Chapter 23—Elements of Good Leadership
Publishing Directors to Be Carefully Selected—The men placed
at the head of departments in our publishing work should be carefully
chosen. And just as soon as a man reveals a heartless, unfeeling spirit,
he should be dismissed, for he is working against Christ, scattering
away from Him. The undershepherds of the flock of God are to keep
their own hearts sweet with the love of Christ, opening the windows
of the soul heavenward, that the light of heaven may fill its chambers.
Then they can reflect light to those with whom they associate, revealing
God as the health of the countenance.—
Letter 140, 1901
.
Strong, Godly Leaders—The man at the head of any work in
God’s cause is to be a man of intelligence, a man capable of managing
large interests successfully, a man of even temper, Christlike forbear-
ance, and perfect self-control. He only whose heart is transformed by
the grace of Christ can be a proper leader.—
Medical Ministry, 164
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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. They will approve that which God approves, and will strive
earnestly against the introduction of wrong principles into His cause.—
[256]
Prophets and Kings, 31
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Leaders Like Nehemiah Needed Today—There is need of Ne-
hemiahs in the church today—not men who can pray and preach only,
but men whose prayers and sermons are braced with firm and eager
purpose. The course pursued by this Hebrew patriot in the accomplish-
ment of his plans is one that should still be adopted by ministers and
leading men. When they have laid their plans, they should present them
to the church in such a manner as to win their interest and cooperation.
Let the people understand the plans and share in the work, and they
will have a personal interest in its prosperity. The success attending
Nehemiah’s efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic ac-
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