Transcript Document
Characteristics of Leadership
Introduction
Everyone here is a leader in some area of
their life
Questions we MUST ask ourselves
How do I lead?
What example do I follow?
Who do I want to please? God or man?
Am I trustworthy?
Proverbs 29:25
Characteristics of Leadership
Leading like Jesus - 1 Peter 5:3
Jesus said, “…Learn of Me!” Matthew 11:28
Knowledge of the Word of God
Hebrews 5:12-14
Courage to Challenge Error
Matthew 15:10-14
Definition of church leadership terms:
Elder - OT - A person entitled to respect & reverence
NT - Pastor, bishop, overseer, leader, ruler
Bishop -- Synonymous with elder - an overseer
1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Peter 2:25
Philippians 1:1, Ephesians 4:11-12
What is Leadership?
Leadership is influence!
Anytime you are in a position to
influence thinking, behavior or
development of people to accomplish a
goal, you are in a leadership role.
The questions then are:
How will we lead?
And what is our motivation to lead?
Motivation of leadership
Self-serving:
Using your influence to fulfill your
personal ambitions
EGO - Edges God Out
Pride: Seeks to please men that they
will speak well of us
Matthew 23:5-7
Motivation of leadership
Service and dedication to Christ:
You will model and encourage godliness
EGO - Exalt God Only
Humility exalts God - Romans 12:1-3
True Worship exalts God - Luke 4:8
Motivation of leadership
Develop and Maintain Respect and Trust:
Respect from others comes by: Honesty,
integrity, truthfulness, wise counsel, etc.
Love and respect are not automatic, they
are earned
1 Timothy 3:7
Trust is developed over time, but can be
quickly lost and is difficult to restore!!!
Characteristics of Biblical
Leadership
Asking ourselves, “What DID Jesus do?”
Leadership is influence!
Leadership is Serving!
John 12:26, Matthew 25:40,45
Leadership is teaching!
Matthew 5:1-2, John 15:15
Characteristics of Biblical
Leadership
Two key elements of Leading Like Jesus:
Forgiveness - How do we react to mistakes of others?
Matthew 6:12
Grace -- not harsh, but compassionate
Seek to enhance the well-being of others
Galatians 6:1-2, Colossians 4:6
2 Peter 3:18
Life Reflects on Leadership
Attitude toward life and others
“Love your neighbor as yourself!”
1 Peter 3:10-11
Character, faith, behavior, reputation are reflected
in leadership
1 Timothy 3:1-7, Ecclesiastes 12:13
A Servant Leader
Ask Ourselves, “Am I a Servant Leader or a SelfServing Leader?”
Self-Serving Leaders consider their own interests
first, above all others
Servant Leaders consider others first, before their
own interests
Jesus came to SERVE, not to be SERVED!
A Servant Leadership Is:
Remembering who we serve: The Lord Christ
“Faith working with love!”
According to the Word of God, not human
opinion or traditions
According to firmly established Biblical values
The example of Jesus Christ
Servant Leadership Requires:
Firmly established and maintained Biblical values
A visionary role - Proverbs 29:18
Without a clear vision there is confusion
Status Quo must change when it is not working!!
A willingness to implement the vision -- SERVICE
Patient, persistent positive teaching
Pastoral Authority
Christ is the Head of the Church Ephesians 5:23
The shepherd does not beat the sheep; nor should
the sheep butt the shepherd!!!
Who will be Chief is to be the servant
Matthew 20:25-28
Mark 9:35
Community/Church Leadership
Speaking the Truth in love
Courage to stand for Truth at all times with good
will and tolerance!
An outreach: “Go into all the world…”
Ephesians 4:11-15
Matthew 5:38-48 -- The extra mile!
Conclusion:
The fruit of great servant leadership is achieved
when the leader provides the next generation with
the wisdom, knowledge and spiritual resources to
serve their generation.
God knew Abraham would do this: Genesis 18:19
Jesus did this: John17:7-8
Conclusion:
Leadership is not about POWER or CONTROL
Inspiring, NOT dominating others
LEADERSHIP is about helping people to achieve
the faith and vision of Christ in their soul,
knowing His love, forgiveness and grace.
One of the greatest gifts leaders can give others is
hope; we cannot give faith or love
Conclusion:
Leadership is: (Or ought to be!)
Serving in Joy
Serving by caring and sharing
Serving as fulfilling and unselfish
Serving glorifies God: Matt. 5:16 “Let your
light so shine before men that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.”