Have you ever heard of a Christian manipulator? Sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, we have too many pastors who are manipulators in God’s house. In Matthew 7:15 we read: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” This warning explicitly confirms that some pastors are false prophets and great pretenders who will go as far as to garb themselves in the garments of true, spirit-led ministers. As leaders, we are expected to have a spirit of discernment that will allow us, through guidance from God to sniff out these manipulators and “fake” sheep. Here are 5 identifying characteristics of manipulative pastors:
This is the greek interpretation of the word ‘Iconic’ and what it means is use of the word more likeness of renowned men to GOD and most holy and blessed state of mind.
Another definition is: one in whom the likeness of anyone is seen and its called power of command and absolute excellence.
𝙀𝙄𝙆𝙊𝙉𝙄𝘾 𝙇𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙎:
These are special kind of people that have leadership and mentorship capabilities per excellence.
Everyone needs somebody that they can be weak in front, a place where they can let their guard down.
In this time and season, people are hurting more than before. The changes in the physical, economic, social and international environments is sending people in a spiral of despair. In times like these leaders need to offer avenues of hope and help for the distressed. As 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 teaches, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
A Prayer Warrior/Intercessor has the awesome task of working as the physical security system of heaven,on earth…sort of like the Coast Guards, or what I like to describe sometimes as, “Spiritual Front-line Workers”. Can you imagine they even have a shift system (Officially, Watch Hours) and a base?! Of course, their activities take place in the spiritual realm mostly, so the only thing physical about their work is the workers themselves and the manifestation of their obedience, through prayers of intercession, supplication, and a lot of times, declarations.
Leadership is not a position. It is a calling to a higher purpose that involves mobilizing others through influence. An iconic leader knows and understands this. As a leader led by God, an Iconic leader understands the great responsibility they find themselves with and do not take it for granted.
We accept that Eikonic Leaders/Disruptors are not the easiest to work with, but we need others. Our default mode may be “lone wolf”, but we need safe places where we can learn and grow and we need a team to help us fulfil the dream.
It was not Joseph’s fault that he was distinctly set apart with a uniquely designed coat (mantle). He did not ask to receive this distinction. It was just given to him by His Father. He faced violence, envy, angry and hatred of such intensity that one can only imagine. Even Joseph himself did not understand that power and potential that rested in him.
Have you ever been afraid? Not just afraid, but paralyzed by fear? As Eikonic leaders, you will have these moments. As you process your vision for the people and you foresee the tumultuous effect that it will have on the current environment, you begin to second guess yourself. You begin to question your innovation and justify maintaining the status quo because you have no safe place to experiment.
Personal development in the life of a leader is immensely valuable, but unfortunately most leaders are too time-poor to invest in themselves. And the results are telling. Overtime, leaders who ignore the opportunity to take positive steps toward improving their knowledge and skills become stagnant and archaic in their thoughts and techniques. This condition in turn frustrates those they lead, and impedes productivity and progress in all areas.
Everyone wants to be different, or so it seems. But when you get down to the crux of the matter, everyone is busy trying to be someone else, leaving the slot for the “different you,” vacant. Leaders, you were made to be different. You are unique. So yes, it is awesome that you do not look like, think like or even do things the same way as everyone else. You have to embrace this uniqueness in order to be the Eikonic leader that you are called to be. In Psalms 139:13, we read in awe that “God formed my inward parts and knitted me together in mother’s womb.”
As a coach and ministry leader, I have had the opportunity to engage with numerous individuals in leadership positions. For many, they can easily identify with one or more of the various leadership styles – laissez-faire, autocratic, participative, etc. However, there are others who are unable to fit into the mold of any leadership category. Their dynamic and often misunderstood leadership qualities can lead to conflict in the workplace, business, and in ministry.
Sometimes things happen that we never expect. Sometimes they bring joy but other times they hurt us in unexpected ways. Don’t let it de-motivate you. Continue on your path to success.
Everyone faces difficult times, but that is where your true test lies. No one faces tests that they are unable to solve. All you need is the right alignment: alignment in goals, alignment in priorities, and alignment of mind, body and soul. It is only after you know what exactly you need, and why you need it can come out victorious.
Read some of the ways I kept myself in check when I felt I was getting astray from my true purpose.
Success requires a lot of things and one of the most common misconception about success is that only “talented” individuals get to experience it. The reality could not be more farther from this. While this is not to undermine all the talented people out there, I am speaking to you, the one who feels they are unable to succeed in business or in life in general because they lack the necessary talent. Today I’ll share a little secret about those who reached the pinnacle of success: most of them were not talented.