Watchman Nee points out in "Spiritual Authority" that the key to leadership (acting God's delegated authority) is revelation. Moses had his burning bush, Paul his call to the Gentiles, and David his annointing under Samuel.

Many people find themselves in leadership, filling offices such as boss, elder, or Army General. They may or may not be qualified. But there is a type of leader that is a cut above all others, and that is the one who has heard from God. You might call it the call, a commision, or a revelation.

Solomon entered his reign with a commission to build the Temple, which he did successfully. David had desired to do this, but God specifically told him that his son would do this work. When Solomon took over he knew what he was there to do, and he set to it. We can say many things about Solomon, good and bad. But one thing we can say for certain, is that he greatly succeeded in building the Temple.

Leaders, especially pastors need their call if they want to be used of God in an extraordinary way. They need to do as the giants did. They need to get alone with God first of all. Many of the greats, Paul, John the Baptist, Moses, and David spent extensive time in the desert at some point in their lives. The desert represents a place where distractions are few, and where the voice of God can be heard clearly.

Then they need to be told by the Holy Spirit what they are to accomplish. They need a life focus. My pastor was told to establish a church in a town that is already known regionally as a place with a church on every corner. Why would God call him to establish another church unless it's going to be a special church? He received a revelation for his life, and he's focused on the mission God has given him: Building a special church.

How many pastors can say that they've gotten alone with God, gone through a desert experience, and been given a mission for their lives? I fear many are simply in their positions for a paycheck or status. Like Pharisees they enjoy the greetings in the marketplace and the high places at the tables, lengthening the tassles on their robes as they go. May God speak to everyone in spiritual leadership about these issues, and call them to the humility of Moses.

A third thing we can say about great leaders is their focus. Satan will try to sidetrack a leader. My pastor has told us how he fights to stay in touch with God even as the day to day affairs of running a church compete for his attention. I've come to believe that business affairs are a very effective tool satan uses on pastors, which points up the importance of deacons. The apostles would not be distracted with waiting tables, and appointed Spirit-filled deacons. Pity the pastor with no Aaron or Hur to lift his or her arms, but pity even more the pastor who has helpers, but won't use them.

Jesus had a call on His earthly life. He did many things, not the least of which was preparing a group of people who would set up His church. Yet out of all the things He did there was one overriding call, and that was to become the propitiation for our sins. Everything He did He knew was leading to, and tied in with that one calling. He set His face like flint to go to Jerusalem.

-- Anonymous, June 23, 2002