Becoming a Spirit-anointed leader demands the integration of knowledge, wisdom, and insight, along with other godly character traits and qualities. Coming to a broad-based knowledge and integration of the truth is no easy task, as is exemplified by the thousands of denominations as well as the many other philosophies which exist in the world.

Each institution embraces its own methodology for discovering truth. Most institutions do not state this methodology in their public literature. Currently embraced methodologies include rationalism, mysticism, humanism, empiricism, hedonism, and biblicism, among others.

The more sound your paradigm for discovering truth, the more truth you have the opportunity to discover. What is your system for discerning truth? Many have not thought theirs out. Many find theirs grows and changes as they grow and change. Personally, I teach and utilize the "Leader's Paradigm for Discovering Truth". It is composed of six pillars.

• Pillar One: Illumined Scriptures
• Pillar Two: Illumined Thoughts in One’s Mind
• Pillar Three: Illumined Witness in One’s Heart
• Pillar Four: Illumined Counsel of Others
• Pillar Five: Illumined Understanding of Life’s Experiences
• Pillar Six: Illumined Revelation from God Through Dreams, Visions, Prophecy, and Journaling

View a diagram of the 6 pillars of the Leaders Paradigm at: http://www.cluonline.com/section1.htm#leader

The wise leader looks for all six of the pillars to line up before he assumes a direction.

The wiser leader understands how his God-given giftings (e.g., intuition, analysis, etc.) influence the weight he places on each of the six pillars. For example, the more intuitive individual will lean slightly more heavily toward the intuitive aspects of the Leader's Paradigm, and the more analytical individual toward the more analytical aspects. However, he will understand the need to integrate all six pillars.

The wisest leader has a strong foundation for these six pillars. He begins with an excellent working knowledge of the Bible. His motivation in all decisions is to glorify God. He has acquired this motivation because his heart and attitudes have been purified through a lifestyle of communing with God and abiding in Christ.

Then, of course, since the Bible says that we see through a glass darkly, one still may not have complete truth. However, he is as right as he knows to be at this particular point in his life. And that is all each of us can be. This is a wide-based, Spirit-enhanced paradigm for discovering truth, much stronger than any of the individual legs could be if they stood alone. In addition, each of the individual legs is enhanced by the fact that we have added the Holy Spirit as a factor.

To use the paradigm, one must know himself, be humble, teachable, flexible, open, and changeable. "Blessed are the meek" (Matt. 5:5). There is a need to be a constant learner, to examine many different streams of thought on issues from many different perspectives. To refuse to do so condemns us to walk in ignorance and pride. This is truly one of the great misfortunes in life. We invite you to share in this "Leader's Paradigm for Discovering Truth".

In my next article I’ll take a closer look at each pillar of the Leaders Paradigm