepin' on brother!!
Hi Jon, love this particular post from across the Pond, if one looks through the Bible, it’s pride that pulls a man down… The elder or Pastor is certainly not exempt… But no one likes being told off by others, because they have been found out… by a mere human!! What they fail to realise that that mere human may be a mouth piece for the Living God… That said one must keep a watch over one’s self and protect and safeguard themselves.. and that requires the believer to humble himself to another … lest they get too prideful .. ?
My husband and I are so grateful for your teachings each week at church but it’s even better hearing your thoughts on here. The depth is really interesting. We’ve been in a few churches around Oklahoma City and came to Victory long after the changes occurred. We feel like it’s been hard to find churches where the pastor is truly living what he’s teaching. Our last long term church with deep roots had three pastors in three years and pride is how the most recent pastor weaseled (it’s the only word I have figured out to describe it) his way onto the pulpit. And changed the roots of the church altogether. We’ve followed you as our pastor for 2 1/2 years and are grateful to be under your shepherding. We look forward to hearing and seeing where God leads in this new season and I love your book! We believe there will be a lot of re-leading in the season to come.
Wow. Thanks so much. Your words mean the world. What an honor that you would attend VC! It’s my honor to be your pastor! Thanks for being a part of ReLeader too!
Great content!
Proverbs 16:18...Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
I agree with everyone's comments posted. I try my very best to be hyper aware of disregarding a voice of accountability as a leader, or just in general...just as a person with no title to my name. In my own personal journey and experience, I have found it to be a huge "red flag" that my heart is off the path if I'm disregarding or discounting the voices of accountability that I've surrounded myself with. It wasn't always that way, and I learned hard lessons along the way. It doesn't take much to get off course when I start measuring achievement or success using the wrong measuring stick (not that of the Kingdom) and it becomes a very slippery slope that tends to lead a trap of self elevation and pride. It can happen to any of us...pastors, elders, business leaders, etc.
For me, being as intentional and genuine as possible in relationships with mentors and accountability partners helps keep me centered a little better. I like that you pointed out the fact that we need to surround ourselves with people that aren't always going to say "yes"...we need truth...or at least I need truth, not followers. Besides...iron sharpens iron...right?
You’re so right! It doesn’t much to get off course!
This is sooo good! I agree- pride is one of the biggest threats to leaders, no matter the size of the church or organization. What I personally have tried to do is try to:
1. Remain grounded in my identity in Christ, rather than my role or achievements.
2. Reflect on my calling- I try and regularly revisit my sense of calling and purpose. Remembering why I became a pastor in the first place helps me stay true to my values and resist pressures that may lead me astray.
3. A TRUE culture of servant leadership within the church also helps, where the focus is on serving others rather than seeking recognition. By prioritizing humility and grace, a pastor can avoid the pitfalls of pride and lead with a heart that reflects Christ.
Just my two cents… thank you for all you do, and I love the changes you are implementing to the ReLeader podast. Keep fighting the good fight!
Really solid Jamisen! Love the idea of regularly remember our calling and going back to the simplicity and purity of that moment! Great thoughts. Thanks for adding.
Agree with all you said. Can't have people on your payroll and expect they will be fully open about their disagreements or ideas. Accountability starts with a humble leader who promotes honest feedback and even encourages it. They have trust in those who give constructive feedback and in an effort to continue to improve their organization set up honest feedback mechanisms. Leaders must not be controlled by fear or set in their ways. They are always willing to consider other points of view. An accountable church leader doesn't keep the same elder board in place as permanent members but is willing to rotate new leadership into their team on an ongoing basis. The two most common downfalls are pride and greed. Greed for fame or fortune. Jesus was an example of a servant leader. An accountable pastor has a heart for people and surrounds himself with a diversity of other leaders with humble hearts..
So true George. Thanks for modeling this so well for so many.
I agree with your insight 100%, Pastor. And pride is the thing that everyone around the person can see so clearly except the individual infected, right? It's a sneaky little devil, isn't it? Look at Saul. At first glance, a person feels so sorry for him for all the woundedness and rejection that he experienced... but even Father God couldn't coax him to see his prideful heart that was covering up all the bitterness associated with the emotional pain. It's a very heartbreaking story!!
Pride is a very, very scary thing to be infected with. In my humble opinion, more so than even the 2020 infection!!
A modern-day reality of our current state of affairs.... the emancipation proclamation, January 1, 1863.... yet Juneteenth didn't take place for 2-1/2 YEARS.... 135 years later, we all know of the James Bryd Jr. incident in Texas. And 157 years later, the George Floyd incident. WHY??? Because all the laws and rules, policies and procedures, do not change hearts, my friends!! Only Jesus can do that through our humbleness to accept His sacrifice on the cross and our surrender to allow HIM to change us from the inside out. No matter what it costs us, our cost will never out weight our Savior's!
When we have severe pain and woundedness that lies dormant in our hearts, it doesn't heal on it's own. And when we add to our troubles, status, influence, power, wealth, and authority, it's like baking a batch of monster cookies. They go down sweet, but can cause a massive tummy ache to all around!!
A heart full of pain, unattended, and covered up by pseudo-remedies, spells trouble enmass.
Just my 2-cents worth, friends. Let us earnest seek our Father's heart of love to be poured over those who are hurting so desperately.
Blessings,
Your teaching this week was awesome! I started writing my own blog post about it. I love it when you challenge us to be more like Jesus. ❤️🔥
Thank you!
Always great insight and questions. Blessings!
Thank you!
Yes!! You and I must be on the same "wavelength"! We discussed this topic this morning in our Victory Church men's prayer circle and prayed for the leadership of Victory in this regard. God has to go before us and hold us accountable individually, as well as corporately, or our "work" is in vain. It cannot be about us. We must be good and faithful stewards of what the Father has given us to do, no matter our title or position or standing in life. Thank you Pastor Jon! Keep on keepin' on brother!!
Amen Skip!
Hi Jon, love this particular post from across the Pond, if one looks through the Bible, it’s pride that pulls a man down… The elder or Pastor is certainly not exempt… But no one likes being told off by others, because they have been found out… by a mere human!! What they fail to realise that that mere human may be a mouth piece for the Living God… That said one must keep a watch over one’s self and protect and safeguard themselves.. and that requires the believer to humble himself to another … lest they get too prideful .. ?
Amen and Amen my friend! Hope you guys are well! Thanks for chiming in!
My husband and I are so grateful for your teachings each week at church but it’s even better hearing your thoughts on here. The depth is really interesting. We’ve been in a few churches around Oklahoma City and came to Victory long after the changes occurred. We feel like it’s been hard to find churches where the pastor is truly living what he’s teaching. Our last long term church with deep roots had three pastors in three years and pride is how the most recent pastor weaseled (it’s the only word I have figured out to describe it) his way onto the pulpit. And changed the roots of the church altogether. We’ve followed you as our pastor for 2 1/2 years and are grateful to be under your shepherding. We look forward to hearing and seeing where God leads in this new season and I love your book! We believe there will be a lot of re-leading in the season to come.
Wow. Thanks so much. Your words mean the world. What an honor that you would attend VC! It’s my honor to be your pastor! Thanks for being a part of ReLeader too!
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