Last night in Santo Domingo I taught pastors about leadership. The first session addressed “Developing the Leader Within” (John Maxwell). At the end of this first session, I talked about how every day we must appropriate the power of the Holy Spirit if we are to be successful pastors and Christian leaders. I then had everyone stand in “two’s” and pray for each other, praying for a fresh filling and empowering of God’s Spirit for leadership and ministry. It was a powerful time of ministry and encouragement.

In the second session we talked about “Developing the Leaders Around You” (John Maxwell). I had been teaching on the importance and practice of every leader multiplying their ministry by investing in and developing other leaders. That’s the key to building the church and the kingdom of God and reaching our communities, cities, nations and world.

Instead of a customary alter call, I sensed the Lord leading me to call forth the pastors and spouses who had raised up and sent out 5 or more pastors. To my surprise and joy, about 20 pastors and their spouses came forward. We took time to affirm and thank them. I asked them to join me in praying for the other (mostly younger) pastors that were present – praying for a transference of God’s anointing for developing and multiplying leaders.

Suddenly, you could sense the “wind of the Holy Spirit” blowing through the building. It was like the Holy Spirit was saying, “You’ve done your part, now it’s time for Me to do Mine.” The front of the auditorium was packed with people coming forward for prayer, and above the music you could hear the passionate prayers going up for God’s Spirit to “fall” in new and fresh ways upon the pastors who were present. We were praying for the Lord to enable and empower them to not only be strong in their ministry, but strong in multiplying pastors and leaders in the days ahead.

I believe that the Lord was pleased and blessed our gathering with His presence and power because we honored the men and women who had dedicated themselves to developing leaders in the Kingdom. The Bible says that we are to “give honor to those who deserve honor” (Romans 13:7). When we do, the Lord will be pleased, and He will bless us in unusual ways.

Think about that person who has invested in your life to help make you the man or woman of God you are today. Please tell me about them and one way you can show them “honor”.  

I look forward to hearing from you . . .