|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Loyalty is a devotion and faithfulness to someone as a
support. It is simply put as the showing a strong support for someone or
something (I Cor. 4:2). When we talk
about loyalty we are referring to:
- Ø Commitment.
- Ø Dedication.
- Ø Steadfastness.
- Ø Allegiance.
- Ø Devoted.
- Ø Dependable.
- Ø Truthfulness.
- Ø Faithfulness.
KEY FACTS ABOUT LOYALTY IN KINGDOM SERVICE
1.
Loyalty
does not involve in eye service nor pretense
Loyalty
does not involve in eye service nor pretense
2.
Loyalty
supports you in your presence and when in you are absence
Loyalty
supports you in your presence and when in you are absence
3.
Loyalty
will fight your battles for you at any time
Loyalty
will fight your battles for you at any time
4.
Loyalty
will be a protection and defense at all times
Loyalty
will be a protection and defense at all times
5.
Loyalty
will sacrifice his/her comfort for the actualization of your vision
Loyalty
will sacrifice his/her comfort for the actualization of your vision
6.
Loyalty
will remain with you even when all others have forsaken you
Loyalty
will remain with you even when all others have forsaken you
7.
Loyalty
won’t give up on you even when you fall or fail
Loyalty
won’t give up on you even when you fall or fail
8.
Loyalty
doesn’t boast at your shortcomings
Loyalty
doesn’t boast at your shortcomings
9.
Loyalty
sees through the eyes of a better you, rather than dwelling on your little
beginning
Loyalty
sees through the eyes of a better you, rather than dwelling on your little
beginning
10. Loyalty will never betray nor sell
you out come what may.
you out come what may.
11. Loyalty will defend your posterity
after you are no more.
after you are no more.
12. Loyalty never seek for offenses and
does not become scornful
does not become scornful
13. Loyalty is a covenant keeper and does
not break its allegiance
not break its allegiance
14. Loyalty will never conspire against
you nor your interest.
you nor your interest.
15. Loyalty’s ethical code is sacrifice
at all times.
at all times.
UNDERSTANDING THE DEMAND FOR LOYALTY IN MINISTRY
Loyalty is demanded in two ways, we
enjoy the loyalty of others and we also are loyal to the people (those
accountable to us and those we are accountable to). Loyalty is a two ways path
and the reasons why we have to understand it in ministry:
enjoy the loyalty of others and we also are loyal to the people (those
accountable to us and those we are accountable to). Loyalty is a two ways path
and the reasons why we have to understand it in ministry:
1.
PRESERVATION: The level of your safety is majorly
determined by the caliber of men within your camp. Loyal men are tools God uses
to preserve you. The most dangerous kind of enemy to have is the enemies that
knows you very well, the enemies within – Disloyal men. A lot of pastors whom
the enemy finds it difficult to overcome becomes a victim of defeat immediately
an enemy within is employed. Our Lord’s experience with Judas Iscariot was
battle of a disloyal man in the camp of our Lord. Therefore, surrounding
ourselves with loyal men helps to preserve our lives.
PRESERVATION: The level of your safety is majorly
determined by the caliber of men within your camp. Loyal men are tools God uses
to preserve you. The most dangerous kind of enemy to have is the enemies that
knows you very well, the enemies within – Disloyal men. A lot of pastors whom
the enemy finds it difficult to overcome becomes a victim of defeat immediately
an enemy within is employed. Our Lord’s experience with Judas Iscariot was
battle of a disloyal man in the camp of our Lord. Therefore, surrounding
ourselves with loyal men helps to preserve our lives.
2. PRE-REQUISTITE: Loyalty is a paramount pre-requisite
for qualification in ministry. According to the scriptures I Cor. 4:1-2”Let a man
so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries
of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found
faithful”. Faithfulness is said to be a major requirement for leadership in
ministry which is absolute loyalty to the calling and the caller.
for qualification in ministry. According to the scriptures I Cor. 4:1-2”Let a man
so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries
of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found
faithful”. Faithfulness is said to be a major requirement for leadership in
ministry which is absolute loyalty to the calling and the caller.
3.
PREVENTS
LOOPHOLES: understanding loyalty will help us to prevent and block
loopholes in our ministries. Disloyalty is a major instrument of conflicts and
crises in the church and in a ministry and it must not be allowed to plant such
seed in our midst as a church. The church is a center of people, power and
problems, but the understanding the operation of disloyal helps to steady the
church in a safe direction to avoid catastrophe.
PREVENTS
LOOPHOLES: understanding loyalty will help us to prevent and block
loopholes in our ministries. Disloyalty is a major instrument of conflicts and
crises in the church and in a ministry and it must not be allowed to plant such
seed in our midst as a church. The church is a center of people, power and
problems, but the understanding the operation of disloyal helps to steady the
church in a safe direction to avoid catastrophe.
4. PROMOTES
BROTHERLY LOVE: loyalty increases the love of God among the brethren. There
will be a high level of unity and oneness among and within the church. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I
give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also
love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another”
BROTHERLY LOVE: loyalty increases the love of God among the brethren. There
will be a high level of unity and oneness among and within the church. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I
give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also
love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another”
5. PEOLPLE ARE ATTRACTED: The people are attracted naturally to places where love and
unity is striving. The increase of love among our brethren will draw others to
our churches. We must never forget that people are not blind, when they see us
flow in love, they are attracted to our churches. Whenever there is treachery,
distrust, and disloyal, people becomes scared. The sheep always drink from a
still water, because they believe that in turbulent waters there is danger (Ps 23:2).
unity is striving. The increase of love among our brethren will draw others to
our churches. We must never forget that people are not blind, when they see us
flow in love, they are attracted to our churches. Whenever there is treachery,
distrust, and disloyal, people becomes scared. The sheep always drink from a
still water, because they believe that in turbulent waters there is danger (Ps 23:2).
6. PRODUCTIVE LEADERSHIP: loyalty helps you to be spiritually active and supports you
in your leadership functions. It assists you in becoming more productive and
effective. A leader is happy when he enjoys the confident of his followers who
are absolutely loyal to him.
in your leadership functions. It assists you in becoming more productive and
effective. A leader is happy when he enjoys the confident of his followers who
are absolutely loyal to him.
RED FLAGS OF DISLOYALTY
- 1 Self-Righteousness
- 2 Fault finding
- 3. Excuses
- 4. Fuels propaganda
- 5. Conflicts and crises promoter
STAGES OF DISLOYALTY IN KINGDOM SERVICE
AND MINISTRY
AND MINISTRY
Many sees
the outcome of disloyal when the final blow or act of betrayal is displayed,
but if we are able to track the stages of disloyal we might be able to avert
the disappointment, pain, hurt , crises and conflicts that comes as a result of
disloyal. We might as well be able to safe our brethren who err in the service
and also rescue the victims of the crises that emanates from the act of
disloyal in kingdom service and in ministry. Various authors have assisted in
simplifying these signs of disloyal that a true leader or steward must not
ignore if the challenges of disloyalty is to be avoided. As a steward, we must
also search within ourselves and be vigilant for these stages of disloyal, that
we may keep ourselves from the path of downfall.
the outcome of disloyal when the final blow or act of betrayal is displayed,
but if we are able to track the stages of disloyal we might be able to avert
the disappointment, pain, hurt , crises and conflicts that comes as a result of
disloyal. We might as well be able to safe our brethren who err in the service
and also rescue the victims of the crises that emanates from the act of
disloyal in kingdom service and in ministry. Various authors have assisted in
simplifying these signs of disloyal that a true leader or steward must not
ignore if the challenges of disloyalty is to be avoided. As a steward, we must
also search within ourselves and be vigilant for these stages of disloyal, that
we may keep ourselves from the path of downfall.
Ø Stage 1:
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT: – This is when a member develops an autonomous or self-reliance
attitude. These includes:
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT: – This is when a member develops an autonomous or self-reliance
attitude. These includes:
·
They
start acting against and questions the institution laid down rules and doctrine
deliberately.
They
start acting against and questions the institution laid down rules and doctrine
deliberately.
·
They
thinking to be of age in the ministry and don’t need to be submissive to
authority.
They
thinking to be of age in the ministry and don’t need to be submissive to
authority.
·
They
feel they are more intelligent and more able to make decisions best known to
them.
They
feel they are more intelligent and more able to make decisions best known to
them.
·
They
oppose and raises objection the instructions given to them by the leadership.
They
oppose and raises objection the instructions given to them by the leadership.
·
They
see other people’s opinion as contradictory and see others as opponent.
They
see other people’s opinion as contradictory and see others as opponent.
It is
therefore important to note that, to be a partaker of the blessing of a
covering, you must abide totally to the laid down guidelines of the church and
ministry.
therefore important to note that, to be a partaker of the blessing of a
covering, you must abide totally to the laid down guidelines of the church and
ministry.
Ø Stage 2:
OFFENCE: – The
existence of independent spirit will begin to produce hurts and anger which are
hidden. These are internal bitterness and pain in the heart, most of which can
accumulate for years. At this stage, they begin to find fault in everything
their leaders does (II Sam 13:22).
They find it very difficult to forgive others. They become angry with each
other because of past dealings, mistakes and hurts. They begin to feel their
pains. The church leadership finds it difficult to do what pleases them.
Offence is a highway to disloyalty.
OFFENCE: – The
existence of independent spirit will begin to produce hurts and anger which are
hidden. These are internal bitterness and pain in the heart, most of which can
accumulate for years. At this stage, they begin to find fault in everything
their leaders does (II Sam 13:22).
They find it very difficult to forgive others. They become angry with each
other because of past dealings, mistakes and hurts. They begin to feel their
pains. The church leadership finds it difficult to do what pleases them.
Offence is a highway to disloyalty.
Ø Stage 3:
WITHDRAWAL: – At
those stage, they become unyielding to activities, they become uninvolved and
passive. They become a mere spectator in the activities of the church/ministry.
They begin to nurse disloyal thoughts. They tends to keep to themselves, giving
unexplainable excuses for being passive (II
Sam.13:23). They tend to become a sitting time bomb entertaining unholy
desires. They withdraw from gatherings, meetings and become unsupportive in the
role or post they occupy. They become indifferent to any setbacks the church
vision faces; no more passion, zeal nor feelings for the things of the church.
WITHDRAWAL: – At
those stage, they become unyielding to activities, they become uninvolved and
passive. They become a mere spectator in the activities of the church/ministry.
They begin to nurse disloyal thoughts. They tends to keep to themselves, giving
unexplainable excuses for being passive (II
Sam.13:23). They tend to become a sitting time bomb entertaining unholy
desires. They withdraw from gatherings, meetings and become unsupportive in the
role or post they occupy. They become indifferent to any setbacks the church
vision faces; no more passion, zeal nor feelings for the things of the church.
Ø Stage
4: CRITICAL/SCORNFUL: – This is the most critical and difficult stage
which we as a leader must not allow to descend on our churches or ministries.
At this stage, the disloyal have possessed a very strong feeling of no respect
for the leadership, showing a high level of contempt. Hatred is feeling
contempt or derision but scornful is more than hatred but also expressing it
out to win others to their camp of haters. They develop critical view about everything
and wants other people to follow their line of thoughts in bringing out faults
in leadership; thereby bringing down the existing structures and system of
leadership.
4: CRITICAL/SCORNFUL: – This is the most critical and difficult stage
which we as a leader must not allow to descend on our churches or ministries.
At this stage, the disloyal have possessed a very strong feeling of no respect
for the leadership, showing a high level of contempt. Hatred is feeling
contempt or derision but scornful is more than hatred but also expressing it
out to win others to their camp of haters. They develop critical view about everything
and wants other people to follow their line of thoughts in bringing out faults
in leadership; thereby bringing down the existing structures and system of
leadership.
TEST OF LOYALTY
To bring
out the best in a raw gold it must pass through fire (Job 23:10). There are various things that will test everyone’s
loyalty. These includes:
out the best in a raw gold it must pass through fire (Job 23:10). There are various things that will test everyone’s
loyalty. These includes:
v Comfort: The
desire for pleasure and comfort can pose a threat to people’s loyalty. How
contempt a man is goes a long way to question his loyalty. A man who is not
contempt will sell out his leader at the slightest sight of comfort which could
come in form of monetary comfort, desire for a post, position or a favorable
duty transfer.
desire for pleasure and comfort can pose a threat to people’s loyalty. How
contempt a man is goes a long way to question his loyalty. A man who is not
contempt will sell out his leader at the slightest sight of comfort which could
come in form of monetary comfort, desire for a post, position or a favorable
duty transfer.
v Time:
According to Gal. 1:6 “I marvel that ye
are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel”, Paul was shocked as how people were able to quickly
change their commitment in time. Time is a revealer of the core intent in the
hearts of men, in due time the true nature of men will be revealed.
According to Gal. 1:6 “I marvel that ye
are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel”, Paul was shocked as how people were able to quickly
change their commitment in time. Time is a revealer of the core intent in the
hearts of men, in due time the true nature of men will be revealed.
v Distance: In Gal. 4:18 the bible says “But it is good to be zealously affected
always in a god thing, and not only when I am present with you”.
Zealousness in the presence of the leadership but not in their absence points
to an act of disloyal; this is purely ‘eye
service’.
always in a god thing, and not only when I am present with you”.
Zealousness in the presence of the leadership but not in their absence points
to an act of disloyal; this is purely ‘eye
service’.
v Challenges/Difficulties: The presence of difficult times unfortunately, has made many
to deny their leaders. According to Mal
3:3 “And he shall as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the
sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the
Lord an offering in righteousness” Difficult times is meant to bring out
the best in us but unfortunately many gives up when they see difficulties.
to deny their leaders. According to Mal
3:3 “And he shall as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the
sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the
Lord an offering in righteousness” Difficult times is meant to bring out
the best in us but unfortunately many gives up when they see difficulties.
PROMOTING LOYALTY AS A LEADER
v Credibility: A
leader must be above reproach and must be credible in his dealings and doings.
A leader that does not credible cannot encourage loyalty. Luke 23:2; 11:5 pointed out that to breed disloyalty among the
followers at times all the enemies needed to do is to bring your credibility to
questioning. Therefore, to promote loyalty we must be credible ministers
leader must be above reproach and must be credible in his dealings and doings.
A leader that does not credible cannot encourage loyalty. Luke 23:2; 11:5 pointed out that to breed disloyalty among the
followers at times all the enemies needed to do is to bring your credibility to
questioning. Therefore, to promote loyalty we must be credible ministers
v Accountability:
A leader is expected to be accountable and not carefree in as an example that
others should emulate. A leader that is above counsel and not submit to higher
leaders or fathers of faith will not promote loyalty among the stewards.
A leader is expected to be accountable and not carefree in as an example that
others should emulate. A leader that is above counsel and not submit to higher
leaders or fathers of faith will not promote loyalty among the stewards.
v Openness:
Hidden secrets should not be encouraged between a true leader and his loyalist.
There should be a level of transparency especially with those close in
leadership. The vision of the house is expected to be made clear and visible
for everyone to defend and run with.
Hidden secrets should not be encouraged between a true leader and his loyalist.
There should be a level of transparency especially with those close in
leadership. The vision of the house is expected to be made clear and visible
for everyone to defend and run with.
v Investment:
maintaining loyalty will also cost us as a leader; as we must invest into the
lives of those who are attached to us. We must show interest in things that
matters to our followers. We must not be insensitive to their struggles,
challenges and difficulties. This helps to boost the heart of loyalty.
maintaining loyalty will also cost us as a leader; as we must invest into the
lives of those who are attached to us. We must show interest in things that
matters to our followers. We must not be insensitive to their struggles,
challenges and difficulties. This helps to boost the heart of loyalty.
v Discipleship:
this is the hallmark of genuine relationship between a leader and a follower
which will determine the level of loyalty. Leading by example molds our
followers into a force and pillars in their lives. Leadership by examples makes
them become more like us therefore sealing their hearts to ours, ready to fight
for our course.
this is the hallmark of genuine relationship between a leader and a follower
which will determine the level of loyalty. Leading by example molds our
followers into a force and pillars in their lives. Leadership by examples makes
them become more like us therefore sealing their hearts to ours, ready to fight
for our course.
HOW A PASTOR DEALS WITH DISLOYALTY AND
BETRAYALS
BETRAYALS
1.
Avoid
bitterness and hatred. There will be pain and hurts but ensure one does not
lose ones spirit to the hands of the bitterness, we can see it as a time to
learn and understand human nature and their limitations
Avoid
bitterness and hatred. There will be pain and hurts but ensure one does not
lose ones spirit to the hands of the bitterness, we can see it as a time to
learn and understand human nature and their limitations
2.
Avoid
overreacting, ensure that every action taken is spirit led. Overreacting might
make us commit more damages not just to ourselves but also to others who are
innocent around us.
Avoid
overreacting, ensure that every action taken is spirit led. Overreacting might
make us commit more damages not just to ourselves but also to others who are
innocent around us.
3.
Avoid
generalizing the act of disloyal. It is common among leaders who feels betrayed
to take out the punishments on other workers thereby having trust issues with
their members.
Avoid
generalizing the act of disloyal. It is common among leaders who feels betrayed
to take out the punishments on other workers thereby having trust issues with
their members.
4.
Examine
the issues involved carefully and prayerfully, never use the tool of suspicion
in handling the case. Gather your findings and facts correctly; examine all
findings and verify them accurately.
Examine
the issues involved carefully and prayerfully, never use the tool of suspicion
in handling the case. Gather your findings and facts correctly; examine all
findings and verify them accurately.
5.
Seek
for wisdom from the Holy Spirit and consult matured fathers of faith who are
your mentors.
Seek
for wisdom from the Holy Spirit and consult matured fathers of faith who are
your mentors.
6.
Pray
very well to know what angle God will want you to handle. It is a declaration
of war by the devil over the church, finish the battle on your knees
Pray
very well to know what angle God will want you to handle. It is a declaration
of war by the devil over the church, finish the battle on your knees
7.
Confront
the issue as a leader whether the issue is true or false
Confront
the issue as a leader whether the issue is true or false
8.
Arrange
to meet these individuals to discuss the issue that is causing trouble and
determine the necessary course of actions to stop the conflicts from spreading.
Arrange
to meet these individuals to discuss the issue that is causing trouble and
determine the necessary course of actions to stop the conflicts from spreading.
9.
Carry
the key members of the leadership of your church/ministry along in the
deliberations and decision making so as to avoid misinformation and
misinterpretation as to the root cause and necessary cause of actions.
Carry
the key members of the leadership of your church/ministry along in the
deliberations and decision making so as to avoid misinformation and
misinterpretation as to the root cause and necessary cause of actions.
10. Don’t dismiss the probability of
repentance but strong disciplines must be issue to everyone who is due for it.
In cases of irreparable situations and the disloyal shows no sign of remorse,
termination is advised.
repentance but strong disciplines must be issue to everyone who is due for it.
In cases of irreparable situations and the disloyal shows no sign of remorse,
termination is advised.
11. Measure the weight of damage done to
the church and embark on a retreat as a family to kill the poison of betrayal
and disloyal amidst the entire Church/Ministry.
the church and embark on a retreat as a family to kill the poison of betrayal
and disloyal amidst the entire Church/Ministry.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A LOYAL STEWARD
ü Involves actively in the things of
church whether in the presence or absence of the church leadership.
church whether in the presence or absence of the church leadership.
ü Shows a high level of commitment in
the things of God.
the things of God.
ü Enthusiasm about the vision, plans
and programmes of the church.
and programmes of the church.
ü Obedient to the directives
instructions of the Church leadership.
instructions of the Church leadership.
ü Does not depart from the gathering
and fellowship of the brethren.
and fellowship of the brethren.
ü Gives sacrificially to the things of
God and also takes care the leadership in the church.
God and also takes care the leadership in the church.
ü Speaks positively and proudly of the
Church.
Church.
ü Never speaks ill of a fellow believer
or the leadership of the church.
or the leadership of the church.
ü Contributes to the growth of the
church numerically and spiritually.
church numerically and spiritually.
ü Possess the ability to receive and accept
corrections.
corrections.
ü Abide and follow keenly every
biblical and church doctrine.
biblical and church doctrine.
ü Seeks and protect the interest of the
church leadership against the devil.
Oluwatuyi Niyi
crcinfo2004@gmail.com
churchresuscitation.blogspot.com
https://facebook.com/olaniyi.oluwatuyi
church leadership against the devil.
Oluwatuyi Niyi
crcinfo2004@gmail.com
churchresuscitation.blogspot.com
https://facebook.com/olaniyi.oluwatuyi
