Church and community leaders face unprecedented challenges in today’s rapidly shifting political and religious landscape. The question is no longer "How do we lead?" but "How do we lead strategically in crazy times like these?" To answer this, we can look to the example of the Sons of Issachar, a tribe known for their exceptional leadership and discernment.
Understanding the Sons of Issachar
In 1 Chronicles 12:32, we read:
"From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take."
This brief yet powerful verse reveals two key leadership qualities:
They Understood the Times - They had the ability to discern the cultural, political, and spiritual climate around them.
They Knew What to Do - They translated their understanding into clear, strategic action.
These principles are timeless. As leaders today, we are called not just to react or be blind to events, but to strategize proactively, ensuring that our churches and communities thrive even amid uncertainty.
Three Key Strategies for Leaders Today
1. Understand the Times
Leadership begins with awareness. The Sons of Issachar didn't lead based on assumptions; they observed, analyzed, and discerned.
In the current climate, leaders must:
Stay Informed:Â We can't afford to be ignorant of what is going on in government structures and our education system. You must understand the political shifts, societal trends, and spiritual needs impacting your community. How can you intercede if you don't know what's happening around you?
Discern Spiritually:Â Pray for wisdom to interpret these changes through a biblical lens. What does the word say? What examples did Jesus provide? What instruction did Jesus give for us to follow?
Reflection: What is one trend or issue affecting your church or community right now? Are you unaware? Are you aware but ignoring the role you can play in remediating this issue?
2. Know What to Do — Build a Strategic Vision
Awareness without action is ineffective. The Sons of Issachar didn’t just understand the times; they provided direction.
Leaders must:
Set a Clear Vision:Â Define what success looks like for your church or community. There are two errors I've seen pastors make in their vision: 1. Constant vision shift which prevents them from fully committing to the vision that God gave them. 2. Seeing another pastor be successful and abandoning their vision to mimic what is popular.
Communicate the vision: I know preachers like to preach vision-based messages either on Watch Night or the first Sunday in January; however, I challenge you to create a communication plan to help you reiterate the vision throughout the year.
Align with Purpose:Â Ensure your vision is rooted in biblical values and meets real-world needs.
Example:Â If your community faces economic challenges, consider starting job readiness programs, financial literacy workshops, or support groups.
Reflection: What is one strategic initiative your church or community should focus on?
3. Mobilize and Take Action
A strategy without implementation is just a good idea. The Sons of Issachar influenced entire tribes because they knew how to mobilize people.
Effective leaders today must:
Empower Teams:Â Identify and develop leaders within your church or organization. In Ephesians 4:12 we read: to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Help them to identify their gifts, development them, and deploy them in the right areas of ministry and influence.
Take Small, Consistent Steps:Â Break big goals into manageable actions to maintain momentum.
Example:Â If key areas of influence are under pressure in your city, organize educational forums, advocacy groups, or community discussions to address the issues proactively.
Reflection: Who are the key people you need to involve in your strategy?
A Call to Action: Lead Strategically in This Season
The world doesn’t need more avoidant or reactive leaders. It needs leaders like the Sons of Issachar—those who understand what is going on and know what to do.
Stay Informed:Â Be aware of the cultural and political shifts.
SWOT: Conduct a SWOT analysis of you and your organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Cast Vision:Â Lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction.
Measure Success: Set goals and create objective key results and key performance indicators to help you keep on track with your vision strategy.
Disciple: Christian Nationalism is on full display, so it is important to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and intentionally disciple congregants.
Mobilize Your Community:Â Equip others to take action alongside you. Serve your community and love your neighbor.
Final Challenge:
Don’t just react—strategize. Identify one action step you will take this week to align your leadership with God’s plan for this season. Communicate the action step to your team and work with them on the strategy and implementation plans.
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