Last week I posted the seven qualities of those that finish well. This week I want to list seven barriers to finishing well. Studies have shown that only one out of three Christian leaders finish well; that means two out of three don’t. Those that don’t can typically trace their roots back to one of these seven barriers. This list comes out of the research of Dr. J. Robert Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary.
(If you are a former student of mine you will know that Clinton originally had six barriers to finishing well but he also told me of a seventh one that was being researched. I’ve also taken the liberty to wordsmith the terminology for easier memorization.)
Misuse of Money – Some leaders have access to money and rather than using it for its intended purposes, they abuse it for their own personal gain. Some borrow intending to return it until they borrow so much that it’s impossible to pay back. Others use finances to purchase items believing they deserve them but don’t necessarily benefit the organization. Ananias and Saphira are an example of two who misused money.
Problems with Power – Some leaders have the entrepreneurial passion or apostolic gifting but instead of stewarding their influence they use it for status and position. They also have difficulty with accountability and submission and will surround themselves with yes people. They will use their authority to control people believing their ideas are God’s will. David’s misuse of power by sending Uriah to the frontlines of the battle is an example.
Prisoner of Pride – Some leaders think of themselves more highly than they ought. They see the blessings of God as an entitlement rather than a privilege. The focus is more on themselves and how blessed they are rather than the focus being on God. This is one of the hardest areas to correct because prideful people have difficulty admitting they are prideful. Usually something terrible has to happen in order to recognize pride. David’s numbering of his army is an example.
Struggles with Sex – Leaders are seen as people who can be trusted and have authority. But sometimes that trust and authority is abused when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. Relationships start innocently until there is an emotional attachment; this already is a yellow flag. Some take it further and the relationship becomes physical. To me, this is the most damaging of the seven barriers; some never recover from this situation. David’s relationship with Bathsheba is an example. After this incident David’s family life, ministry, and influence never recover. Additionally pornography would fit under this barrier. Some leaders will minister strong but engage in pornography in secret. Some believe they are entitled to see illicit material given that they work so hard in ministry.
Flounder with Family – Leaders in Christian ministry can have the mindset that the world needs saving at all costs otherwise people will be eternally lost. But sometimes the fallout comes at a great price – the family. Some people can have an affair with their ministry and not even realize it. Always remember that your first ministry is to your family. If your family fails, your ministry fails. No other ministry matters if your family is not doing well. Three examples are the sons of Eli, sons of Samuel, and the sons of David.
Decline in Development – Leaders are very gifted people; they tend to have a variety of multiple gifts. However leaders who rely more on their gifts rather than the Giver will have a tendency to plateau. They still minister effectively because they are gifted but they stop growing internally. David stopped growing right before Absalom’s revolt. All leaders will plateau multiple times during their lives; the difference is that leaders who finish well recognize it and take steps to move out of it which usually requires some outside help (mentor or coach, renewal experiences, paradigm shifts).
Bound by Bitterness – The area of unforgiveness can imprison a leader without the leader even knowing it. A perceived injustice happened in the past, the leader feels wronged and makes an internal vow to never talk to or associate with a person or organization, and he or she continues in ministry never addressing the situation correctly. I’ve seen God curtail a leader’s influence due to unforgiveness and bitterness. The Kingdom of God advances through unity and forgiveness, not division and bitterness.
Misuse of Money
Problems with Power
Prisoner of Pride
Struggles with Sex
Flounder with Family
Decline in Development
Bound by Bitterness
It’s been my experience that those who know these seven barriers are able to recognize and avoid them. Those who struggle with them seek help quickly. Will you be a leader that finishes well?
Questions to think about:
Can you think of any leaders who struggled with a barrier? What happened to them?
Is there any barrier that raises a yellow flag in your life?
Is it time to admit a struggle in your life to a trusted friend so that you can finish well?
© Gary Lau 2011
All rights reserved. This article may not be distributed, forwarded or duplicated without prior permission from the author.
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