We want to discuss the power of 'presence' in this session. It is crucial to positive, effective leadership influence that we be present in two ways; present 'in the moment' or possessing 'presence of mind' in situations & also to be 'physically' present and accessible to the people you are seeking to lead. I want to address the second aspect.
In the famous shepherding Psalm, David the Shepherd/King writes: "Yea Though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of death, thou are with me..." Psalm 23:4 In real terms David had faced many near-death experiences in life; He was aware of the comforting presence of God with him. As leaders do you realise how much of a comfort you can be to those walking through difficulty? Just as David drew strength from his faith in an 'ever present' God (we also want to teach others to do the same) But your presence as a leader can also make a powerful difference, just a call, an email, sms, a personal visit, an intentional touch as you pass by in the crowd to those who are suffering. An awareness of your presence with them in their trials can be of great value.
John the revelator describes Jesus in his incredible vision "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands, and among the lamp stands was One like the Son of Man..." Rev 1:12-13 John is allowed to see the Glorified Jesus, but his appearance is in a context - in the midst of Lamp stands; representative of the churches he was about to address. Our leadership influence always has a context; not apart from - but within the church surrounded by those we are ministering to. I hope you are comfortable with this - because an aloof or absentee leader fails to comprehend the proximity principle of influence and with out this vital relationship with others we diminish our power of influence.
Did you know that one of the covenant names of God is 'Jehovah-Shammah' (God is present or 'near') YHWH Shammah – (‘The LORD is there’) “and the name of that city shall be , YHWH Shammah – the LORD is there.” Ezekiel 48:35 This scripture is in context to the millennial reign of God, with him as even present God, dwelling in the New Jerusalem. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.He being (continually) in the midst. Are you 'There' for others? are you 'There' at services, prayer meetings, small group? on the phone, by personal visit, electronically - are you 'accessable'
I wonder about the 'celebrity' style leaders who roll up to meetings moments before they speak, deliver their oratory and are whisked away by 'minders' who carry their briefcases for them! before and after services they are quarantined in 'green rooms' (Why Green?) from the rank and file who have no intimate access to them. In John 10:3-4 Jesus, the great Shepherd says "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice." There is probably no more poignant picture of a shepherd in the midst of his sheep; With them, In the midst, 'There' surrounded by, and in and loving relationship with those he calls his own. From this place of 'With-ness' (is that a word?) he leads them from that place to health, wholeness, growth, to 'safe' places - It starts with relationship leaders! your 'Presence' is vitally needed as starting place to greater influence!
Be 'present' this week in the midst of your small group.
Ps Rhett
Next week: Fifth 'P' = Prudence
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