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 Self-Serving 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.”