A Lesson in Leadership

Dear Fellow Sheepdogs & Shepherds:

I’ve recovered sufficiently from my surgery to be back teaching at this week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship meeting where I will be presenting a message on how we should be looking at the trials and tribulations that are ESSENTIAL aspects of a Christian's life and “training.” Essential? Many will no doubt read this and say “What!?” Yes – they are absolutely essential. Join us and learn what God has to say on very profession (and life)-relevant subject.

As usual, I will present a recap in next week’s newsletter (also posted on our website) for all our readers who reside outside the Denver metro area or could not make the meeting. That said, if you are in fact a “local” or are visiting Colorado, please make every effort to join us tomorrow starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton to participate in this important profession-relevant presentation. Lastly, don’t forget to pass this email on to your colleagues and friends.

Speaking of message RECAPs, Colorado State Investigator Jim Wattles presented a superb lesson in Christian leadership as it applies to the law enforcement profession at last week's meeting. Jimmy’s introduction to the topic focused on an example of failed leadership in the person of Saul as detailed in 1 Samuel 10-15. Jim summed up God’s lesson for us in these passages as follows:

(1) Saul was successful when he sought, honored and obeyed God. Unfortunately, Saul strayed from the path God set for him.

(2) Continued disobedience left Saul unable to use the “spirit of the Lord” and he misused the power God gave him, resulting in his being removed from authority and ultimately his death.

(3) Through Saul’s example, God is telling us that we can either elect (yes, we have a choice) to do things our own way -- with Saul-like consequences -- or to seek His perfect plan for our lives through prayer, the study of His word (the Bible) and obedience to same.

Jim then laid out the biblical aspects of a true Christian leader:

(1) A Christian leader must have a true and faithful relationship with the Lord (Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.).

(2) True leaders must think of themselves as servants (John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.).

(3) Speaking of shepherds: 1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

(4) A leader shows others the way (1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ).

(5) A leader will strengthen the group with compassion, patience and encouragement (Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.).

(6) A leader must give fair discipline (Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects).

(7) A leader must give the group authority to succeed and accomplish their common goals (Thessalonians 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.).

(8) Those who fail to lead will have nobody following them (Matthew 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.).

(9) A leader is prepared to forgive and move on (Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.).

(10) A leader must be have his confidence in Christ (Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say, the LORD is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?).

Take note: a great deal of the misery so common to our profession stems from poor leadership! "Outstanding job Jim…much appreciated. "


Speaking of VISITORS, and lessons in LEADERSHIP, I’m excited to announce that former Marine (really no such thing as a former Marine), police officer and current chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (see http://www.rayfairman.com/ ) from Georgia will be coming through Colorado on vacation and will join us at our June 3rd meeting. I’ll save plenty of time for Ray to share some of testimony with us. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter for more!


MEETING UPDATE:

NOTE: We're back in our original location (the big Multi-Purpose Room right next to the information desk as in walk in the main entrance) for at least the summer!

(1) Thursday, May 27th, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), Littleton, CO.

(2) Thursday, June 3rd -- same time/place as above. Col. Ray Fairman will be our guest -- stay tuned for more details!

(3) Thursday, June 10th -- same time/place as in item above.


PRAYER REQUESTS (Pray unceasingly -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17)!

(1) Englewood PD Officer Jason Pearson asks that we be in pray for our brother and sister officers in Detroit. As many are aware, Detroit’s PD is in the midst of a tragic mess and there are some evil folks attempting to use the situation there to stir up considerable trouble and unrest. Both DPD and the community they serve need prayer and support. See www.policeone.com/legal/articles/2065952-Family-of-girl-who-died-in-in-raid-sues-Detroit-PD/.

(2) Thanks again for all who have been praying for me regarding my recent surgery. Praise God, I’m healing well although still a bit weak and tired. Please keep me in prayer for a quick and complete recovery. I go back to work next Tuesday.

(3) We’ve had another rough week in terms of line-of-duty “officer down” issues: another six in the last week alone. Please go to http://www.odmp.org/ and take time out to pray for the families and colleagues of these fallen heroes who “gave all.” Secondly, we need to have a sense of urgency about sharing the Gospel message with our brothers/sisters-in-arms. We must all come to Christ the same way folks!

(4) Finally, with Memorial Day weekend upon us, let’s take extra care out there – including praying before your shifts, giving thanks after, and remembering to pray for our country, our military, fellow officers and leadership.

While I know many us will be working extra hours, please MAKE time to worship with your family in a solid Bible-teaching church (fellowship is NOT optional – it is a command from our Lord) this weekend. Let’s also not forget to thank our Vets and fly our colors as well.

I am blessed to count myself among you -- let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84 ) with honor!