Throughout biblical and Church history, the great leaders possessed a remarkable discernment of their times. Moses, Joseph in Egypt, Joshua, the prophets, Daniel, Ester, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul, all demonstrated keen discernment of their cultural contexts both inside and outside of their faith communities. Subsequent great leaders did too, Martin Luther, John Wesley, William Wilberforce, C.S. Lewis and there is not enough space here to mention many others who discerned their times. Their words and actions weighed heavily and impacted the issues of the day. Sophisticated and complex challenges are coming, and Evangelicalism will require wise and discerning leaders who will be competent in unpacking biblical resolutions.

There will always be the appearance of godliness” (2 Tim. 3:5) but the actual power of the Gospel will not be there. People can learn in any self-help book. Influential evangelical leaders will be men and women who know their God and are personally assured that only His grace is the antidote to sin. That I may “know” Him (Jesus) and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Courage

The Bible says everywhere, “fear not.” Every generation has had to stand strong in proclaiming the ageless message of God’s grace. Courage is a trait that distinguished all of the Christian leaders who made history. C. S. Lewis once said, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” In a world where the relevancy of the Christian faith is increasingly tested, future Evangelical leaders will require a unique confidence in maintaining that God’s grace remains legitimately relevant. Moreover, Evangelicalism will require leaders who can intelligently proclaim that “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced” (2 Tim. 1:12). Fear is emotionally crippling and will cause impediment to the effective evangelical leadership required for a changing culture that continually intimidates believers to be silent.

The writing is on the wall: cultural thought is becoming increasingly hostile to the Christian faith. As Solomon once observed, “See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (Eccl. 7:29). Already, parts of the Western world are by law prohibiting the use of certain Scriptures. How far will these restrictions and scheming go to halt Evangelical thought?

Regardless, the Christian faith will never be silenced, even if weak willed pathetic compromisers fill a pulpit. We must learn to be bold as lions, roaring out the truth, not caring about likes or clicks on social media or even pats on the back. It will, however, take courage and a face as hard as flint. A true shepherd can engage competently with cultural thought, prioritize a personal relationship with Christ, and demonstrate the courage and wisdom to communicate truth to cultural. These traits will become indispensable for dynamic leadership.

It is time to be a son of Issachar, discerning the times correctly, not with the fads of social media influencers or of the woke standing in pulpits of dead churches giving putrid meat to half dead parishioners.  Who being dull of understanding practice a dead religion while professing themselves right with God.  But oh they love to have so.  

Pastor are we ready to make a difference?

Pray – Engage – Impact