Why are spiritual leaders in such short supply today?

True spiritual leaders are in short supply and always have been. Numerous times in the Scriptures we find God looking or asking someone to look for leaders. Seldom is there success. A noteworthy passage which depicts this very dilemma is found in Ezekiel 22:30 which states, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” With all of God’s power, knowledge, and being every where present, no person was found. What a sad commentary!

There are many reasons why leaders are in the extreme minority, but I will mention just two: the sin of man, and the ease of taking the back seat. Let’s start with the sin of man. Think about it! Man would rather sin and enjoy its short-lived pleasures than to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Jesus. Even Christians, who have some knowledge as to what it takes to be a God pleasing leader, would rather indulge in their self will than to constrain their lives in a divinely ordered path.

Let us move on to the second reason. I have no statistics, but my experience has been that a vast majority of church members would rather someone else do everything. If one takes on responsibility, then that means they are accountable to someone. Few want to tie themselves down for this would hinder “their” time. Taking the oversight means that one will be criticized openly and privately. Seldom does one come forth in spite of this issue. It is easier to play “arm chair quarterback”, than to catch the ball and run in for a touchdown. Most want to sit back and someone else take the heat. Thus, it is evident that many hinder the working of the Holy Ghost in their lives which limits the supply of spiritual leaders!