Introduction

It’s an inspiring time to be a leader with a relevant message--a message that answers real questions and addresses genuine needs. Why? Because people are searching. More than any other time in history people are faced with conflict, fear, bewilderment and pain in a post-modern context. Society is desperately searching for answers to persistent and nagging challenges. In this context, Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) members with initiative, can be Bible-based change agents with unparalleled opportunities as they continue the ministry of Christ by providing lasting solutions.

In spite of this enviable position, many Adventist believers are vulnerable to taking their leadership cues on how to do ministry from a pervasively secular culture. There is a danger that Adventist members, in this critical period of world history, will turn from the Bible to other sources for their leadership direction and follow a “whatever works” mentality.

Therefore, this paper addresses a danger, a need, and a challenge.

The danger is that many SDAs, sensitive to their leadership responsibilities, accept direction on how to be effective leaders from the wrong places. Churches are too often seen as corporations, church leaders as executive officers and members as beholden to current leadership fads and trends. As a result, too often, they consult the broken cisterns¹ of popular leadership books and techniques, many which are secular, filled with humanistic ideas and theories.

The need is for a basic model that will enjoin believers to the necessity of obtaining essential leadership principles from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy (SOP). These inspired sources will present reliable leadership principles that can lead members to strategic and satisfying outcomes to accomplish the mission of the Church to transform and renew society.²

The challenge is to design the model and outline the principles that faithfully show the Bible and SOP as relevant and practical sources of leadership principles; principles that will provide a reliable criterion by which to evaluate other leadership approaches and to further develop Adventists into strong leaders for the Church and society.

If these objectives are achieved, then the goal of this paper will be accomplished.

This paper postulates that the eschaton,³ or the last days before the Second Coming of Christ, require a distinctive leadership approach that prioritizes proclaiming the gospel and advancing the mission of the Church. Its premise is that a distinctive leadership approach, based on the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, rather than on popular leadership theories, can effectively facilitate preparation and development of SDA leaders⁴ who will provide effective leadership needed in the home, church, workplace, and society.

How can the SDA Church intentionally increase the number of Bible/SOP based godly leaders? How can we increase the focus and deepen the understanding of true Bible based leadership in the Adventist context? How can the Church deepen understanding and intentionally create an efficient leadership paradigm for the Adventist Church in the last days? This paper will address these questions.

In this context, every member, clergy, and layperson is considered a leader. That is to say, every member has influence, which is what leadership is--the ability to influence another person or group.

John Maxwell correctly says: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”⁵ A converted, committed Adventist believer who is willing to use their influence, energies and resources for the progress of the gospel is a leader in the work of God whether or not they have a leadership title or position.

In this paper Last Day Leadership (LDL) refers to an SDA leadership system based on the Bible and Sprit of Prophecy principles; within this system the term, Strong Adventist Leader (SAL) refers to the Adventist leader who diligently leads and evaluates other leadership approaches according to principles from the Bible/SOP in a last day context. At the end of the paper, the reader should be able to correctly compare distinctively Adventist principles, values and ethics with secular and other spiritual leadership approaches.

Many good books have been written on leadership from an Adventist leadership perspective,⁶ and many more have been written on leadership from the Bible and spiritual perspective.⁷ However, after having read, studied and collected hundreds of leadership books, and after serving in various leadership capacities at all levels of the Church, I am convinced that the only safe way to approach the subject of leadership is to deliberately extract and highlight the distinctive leadership principles consistent with biblical truth and the SOP in the end times. This will equip the average Adventist reader with a criterion to critique other leadership approaches and a motive to clearly lead with a distinct purpose.

Subsequently, this study is based on the presupposition that the SDA biblical beliefs and teachings, complimented by the SOP, under the active guidance of the Holy Spirit, contain all the conceptual and intellectual elements needed by believers to develop an effective leadership system needed for these last days.

This paper will demonstrate how church members can effectively be equipped to serve as last day leaders, regardless of their profession, age, ethnicity, gender, or condition. To construct a methodical rationale in this paper, the following sections are presented:

Introduction

1. Gospel Commission

2. Systems Focus

3. Leadership Comparison

4. Scriptural Harmony

5. Distinctive Foundation

6. Transformation Process

7. Personal Strategies

8. Pauline Metaphors Conclusion

Gospel Commission

A primary need of Adventist clergy and laypersons is to rise to the full leadership stature possible under God. Whether they are formal church leaders, parents, teachers, politicians, technicians, laypersons, young or old, and in any profession, the call is to be a leader distinctively equipped to lead in these last days

This leadership need is based on the realities of the following conditions in the last days.

Context

In His sermon on Olivet, Jesus predicted social wickedness would dramatically increase prior to His Second coming: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12, NIV). In the same message, Jesus further described the pre-Advent conditions by referring to two periods of Old Testament history: namely, the days of Noah and the days of Lot.

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed (Luke 17:26-30, NIV; cf. Matt 24:37-39).

Both phenomena predicted by Christ highlight three realities of the days before the Second Coming: the sordid conditions of society, the suddenness of the Advent, and the need for believers to take a major leadership role in warning people to prepare for Christ’s coming.

Challenge

Paul warned Timothy about the pervasive secularity of the last days, saying:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV).

More than any other time in history, the period before the coming of Christ will be rampant with overt and unapologetic perversion, secularism, humanism and hedonism. In the context passages the emphasis will be on warning society to repent. In this Challenge passage the emphasis is on believers preventing themselves from being negatively influenced by the surrounding society. In both cases believers will, of necessity, be required to exercise a distinctive leadership approach to make advances in the midst of unparalleled wickedness.

Commission

In this setting the SDA Church plays a pivotal role. Upon acceptance of Christ as one’s personal Savior, immediately the opportunity is given to each believer to accept Christ’s charge in Matthew 28:18-20

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

The Three Angels messages of Revelation 14:1-6⁸ reiterate Christ’s charge in the days before His return.

Church

Knowing the above, it is incumbent on each member of God’s Remnant Church to fulfill their own leadership role in taking the vital message to the needy and negligent society.

Ellen White outlines how the church will fill this last-day charge and the important role that the member leader will fulfill in it:

The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God (Ephesians 3:10).⁹

In each of the above references (Context, Challenge, Commission, and Church), members serve as leaders for Christ to the world. All members--men and women, girls and boys--play a central role as leaders whom Christ will use to accomplish the mission of the Church.

Systems Focus

It is well documented that the last days before the Second Coming of Christ are characterized by falsehood, error, secularism, humanism, materialism, worldliness, and post modernism challenging the Church from within. From outside of the Church are vices, abuse, greed, corruption, crises, atheism, agnosticism and hedonism. These realities are complimented by natural disasters, calamities, wars and political and global unrest.

It is understood that the goal of Adventist member-leaders is to be able to navigate through these temptations and threats. They are to avoid the potential pitfalls of these last days, fulfill their responsibilities as responsible citizens, and be strong leaders inside and outside the Church as attractive models of Christ-like characters.

How then can Last Day Leadership and the Strong Adventist Leader principles facilitate members doing their job and fulfilling their divine purpose as part of the Body of Christ? LDL is a distinctive wholistic approach to life and leadership. In this period of earth’s history, SDAs are challenged through the partnership of the Holy Spirit and human cooperation to intentionally model an exemplary life and leadership style characterized by Scriptural adherence, mature spirituality, transparent integrity, consistent morality, emotional intelligence, exemplary work habits, and positive self-management.

Last day leadership will be balanced by love--a disinterested benevolence for all groups and classes that results in selfless service for God and humankind. The goal of LDL is not personal power, self-promotion or material profit; rather it is the believer’s personal excellence with humility for the glory of God and advancement of His Kingdom.

Since the Bible and SOP are unapologetically central to the LDL and SAL model, this paper is heavily based on these two sources. Selectively, other authors and books were also helpful, particularly from the Adventist perspective. ^{10 11 12 13}

As to the subject of leadership in the SOP, Cindy Tutsch notes that

“though Ellen White never defines leadership in precise language, it is not difficult to deduce from her writings her conviction that to exercise leadership that promotes the Kingdom of God is the responsibility of every Christian. Every disciple of Christ, regardless of position or status, has a sphere of influence, which should be used to help others know God and be prepared for eternity with Him. Ellen White agreed with Leighton Ford and Henry and Richard Blackaby that individuals whose spiritual gift is identified by others as administration or management are not exempt from promoting spirituality.”¹⁴

Indeed, in principle Ellen White advocates that the believing Adventist be an all-around 360-degree leader who daily advances the Kingdom of God.

Leadership Comparison

At this point, in a macro sense, let us specifically compare the two broad leadership categorical approaches adhered to today. That is, the Natural and the Spiritual approaches, with the third approach, the Adventist approach. In Figure 1, the contrast between two prevalent leadership approaches are seen with a resultant new leadership approach, the Strong Adventist Leader (SAL), introduced in this paper.

The Strong Natural Leader (SNL) approaches leadership from a secular perspective that is not necessarily based on spiritual or moral principles. It does not have the Bible or divine truth as its foundation or rule of behavior. Therefore, while it can be moral, it is not bound by Biblical claims. The SNL leadership approach has secular success as its bottom line and desired outcome.

The Strong Spiritual Leader (SSL) includes many of the SNL characteristics but prominently emphasizes Bible principles and morals. The SSL synthesizes SNL principles that are viewed to be consistent with biblical values and chooses the Bible as its authority to govern leadership behavior. It appropriately monitors and tempers several of the SNL traits by biblical principles and values. But because of the hermeneutics and theological beliefs of its proponents, it detours at points and falls short of being able to be a comprehensive system.

This paper reasons that the Strong Adventist Leader (SAL) is the ideal leadership categorical approach and leadership system for the eschaton. It selectively reviews, analyses and selects traits from the SNL and SSL approaches, but extends beyond them. The SAL focuses on the distinctive characteristics of the SDA system of truth. It is subordinate to the understanding of the Bible as presented by the beliefs and teachings of the Bible and SOP from the Adventist perspective. The SAL may selectively include characteristics of the SNL and the SSL, but they are carefully synthesized through the Adventist teachings and lifestyle.

Figure 1. Leadership Contrasted

With the broad contrast in place let us look more closely at the comparison of the different characteristics of each approach. The comparison chart below (Figure 2) compares the three types of leadership in light of ten leadership loci that drive the leadership approach. These are: 1. Worldview or philosophical conception of the leader; 2. Motive or object of the leader; 3. Modus operandi of the leadership approach; 4. Source of power relied upon; 5. Ethic or beliefs that fuel actions and reactions; 6. Service or target of effort; 7. Goal or desired outcome; 8. Instinct or character of the style; 9. Politics or policies governing actions; 10. Principles or moral codes that guide actions.

Strong Natural Leader (SNL) vs Strong Spiritual Leader (SSL) vs Strong Adventist Leader (SAL)

Figure 2. Leadership Compared

Scriptural Harmony

While the limits of this paper preclude me from exploring all of the facets of leadership and its ramifications, I do highlight those broad aspects that directly speak to the LDL/SAL components. (Those interested in further study will find the footnotes to be worthy of further study.)

The Bible is rich with leadership examples. In its pages are good and bad models of leaders with references that are direct and indirect, both overt and covert. Doubtless, one of the greatest examples of a last day leader is the Apostle Paul who liberally integrates leadership principles throughout his writings that the LDL/SAL are consistent with.

In the heart of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, his mentee, Paul begins chapter 2 with an affectionate reference to “my son” Timothy who had the huge responsibility of pastoring the challenging church at Ephesus (v. 1). He admonishes the young leader to be strong and resilient in the face of opposition (v. 1). Emphasizing the crucial role of teaching and modeling (v. 2), he stresses the importance of service and suffering in the leader’s life (v. 3). All of this is for the good and glory of Christ (v. 3). Not pausing, he goes on to stress that a leader must have a soldier’s sense of duty (v. 4), an athlete’s commitment to discipline (v. 5) and a farmer’s habit of planning, cultivation and patience (v. 6).

His point is masterful—all the leadership effort, energy and exertion of the young leader Timothy were to a noble end. As a result of his leadership example, he would be able to exhort and admonish members and others to be obedient and unified because they would see his example and be silenced into respect and cooperation (v. 14).

Paul goes further and deeper. He then merges into, and reveals, one of the grandest and most valuable of leadership lessons for spiritual leaders, both then and now. He says: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV). It is stellar advice to Timothy and to leaders though the ages, but in particular to the SAL in the last day environment. A primary strength of a leader is his commitment to and knowledge of the Word of God. From it flows knowledge and revelation that provide a foundation for everything important to strong leadership.

Ellen White captured the essence of the centrality of Bible study to last day leaders when, quoting Peter, she said:

Peter exhorts his brethren to ‘grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’ [2 Peter 3:18] Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God’s word and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative and seek to avoid discussion.¹⁵

Those who allow prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true—in harmony with God’s word? By whom is it advocated? Unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it. So thoroughly satisfied are they with their own ideas, that they will not examine the Scripture evidence, with a desire to learn, but refuse to be interested, merely because of their prejudices.¹⁶

The following SAL Bible Trait chart (Figure 3) displays leadership characteristics gathered from the Bible that provide the last day leader with a smorgasbord of leadership qualities that can enhance his/her SAL. A good exercise for the industrious leader will be to examine the list, look up the biblical references and examine himself to see how he matches up. If areas of need are found, they provide fertile ground for advancement and self-improvement.

Biblical Traits of a Strong Adventist Leader

1. Believer—2Pet 3:18, who grows in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ

Figure 3. Characteristic Traits of the SAL in Development

Distinctive Foundation

An anchor of SAL is that the member leader has a working understanding of the parameters that set the SAL in the last days in contrast to popular leadership and theoretical approaches. However, achieving mature leadership discrimination and Biblical consistency is similar to the work of sanctification, it can be achieved to one degree or another at different stages in life, but it is an ongoing process that requires humility and vigilance. The discerning SAL should be able to use the following five distinctives as a means to identify which leadership systems are consistent with the Bible and SOP and their core competencies.

Figure 4: Distinctives of Leadership

Character

A primary distinctive of the SAL is character. By character I mean the mental and moral qualities that make a person distinctly who they are. These qualities in unique combinations make up a person’s individual moral imprint. It has to do with their personality, nature, disposition, temperament, mentality and constitution. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying: “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

It’s important to note that character is not developed in a vacuum. It originates from the depth of who a person is and the choices they make. The Bible says, “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV). Even deeper than what we think of ourselves and what others think of us, is what God thinks of us. This is the test of character and is especially true of leaders in the end times because our authentic self will either draw people to Christ or repel them from Him. In the final analysis, leadership boils down to character.

Famed General H. Norman Schwartzkopf, (1934-2012), a US Army general who served as Commander-in-chief, United States Central Command and led all coalition forces in the Gulf War, struck the right balance to West Point Corps of Cadets when he said:

I’ve met a lot of leaders in the Army who were very competent—but they didn’t have character. And for every job they did well, they sought reward in the form of promotions, in the form of awards and decorations, in the form of getting ahead at the expense of someone else, in the form of another piece of paper that awarded them another degree—a sure road to the top. You see, these were competent people, but they lacked character.
I’ve also met a lot of leaders who had superb character but who lacked competence. They weren’t willing to pay the price of leadership, to go the extra mile because that’s what it took to be a great leader. And that’s sort of what it’s all about. To lead in the 21st century—to take soldiers, sailors, airmen into battle—you will be required to have both character and competence.¹⁷

Ellen White reflects this balance of character and competency throughout her writings. In her well known and often quoted reference in the book Education, she highlights character by saying:

The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.¹⁸

When manifested correctly, character creates the credibility for a leader to be respected and trusted and to earn the right to influence others.

Calling

The second quality that is an essential for last day leaders is a sense of calling. Calling is powerful, grounding and motivating. Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck write in their book Designed to Lead: “The church, is uniquely set apart to develop and deploy leaders for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel.”¹⁹ Why is this true? Because it is in the church where we are reminded of the call and commission God has given us to be His ambassadors in the last days and to herald His soon coming.

It is in the church that “God determined that He would use broken men and women, redeemed by His Son, to become ambassadors to the world.… He had every method at His disposal for bringing His will to pass. Yet, God chose to use mankind to bring glory to Himself. He designed for men and women to reflect the nature and character of God. He has chosen you and the people in your church.”²⁰

Calling reminds us that we need to place less emphasis on the techniques of leading and more emphasis on what the purpose of our calling, that is, to lead. We have a vision of what God has for us and what God has for others. We have a passion to share that vision with others. But vision is not the only component of calling.

In his book Power to Lead, Five Essentials for the Practice of Biblical Leadership, Mike Ayers notes, “Most authors use the term vision to describe a leader’s purpose and the future state for which they influence others. While the idea of vision is at the heart of leading others, to comprehend biblical leadership we must realize that in a biblical paradigm, vision flows first from God’s call to the leader.”²¹ Vision and a sense of what God has for His church and for those who are receptive to His call flow from His initial calling to us. We want to respond to God’s call to us and to be in the center of His will for our lives. As Howard Hendricks insightfully quipped, “The fear is not for leaders to fail, but to succeed at doing the wrong thing.”²²

Genuine calling is solidly biblical in that we are not called to pursue our own personal leadership aspirations that are often laced with pride and ambition to seek greatness for ourselves. Instead, we are called to humbly join God in the salvific work He is doing in our homes, communities, churches, and workplaces. God calls and equips us to be leaders and join Him in the grand design He has for the world versus us recruiting God to join us in our personal and truncated pursuit.

Calling, therefore, is the force that drives and inspires biblical leaders to influence. It keeps them fueled and focused, provides accountability to act consistently, inspires them to endure hardships, and ensures that one’s leadership results only in what God wants.

Competence

Competence is a sought-after grace. Competence is that wonderful ability to do something effectively or efficiently. It is synonymous with ability, proficiency, adroitness, knowledge, expertise, and skill. However, it is even more in that it distinguishes the member leader from those who are incompetent and slackers. Competence, in its finer sense, is the believer’s ability in all realms of life and leadership to gain the mastery and to elevate their performance on the job to the level of artistry and virtuosity.

Psalm 78:72 intimates this kind of competence when it states, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Just as character is echoed in “integrity of heart”, so is competence indicated in “skillful hands”; both vital to last day leadership.

Ayres reasons, “In the Scripture, skills are not mere cosmetics to be put on and taken off, nor are they disconnected from the leader’s character. Rather, they are congruent complements to his or her inner person, and as such, they allow the leader to manifest God’s calling in the world.”²³ He enumerates that it would stretch credibility to imagine Moses without the skill of delegating to others (Exodus 18:13–27), Nehemiah without the ability to manage projects and people (Nehemiah 4:13–23), or Paul without the skill of communicating spiritual truth to his readers (Colossians 1:28–29). Notable are the Spirit-inspired competencies of artisan Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-6), which directly linked with his knowledge, skills, and expertise. These competencies were not peripheral but crucial to the God-given callings of these gifted leaders who were significantly used in their specific leadership contexts. Outer competence appears to be correlated to inner character.²⁴

When giving general counsel to educational leaders, Ellen White emphasized the value of competence. Referring to essential administrative and management skills, she said:

“The leaders in our schools should be men and women of quick intuitions, who have the Spirit of God to aid them in reading character, who have managing ability, who can understand different phases of character, and display tact and wisdom in dealing with varied minds. There are many who can fill the place of superintendent in name, but what is needed is men who can fill the place in every sense of the word. There are many who can go through the form cleverly enough; but they fail to impart courage and hope, to inspire thought, to quicken energy, and to impart such life that the school shall become a living, growing power for good.”²⁵

While this list of competencies is not meant to be exhaustive, it does provide a perspective on how Ellen White valued practical leadership skills.

Competence supports the credibility of the SAL’s character and calling. It shows a leader who believes efficiency and effectiveness are integral to substantial Bible-based leadership.

Community

Secular leaders may be consumed with power, profit and position; however, the last day leader will aim to place people and relationships over profit and productivity. The Bible and SOP approach to leadership causes one to focus on love, the fruit the Spirit and a biblical approach to emotional intelligence.²⁶ Community, relationships, and human sensitivities remain a priority in the life and leadership of the last day leader. This is what draws and attracts, this is what wins the hearts of secular onlookers who marvel at how piety trumps profit.

Community for a member leader in a last day context is at the heart of life and leadership. True leadership is about influence with people in all areas of life. This influence is dynamic and operative in at least three ways.

First, the member leader meets people where they are in the midst of their pain and need. In the end time the love of many grows cold (Matthew 24:12) and because of the stress, wickedness, and cruelty people often are withdrawn and distant. This is a challenge and opportunity to the SAL. “In the Scripture, every time God called a leader to a leadership task, God’s purpose was to redeem and restore His people through the instrument of the leader. Therefore, biblical leadership does not ever exist in a vacuum. A biblical leader is an individual called of God to interact with and impact people.”²⁷ It is a challenge because people are more suspicious and callous and often not inclined to be sociable or trusting. On the other hand, because of pain and deep need, people desperately want love, they need companionship and the community of loving believers that the Body of Christ offers.

Further, relationship means being personally involved with the pain and pleasure of the people we interact with and serve. It happens, not simply in the context of worship, but also in the workplace and leisure. The leader lives with the people she seeks to minister to and influence. “The first calling of every leader is to image God as faithfully and fully as a redeemed sinner can. This is the primary way we reflect the glory of God. When we look at the leaders God has formed throughout the ages, we see over and over again that the Lord cares for their response to His holiness more than how many responsibilities they steward.”²⁸

Second, the member leader mingles with people in the context of Christian community. Jesus didn’t simply tell the disciples to show up at the temple once a week, and there he would lecture them on principles of leadership. Jesus did life with those He led. He chose to impart Himself, not just His teaching. It was out of the context of that community between Him and the disciples, with failures and victories alike, that they grew to achieve something of great value together. This is how Paul dealt with those he related to in Thessalonica: “Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

This is the calling that SALs have in the end time: “Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member should be a channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Savior desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and His character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Savior’s love. All heaven is waiting for men and women through whom God can reveal the power of Christianity.”²⁹

Besides dealing with those in the Body of Christ and mainstream society, there is the vital ministry to the needy and marginalized. Christ said His ministry was very much about reaching the hurting and fringe members of society: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19, NIV).³⁰

Third, the member leader meets people with a beneficent end purpose in mind. The love is without strings and happens whenever and wherever there are needs but the ministry does have a greater desired outcome: to share the greatest possible gift, the gift of salvation.

In her classic reference on the method of Christ, Ellen White says: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’.”³¹ Here is outlined an elegant and effective way to relate to people and seek to lead them into a relationship with Christ if they will.

The relational leadership elements are simple and clear: 1. Jesus mingled with people as One who desired their good--He went to where the people were, thus opening networks; 2. Jesus sympathized with people--He listened and personally communicated, thus forming attachments; 3. Jesus ministered to their needs--He responded to their real issues and concerns, thus forming connections; 4. Jesus won their confidence--He genuinely did the previous work among them (#1-3), thus forming trust; 5. Then Jesus “bade them, ‘Follow Me’”--offering them the best possible gift, salvation with the opportunity to serve others.

Community is a coalescence of the character, calling, and competence of the fellowship of the believing community--be it a church, conference, or entity. How they relate and function, how they love and support is the acid test of the authenticity of the community.

Christlikeness

Strong natural leaders are often led by secular principles and see their leadership models as the powerful people of the world—entertainers, politicians, warriors, titans, and Machiavellian types.³²

Many people today are influenced by a Machiavellian mindset, sometimes unknowingly. They believe a leader must be tough, pragmatic, ruthless, perhaps full-out unethical, to be successful in business and interactions with people. This secular way of thinking says:

Greed is good.
The end justifies the means.
The Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold makes the rules.
If I don’t do this, somebody will.
My position is right regardless of the morality of it.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world, you wrong me, and I will wrong you--or destroy you. ³³

The world, with its secular and self-preserving values, is the environment where the member leader lives and operates. He is in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16), rather believers are sent into the world to represent Christ, their Lord and Savior. The Christ leader they model is a loving, humble, serving leader versus the aggressive political boss or the manipulating Machiavellian corporate operator seen and often lauded today. Jesus was one who served rather than demanding or expecting service. He presented Himself as a servant leader (Luke 22:27, Mat 12:17-21 cf. John 13:14-15), faithful steward (John 8:28-29 cf. Phil 2:6-8), and compassionate shepherd (John 10:1-21 cf. Psalm 23). These are the leadership perspectives that provide the LDL with a new lens through which to see and imitate proper leadership.

They don’t operate in their own strength or prowess. They receive strength from the indwelling Lord, Jesus Christ. They daily pray, lay their plans before God and partner with the Holy Spirit for the advancement of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Their marching orders are from an entirely different set of Christ-centered values and ethics. Worldly leaders may operate in their own strength and in their own wisdom, and they might be able to accomplish good and even noble things. But biblical leadership produces eternal results because it comes from a different source. It is not based upon the world’s wisdom or the meager human resources of the leader. These sources can only accomplish what can be explained in natural and human ways and through the limited skills of the leader. By contrast, the inner fuel, guide, and force at work for the biblical leader is the very power of Christ!

This is the basis of true last day leadership. This is the leadership that will work in the eschaton. This is leadership that is a walk of faith, empowered by the living presence of the Holy Spirit and enabled by a divine supernatural Presence—Jesus Himself! This is leadership that has limitless possibilities for remarkable things that can be accomplished in the last days. This is leadership that when it accomplishes something, anything, it gives the glory to God.

In this context one can see the beauty and appropriateness of leadership counsel given by Ellen White to attendees at a Los Angeles, California Camp meeting in 1907. She said

Teach the flock of God to look to Christ, not to erring man. Every soul who becomes a teacher of the truth must bear in his own life the fruit of holiness. Looking to Christ and following Him, he will present to the souls under his charge an example of what a living, learning Christian will be. Let God teach you His way. Inquire of Him daily to know His will. He will give unerring counsel to all who seek Him with a sincere heart. Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, praising God in your daily conversation as well as in your prayers. Thus, holding forth the word of life, you will constrain other souls to become followers of Christ.³⁴

Christlikeness is the crowning anchor of the Biblical foundation for an effective leadership approach in the last days. This brings together the previous four distinctives that find their center and meaning in the power of Christ. Any leadership idea or theory, any leadership system or approach that doesn’t pass the character, calling, competence, community, Christlikeness test should be avoided or viewed with caution.

Spirit of Prophecy Delineation

In the Spirit of Prophecy, Ellen White refers to numerous other qualities that Adventist believers need to strengthen their leadership serve.³⁵ I will refer to three other principal qualities that Ellen White emphasizes as indispensable qualities needed by member leaders that are not prominent in popular leadership literature, secular or spiritual.³⁶

First, Ellen White places a strong emphasis on the qualifying work of the Holy Spirit. Christ centered leadership is not possible relying on human prowess alone; it is only possible through the enabling work of the Holy Spirit: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty’” (Zachariah 4:6, NIV).

“Men are deceived in thinking they are serving God when they are serving themselves and making the interest of the cause and work of God a secondary matter. Their hearts are not consecrated. The Lord takes no pleasure in the services of this class. From time to time, as the cause has progressed, He has in His providence designated men to fill positions at Battle Creek. These men could have filled important positions if they had consecrated themselves to God and devoted their energies to His work. These men of God’s selection needed the very discipline that a devotion to His work would give them. He would honor them by connecting them with Himself and giving them His Holy Spirit to qualify them for the responsibilities they were called to bear. They could not gain that breadth of experience and knowledge of the divine will unless they were in positions to bear burdens and responsibilities.³⁷

Second, Ellen White gives prominence to the need for a consistent intentional spirit of humility that results in the sense of love, peace and piety that militates against politics and self-promotion.

If the children of God, especially those who stand in positions of responsibility, can be led to take to themselves the glory that is due to God, Satan exults. He has gained a victory. It was thus that he fell. Thus, he is most successful in tempting others to ruin. It is to place us on our guard against his devices that God has given in His word so many lessons teaching the danger of self-exaltation. There is not an impulse of our nature, not a faculty of the mind or an inclination of the heart, but needs to be, moment by moment, under the control of the Spirit of God. There is not a blessing which God bestows upon man, nor a trial which He permits to befall him, but Satan both can and will seize upon it to tempt, to harass and destroy the soul, if we give him the least advantage. Therefore, however great one’s spiritual light, however much he may enjoy of the divine favor and blessing, he should ever walk humbly before the Lord, pleading in faith that God will direct every thought and control every impulse.³⁸

When the laborers have an abiding Christ in their own souls, when all selfishness is dead, when there is no rivalry, no strife for the supremacy, when oneness exists, when they sanctify themselves, so that love for one another is seen and felt, then the showers of the grace of the Holy Spirit will just as surely come upon them as that God’s promise will never fail in one jot or tittle. But when the work of others is discounted, that the workers may show their own superiority, they prove that their own work does not bear the signature it should. God cannot bless them.³⁹

The third quality mentioned is the need for growth and self-improvement. Possessing this quality will cause a leader to go from one level of excellence to the next in all the realms of development: mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and professionally.

Regard every moment of time as golden. Do not waste it in indolence; do not spend it in folly; but grasp the higher treasures. Cultivate the thoughts and expand the soul by girding about the mind, not allowing it to be filled with unimportant matters. Secure every advantage within your reach for strengthening the intellect. Do not be satisfied with a low standard. Do not rest content until by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and earnest prayer, you have secured the wisdom that is from above. Thus, you may rise in character, and gain an influence over other minds, enabling you to lead them in the path of uprightness and holiness. This is your privilege.⁴⁰

Fourth, Ellen White gives a clarion appeal to exercise self-control in order to apply the mental faculties to the Bible and spiritual themes and to assiduously avoid the trivial, worldly or evil. The self-disciplined leader guards against anything that will lessen commitment to and comprehension of the Word of God.

Cherish every ray of light that you can obtain by searching the Word of God. Take up your God-given work today and see how much good you can accomplish in the strength of Christ. Make God your Counselor. Discipline and control the mental faculties. Self-control is a power that all may possess. It is gained by placing the will wholly on the side of God, taking the will of God for your will.
Christ ... can and will, if we submit to Him, fill the chambers of the mind and the recesses of the soul with His Spirit. Then our will be in perfect harmony with the Divine will. Our spirit and will may be so identified with His Spirit and will that in thought and aim we shall be one with Him. Then Satan will no longer control us. Christ is our Leader, and His followers love to keep step and step with Him. He speaks, and they obey His voice as one mind and one soul.⁴¹

Here we see the balanced perspective Ellen White gives on the vital spiritual component of the leadership continuum for Christian leaders.

Transformation Process

With the broad LDL/SAL leadership parameters in place, it should be kept in mind that LDL is much more than knowledge and understanding. For SAL women and men to experience the dynamics of being used in the last days for leadership by God involves personal effort and transformation of one’s life and leadership to make LDL more than concepts on paper.

Here is where the power of transformation comes into operation.

At some point in time, the SAL must make a commitment to be transformed in attitude and action toward a proper Biblical approach to leadership—what should be done and what should be avoided. The focus is not on a program or a module but on a mindset and lifestyle. It is like the work of sanctification—ongoing. Once one sees the ongoing principles and catches the importance, then one commits to and then often renews that commitment to deliberately apply the anchoring principles when there is a need. While there is an initial commitment, it is not a once-done always-done need. It is a continuous transformation process that becomes part of the Christian and leadership experience.

In ministry, it is important for the SAL to devote personal vigilance to keep his/her leadership practices consistent with the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy. Here accountability will be strategic—it can happen through habitual spiritual practices, partners and organizational accountability. The following figure simplifies the similarities and dissimilarities.

Three Leadership Approaches: The Leader’s Choice

Figure 5. Types of Leaders

The strength of the successful SAL in the last day is growth in grace (2 Peter 3:18) and constant leadership development. The key to the development is found in the application of the revival and reformation transformation process.

The LDL transformation has to do with one deliberately deciding to commit one’s life and leadership to God for His daily use in all aspects of life. This may happen at home, church, workplace, or even in a leisure setting. Different than general conversion, it is ongoing willingness to make a specific decision to sacrifice and be used of God in leadership in the various ages and stages of life. Paul referred to this transformation privilege in Romans 12:1:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

Ellen White shares counsel on how to unpack this transformation principle. SALs who are serious about being assertive with development during the last days are believers who regularly subject their life and leadership to the rigor of revival and reformation. This process keeps the SAL informed, engaged and exercised. The leadership focus is on Christ-centered values versus man-centered values.

How do these leadership revival and reformation principles work? The passage that succinctly provides the transformation steps is found in the book Christian Service:

Admission of Need

“A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our greatest work.”⁴²

Addressing the Need

“Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts.... God calls for a revival and a reformation.”⁴³

Recognition of Need

A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.⁴⁴

It is helpful to grasp four realities of the transformation process…

First, Realization

A believer needs to grasp the difference between revival and reformation as it applies to one’s leadership in the context of the last days. Ellen White notes that “revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit” but that “revival and reformation are two different things.” The process affects and impacts all of one’s experience. This understanding will challenge the leader to regularly be under the supervision of the Holy Spirit for this two-part revival and reformation operation.

Second, Renewal

The point is that “Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death.” In Psalm 85:6 David said, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (NIV), thus denoting that revival is an ongoing need in the life of a believer. The same applies to our leadership. The principles and ethics that make us different from the world are principles that need constant examination, review, and change as necessary.

Third, Reformation

To be genuine and successful, reformation must accompany revival. Ellen White makes the connection inextricable: to repeat, she says “revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit” (emphasis added). Desired and requested by the believer, the two phenomena under the agency of the Holy Spirit must be complimentary. They are like two oars to a boat, one without the other is incomplete. Then she further clarifies what is involved in reformation. “Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” It can be argued that she was intentional when she referred to the four areas that need reforming in life and leadership. In the context of revival, reformation should not be whimsical or based on feelings but it should specifically focus on specific targets that may need reorganization.⁴⁵

Here we see life and leadership reorganization domains that need to be reformed (i.e., ideas, theories, habits, practices) in order for the believer to move from the general and secular realm to the specific and spiritual realm of leadership practices. There is need for a:

1. Reorganization of ideas (i.e., something understood or planned, a concept);

2. Reorganization of theories (i.e., a set of assumptions or propositions that attempt to explain a cause and effect relationship);

3. Reorganization of habits (i.e., routine behavior that is repeated regular and tends to occur subconsciously);

4. Reorganization of practices (i.e., actual application or use of an idea, belief or method, to commit to, operationalize and act on a belief).

Fourth, Righteousness

Ellen White highlights that “reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit.” The end of the leadership transformation process is to produce righteousness. One will not be effectual without the other. The leader must apply the two, revival and reformation, to their life and leadership: “revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.”⁴⁶

Figure 6: Spiritual Steps to Revival and Reformation

Personal Strategies

The concept of Last Day Leadership and its ramifications have been established. In this section we want to look at what the member leader can do to strengthen their commitment and resolve. What can be done to facilitate this dynamic leadership transformation process so that the men and women leaders God calls can be all that is needed in these last days?

The answer is unequivocal: resolve and commit to a life of daily devotion to God. “The secret of success is the union of divine power with human effort. Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely most implicitly upon the Almighty Arm.”⁴⁷ The member leader must know, understand, and practice devotional regularity.

Specifically, the leader’s devotional life can be divided into five facets:

1. Separation to worship (practice the spiritual disciplines)

2. Mediation to think (think spiritually and reflect spiritual need)

3. Education to study (study Bible/SOP and learn fresh truth)

4. Communication to pray (pray honestly and listen for direction)

5. Examination to scrutinize (inspect self and intend to act)

With simplicity and directness Ellen White summarizes what may be a SAL daily devotional routine of personal to devotion, trust, hope, and righteousness by faith:

Daily prayer

"Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.”⁴⁸

Preoccupying Thought

Do you ask, ‘How am I to abide in Christ?’ In the same way as you received Him at first. ‘As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.’ ‘The just shall live by faith.’ Colossians 2:6; Hebrews 10:38. You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ’s sake did all this for you. By faith you became Christ’s, and by faith you are to grow up in Him by giving and taking. You are to give all, your heart, your will, your service, give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all, Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper, to give you power to obey.⁴⁹

Realistic Expectation

A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.⁵⁰

Eschaton Revelation

“Peter exhorts his brethren to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18.) Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God's word and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative and seek to avoid discussion.”⁵¹

Energizing Power

No amount of education, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light without the co-operation of the Spirit of God… Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's promises; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us… Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.⁵²

The above principles are vital to the spiritual salvation that fuels a SAL’s life and leadership. There is simple beauty in that a SAL’s spiritual devotional life merges with his spiritual leadership life— they merge and mingle. While styles, methods and idiosyncrasies will differ with the SAL, establishing good leadership habits proactively is vital to prevent the common leadership pitfalls and generally improve spiritual life.

Therefore, these ten principles are foundational for the SAL:

1. Achieves clarity—has a personal definition of what righteous leadership is and isn’t.

2. Projects hope—faith in the Gospel, reliability of Scriptures, Advent and eternity to come.

3. Nurtures Christlikeness—spiritual disciplines, righteousness by faith, sharing the Gospel.

4. Prioritizes family—exemplifies family, marriage, parental and moral values.

5. Cultivates humility—has a servant approach, seeks good for others/organization.

6. Manages emotions—understands and actively uses emotional intelligence.⁵³

7. Exemplifies wellness—practices a wholistic lifestyle for health and wellness.

8. Evaluates feedback—has a system for periodic self-evaluation and development.

9. Seeks improvement—has commitment to initiate continuous advancement.

10. Mentors leaders—develops, coaches others to lead with the highest standards.⁵⁴

Pauline Metaphors

This section of last day counsel is taken from 2 Timothy 2. The epistle is believed to be the Apostle Paul’s last communication before his death in AD 67. Clearly, this was a period of the last days in terms of Paul’s ministry, societal conditions and Timothy’s leadership pressing needs. As Paul wrote to Timothy, who was pastoring in the city of Ephesus, he was languishing in a dark, dank prison cell in the city of Rome shortly before he was beheaded in AD 67.

The Roman emperor Nero was descending into madness. Conditions chaotic with the great fire of Rome (AD 64) having displaced thousands of citizens. Christian believers were persecuted as scapegoats for the terrible calamity. In a sense, it was as if Paul was giving a state of the church address updating Timothy and readers on how to maintain and flourish after his departure.

There is more to this profound four-chapter letter. Paul understood and conceded that ministry or leadership for God is difficult. Timothy faced, and all believers throughout the ages will face persecution and challenges that will increase as time progresses (2 Timothy 3:1-9). Yet though persecution would come, Paul urges Timothy to be a strong, keep sound doctrine, continue in the things he learned (and seen Paul practice) and draw on the heritage of faith and fortitude.

One of the more striking features of 2 Timothy is the ringing encouragement the apostle gives to his mentee, Timothy. Four years earlier, Paul exhorted Timothy to “fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12). But in this, his final letter, Paul reflectively turned the phrase on himself writing that he had “fought the good fight… finished the course… [and] kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). It was a great encouragement to Timothy to realize his mentor model lived what he counseled. Subsequently, Paul leaves a sterling example in leadership for last day leaders.

Second Timothy brings the reader to the end time, and in the case of the Apostle Paul to the brink of death. He indirectly advises last day leaders how to function and fulfill their role. To illustrate this he provides seven metaphors or images. They are not static images but fluid ones, like a toolbox of tools that a last day leader can selectively use to address the vicissitudes of leadership in the last days.

Figure 7. Leadership Images

Teacher – 2 Timothy 2:2

Last day leaders routinely use this role to promulgate the Gospel to those who will listen. Seventh-day Adventists find the teacher mode to be a convenient means of sharing the 28 fundamental beliefs of the church, especially the distinctive aspects of the Adventist faith. Teaching is used in the church on Sabbaths, but equally so in evangelism, Bible study and witnessing. To be effective a last day leader will have to invest time, study, prayer and practice. Last day leaders need to be effective teachers.

Soldier – 2 Timothy 2:3-4

The work of God in the last days needs men and women who will contend⁵⁵ or fight for the faith. The last day leader should be prepared to sacrifice and give all for the gift of the truth. Therefore, they should know the weapons of spiritual warfare (2 Cor 10:4). A true soldier will not give in or compromise when placed under pressure. They will be faithful to the very end, even if it means death. Last day leaders need to be skilled and courageous soldiers.

Athlete – 2 Timothy 2:5

The true mark of a good athlete is discipline. It is also for last day leaders. They need self-discipline and self-control, no slackers or those given to excuses will realize the success that God wants to grant their efforts. The athlete forsakes what he wants to do for what he needs to do. He battles for the truth, righteousness, and victory over temptation. An athlete excellently avoids the deceptively good in order to reach the ultimately great. Last day leaders must invest energy and excellence to excel in their personal and public ministry.

Farmer – 2 Timothy 2:6

A farmer is diligent. He or she is industrious in forecasting, preparation, cultivating and reaping the desired harvest. In the last days there is much to militate against the ultimate harvest of believers for the Kingdom of God. There are different types of soil where the seed of truth is planted. The last day leader, like a farmer, must be astute in both the planting, cultivating and harvesting. Last day leaders know how to patiently tend to the harvest that the Holy Spirit potentially wants to bring into the Kingdom though his efforts.

Worker – 2 Timothy 2:15-16

A worker in any discipline is highly noted for their knowledge, competence and commitment to quality. They not only do what is required but they take initiative and go beyond the mere minimum effort. After all is said and done, the project that the worker undertakes will demand strenuous effort and sacrifice. In the case of the work of God, the worker knows that they are working in collaboration with others, either establishing, building up, or bringing to completion. The last day leader, will invest in quality and excellence and do their best work unto God.

Vessel – 2 Timothy 2:20-22

It is powerful image that last day leaders can be vessels or containers for the truth of God. Believers are vessels of the indwelling Christ and partners with the Holy Spirit. We are examples of what happens through a union of the human and divine. It has been said that we “represent jars of clay with physical wear from trials. These jars are chipped, cracked and imperfect. But once filled with the Holy Spirit, the light of Christ shines through the cracks, painting a glorious picture of redemption.”⁵⁶ We carry with us love, joy, the story of redemption, a vision, passion, and burden for the work of God. Rather than be a broken vessel of no use, last day leaders have the opportunity to be beautiful useful vessels for the glory of God.

Servant – 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Servant, servant leader, or a leader who unselfishly serves, ⁵⁷ this servant metaphor is in counter distinction to the image of a leader who is proud, arrogant, ego-centered, and here to be served. The servant is faithful, always listening, learning and looking for ways to better serve people and bring honor to Christ, the Master. There is no more superior example of service than the leadership example of Jesus Christ. He had the ultimate honor and made the ultimate sacrifice to be the quintessential Servant Leader (Phil. 2:5-11). Jesus sets the ultimate example for last day leaders of One who came to serve, not to be served.

Conclusion

Arguably any genuine Spirit-filled Bible leader at different points in sacred history could meet the qualifications of a Last Day Leader because most Christians lived with the belief that the First or Second Advent was near. We have discussed that much of being a SAL in the last days involves being a devoted believer. This believer leader loves Jesus and people and integrates into life and leadership sound leadership principles that he/she to build up the Kingdom of God, whatever their vocation may be. Therefore, such true leaders throughout history meet the criteria. However, the uniqueness of the designation in this 21st century is that Last Day Leaders are SDA Church member leaders who support and follow the principles of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy and espouse a lifestyle based on the beliefs and teachings of the SDA Church. As a result, to the extent they adhere, their life and leadership beliefs and practices are decidedly different than popular leadership theories.

In this paper, the term SAL Last Day Leaders has been used to apply to committed clergy and laypersons who realize that leadership happens everywhere, with everyone, all the time. Whenever we use our influence in a way to cause others to act or not act in a particular manner, that is leadership. Additionally, leadership never stops. As long as one is influencing, they are leading—in the home, church, workplace, and community.

In summary, while some may refer to the SAL approach to leadership as simply being ‘leadership according to the Bible’, SAL in the context of the last days has particular significance because of four distinguishing factors.

First, there is a basic simplicity about being a SAL—it’s what being a Christian is all about. Yet conversely, there is a defining peculiarity about it. It immediately sets such a leader apart from being a Strong Natural Leader or a Strong Spiritual Leader. It does so in the context of the last days before the Second Coming of Christ, with all the related end-time prophecies and the belief in the establishment of the new heavens and the new earth.⁵⁸

Second, according to Bible prophecy and the signs of the Second Coming of Christ, Adventists are in eschatological fact living in the last days of earth history. This fact demands a distinctive leadership approach and message.

Third, being a part of the remnant proclaiming the Three Angels Messages of Revelation 14⁵⁹ Adventists believe we are a part of the Bible remnant⁶⁰ that is prophesized to be living right before the coming of Christ. The beliefs and teachings of the SDA Church, of necessity, clearly distinguish and set it apart.

Fourth, the LDL actively includes the Great Controversy theme in all realms of life and leadership; they see the battle for good and bad being waged and they see their leadership role as being influential in vindicating the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Unquestionably, this emphasis uniquely defines the SAL leadership approach and is not evident in the other leadership approaches. Therefore, the SAL approach to life and leadership is always cognizant that the invisible world impacts and interacts with the visible world.

As we follow the Word of God and implement good counsel, may we realize of purpose in Christ: The higher the position a man occupies, the greater the responsibility that he has to bear, the wider will be the influence that he exerts and the greater his need for dependence on God…. The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they will be enabled to stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil.”⁶¹

May God help us to be Strong Adventist Leaders in the environment of the last days. By His grace we will be Strong Adventist Leaders, men and women that God can count on.

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