The Leader’s Inner Circle (Lesson 2) Million Leaders Mandate Notebook Three The Leader’s Inner Circle (Lesson 2)

The Leader’s Inner Circle Building a Healthy Network of Relationships “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Leaders Who Failed… Three Consistent Observations Stopped spending time alone with God each day No accountability to people in my life Never thought this kind of failure could happen to me

What we all need…… Establish and enjoy relationships with: Family God Family A Paul (a mentor) A Barnabas (an accountability partner) A Timothy (an apprentice or disciple who follows you)

Why are these relationships crucial? Every leader has weaknesses. Leaders are on the front line and are vulnerable to attack. 3. Leaders are to set a higher standard for themselves and followers. 4. Leaders can be “starving bakers” who are busy serving bread to others, but never eating it for themselves. 5. Leaders can be blinded to the temptations of power and popularity. 6. Leaders can get so busy that their spiritual life suffers more than anything else. 7. Leaders often react to needs and forget to train others for the future.

Suggestions to practice the spiritual discipline of time alone with God Make an appointment with God daily. 2. Begin by becoming quiet. Then ask God to speak to you. 3. Bring your Bible, pen, and paper and be prepared to interact with God. 4. Develop a plan for study. Read Scripture you can digest in one sitting. 5. Determine to read until you receive a principle or truth to practice.

Suggestions (continued) …. 6. Write out what God is saying through His Word. a. One Time b. All Time c. Now Time Learn to meditate on the specific word God has for you. 8. Pray through the passage of Scripture, asking God to build truth in you. 9. Internalize the word through obedience.

Characteristics of Strong Families 1.They express appreciation for each other on a regular basis. 2.They structure their lives so they can spend time together. 3.They deal with problems in a positive way. 4.They demonstrate a strong commitment to each other. 5.They continually communicate with one another. 6.They share the same value system. 7.The parents model what it means to bless other members.

Steps to Find a Mentor 1. Pray that God will open your eyes to mentors nearby. 2. Set a realistic standard. 3. Look for strengths in a potential mentor that you want to develop in yourself. 4. Be open to multiple mentors. 5. Recognize that mentors may be distant. (phone/email)

What to Look for in a Mentor Godly: Should demonstrate godly character worth imitating. 2. Objective: Must be able to see your strengths/weaknesses. 3. Authentic: Must be real. 4. Loyal: Must be loyal to relationships. 5. Serving: Should be willing to give generously of their time and resources.

What to Look for in an Accountability Partner Probing: Ask probing questions. Authentic: Honest and genuine about their own weaknesses. Challenging: Help you press on to a new level of leadership and obedience. Trustworthy: Value honesty and can handle anything you share with them.

What to Look for in a Mentee Faithful: Faithful to commitments they have already made. Available: Have the time to commit to learning from you. Initiative: Show initiative in their obedience to God and desire to serve. Teachable: Willing to learn for you. Hungry: Have a passion and eagerness to grow as a leader.

Alarm Bells for Leaders 1. Is my personal walk with God up to date? 2. Am I keeping my priorities straight? 3. Am I asking myself the hard questions? 4. Am I accountable to someone in authority? Am I listening to what God is saying to the whole Body of Christ? 6. Am I over-concerned with building my image? 7. Am I overly impressed by either criticism or flattery? 8. Am I a “loner” in my ministry? 9. Am I aware of my weaknesses? 10. Is my calling constantly before me?