Effective Leadership in Challenging Times: A Call to Action

Today, I want to ask a crucial question: Where are the leaders, and how do they lead during challenging times or periods of transition? Every one of us has some form of leadership role. Whether you lead your family as a father or mother, manage a business, or play a role in your community, leadership is essential. God has given each of us a sphere of influence—whether it’s over one person or millions. Your sphere, or “Metron,” is divinely determined, but with it comes a responsibility to lead effectively.

When leadership is lacking, there is a deterioration. The issue with the powerless church, in my opinion, is a lack of godly leadership. Let’s look at Nehemiah as an example of effective leadership. Nehemiah was a remarkable leader who carried out God’s plan. As a human instrument of divine sovereignty, he was just like us—flesh and blood—but God used him to accomplish great things. The question is, could God use you in the same way? Could He be calling you to co-labor with Him to advance His kingdom?

There are vital lessons to learn, especially when we’re talking about leadership that impacts God’s kingdom and brings glory to Christ. This isn’t about building a business for personal ambition. This is about leading with purpose in a way that makes a meaningful impact on the world for the glory of God.

I’ve seen firsthand that anything successful in my life has always been birthed through prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit. It has never been about copying others, but rather about seeking divine direction, and it’s always been confirmed by spiritual authority. In 1989, Randy and I were in Washington, D.C., working alongside Dr. T.L. Lowry. God stirred our hearts about a small ad in Charisma Magazine about a youth pastor position at a Methodist church. We prayed and felt led to move to Florida, so we approached Dr. Lowry. He agreed to pray with us, and after fasting and seeking God, he confirmed our calling. It was only after hearing from God that he released us to go.

When we arrived in Florida, we saw firsthand the importance of leadership during crisis. In 1991, we were deeply grieved by an incident in Tampa, where racial prejudice led to violence. This was a troubled area, so dangerous that even ambulances needed a police escort to enter. God called us to go into that neighborhood, and I obeyed. Despite the challenges and threats, including being held at gunpoint and pricked by a needle, we stayed committed to serving the community. We didn’t have a church building—we simply went to the people, shared the Gospel, and provided for their needs. Over time, we became part of the community, and people began calling us “Pastor.”

Through this experience, I learned that true leadership is about being where people are, understanding their needs, and faithfully serving with love. Leadership isn’t about titles or status—it’s about serving and making a difference in the lives of others for the Kingdom of God.