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Not only did these leaders experience discouragement, but they also survived it. They lived to see another day. If they survived it, there is no reason to think we will not survive it as well.
Remember the Lord in times of intense discouragement, especially when it comes from fear.
God has demonstrated his awesome goodness to us in the past.
God continues to demonstrate his goodness in the present, particularly in the blessing of his special abiding presence in our lives.
God will not cease to pour out his goodness in the future. Because
Pray and ask God for the strength necessary to overcome the discouragement.
Visionary leaders must not give up on their visions in discouraging situations.
Rather than throw in the towel, God wants us to come up fighting.
I stated earlier in this chapter that overwhelming discouragement has eliminated many leaders from ministry. I advise that the visionary leader not make any major decisions, such as leaving a ministry, while discouraged.
We all must confess our failures to our forgiving, loving God and experience his forgiveness. Then we take back our towel, climb back in the ring, and continue the fight.
While God is quick to forgive, people may not be, and it is not always possible or wise to continue in the same ministry. Things
Visionary leaders should make a point of encouraging others.
Visionary leaders experience discouragement only at certain times, not all the time, so they know and understand what it is like for other leaders to go through difficult, discouraging times in their lives and ministries.
Visionaries prevent discouragement in their lives by regularly exposing themselves to other visionary people and visionary material.
First, visionary leaders can seek out other leaders in ministries similar to theirs or possibly ones that are different.
Another suggestion is for leaders to meet in groups.
Attend pastors conferences sponsored by churches that are led by strong visionaries.
Read broadly in areas related to leadership and creativity.
But innovative Christian leaders read good books on business as well.
The leader must arrange to meet with the vision adversary, preferably in private.
Try to determine the nature of the problem. Most often it is a difference in philosophy or personality, a sin, or a combination thereof.
If the person who differs with the ministry leader is also a leader, then a decision will have to be made as to whether that person should stay with the ministry or pursue something that is closer to his philosophy in another ministry.
A problem can be a difference in personality.
However, if they are unable to resolve their differences, it is hopefully not a problem with the primary leader and his maturity. Assuming this is the case and the other person is also a leader in the organization, it is probably best for the ministry that the other person leave the organization.
They manifest themselves through their constant opposition to the visionary leader and the vision, and it becomes obvious that he will not be able to lead them.
These individuals will seek to get what they want through innuendo, spreading false or questionable rumors, and encouraging factions in the organization. They hope to divide and conquer, for if they get enough people on their side, they will gain the control they desire to accomplish their ends. I wish this were not the case, but I have been in ministry long enough to know better. I call this the dark side of ministry.
If the leader is already in the point position of a ministry and one of these individuals comes along, the point person must deal with him or her as soon as possible before it is too late.
