Leading with Integrity

by Fred Smith

Publisher:

Bethany House

, 1998

Overview

Pastors are maturing. Deepening. They want substance for their congregations—and nourishment for their own soul. THE PASTOR’S SOUL series unleashes pastors to do what really matters. To step beyond skills. To give of their unique gifts. To minister authentically and grow in the intangibles of ministry like integrity and character.

A GROUND BREAKING SERIES ON THE INNER LIFE OF PASTORS

In this changing culture, pastors need dedication to do what God wants them to do. They need hope that the suffering they experience while serving Christ has purpose and meaning.

The stresses of church leadership quickly reveal a person’s character for what it is: precious jewels or wood, hay, and stubble. Leading With Integrity aims to build consistent godliness that will help a pastor stand strong and lead with character and compassion.

Contents

Top Highlights

“‘Are you working for God or is he working through you?’” (Page 25)

“Ego-driven people satisfy their ego from the cause, while responsibility-motivated people sacrifice their ego to the cause. Ego-drivenness lacks Christian integrity.” (Page 22)

“Leadership demands a strong will—not a selfish or stubborn will, but a determined will to do what needs doing. By will we overcome our yearn for pleasure and our satisfaction with mediocrity.” (Pages 26–27)

“As we go about our work, what are we responsible for, and what do we depend on God for?’ One principle I’ve learned is that God will not do for me what I can do for myself, but he will not let me do for myself what only he can do. God has given me intelligence and created my opportunities—I have a responsibility to use my gifts fully. If I’m not willing to do that, God has no obligation to add his blessing to what I do. On the other hand, when I try to accomplish by human means what can be done only by spiritual means, I embezzle God’s authority.” (Pages 13–14)

“SELF-RESPECT IS THE KEY INDICATOR of our integrity as a person. Without personal integrity, it is impossible to have integrity in leading others.” (Page 19)

Product Details

• Title: Leading With Integrity
• Author: Fred Smith
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 175

About Fred Smith

Dr. Peterson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Master of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He served as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, Minnesota, and of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lexington, Virginia. With particular expertise in Greek, Pauline letters and theology, and Johannine literature, Dr. Peterson has published articles in scholarly journals including Interpretation and Horizons in Biblical Theology, and is a frequent contributor to Lectionary Homiletics. He joined the LTSS faculty in 1998.