The Foundations Of Leadership
Leading Like Jesus - Part 1
February 14-19, 2005

Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble.

Proverbs 11:14a (LB)

It is not only nations that need wise leaders. This need exists in every area of life - in families, businesses, churches, and communities. Some of the biggest problems in our current culture are the result of confusion between celebrities and leaders plus a shortage of Godly leaders devoted to caring about others. Leadership is not just for a few key people. We all influence others through our interactions, so God calls all followers of Christ to be leaders. God expects each of us to lead the crowd, not follow it. Christ was the only perfect leader, so in this discussion we will look at what Christ showed us about leadership through His life. Our goal in studies such as this one is to increase our influence as church members and ultimately raise up the leaders of the next generation from our church.

SEVEN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES THAT JESUS MODELED

MONDAY

1. IDENTIFICATION: KNOW WHO I AM.

[Your Objective: Recognize the way God shaped you determines how you should lead others.]

Read John 6:35, John 8:12, John 14:6, and Mark 14:62. Who does Jesus say He is in each reference?

  • Jesus knew who He was. Why do you think it is important for leaders to be clear about who they are?
  • What are the benefits of knowing our strengths and accepting our weaknesses?
  • How can leaders compensate for their weaknesses in order to lead effectively?

Jesus was questioned about testifying on His own behalf. What was His response in John 8:18?

  • How can our effectiveness be diminished if we rely on the opinions and validation of others?

Ministry - Knowing how God has SHAPED us for serving Him is critical to effective service and leadership. Our SHAPE determines the most effective way we influence those around us. If you have not taken CLASS 301, plan a time when you can take the class - preferably together as a group. In addition to benefiting those who haven’t taken it before, it may reveal something fresh God desires to do through you.

TUESDAY

2. CLARIFICATION: KNOW WHAT I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.

[Your Objective: Understand the importance and benefits of clarifying goals.]

How did Jesus answer the Pharisees in John 8:14?

  • How can we know what we are to accomplish?

In Luke 4:43, how did Jesus respond to the desires of those around Him?

  • Identify times when the pressing requests of people around us keep us from accomplishing what we are called to do. What goals might we clarify in order to prevent that from happening in the future?
  • Discuss some strategies to effectively manage how we spend our time, money, and influence.
  • What types of activities do we engage in that engender busyness rather than productivity?

Evangelism (Mission) - One of the things we know God wants us to accomplish during our time on earth is sharing the Gospel with others. What next step does God want you to take in accomplishing that goal?

3. MOTIVATION: KNOW WHO I AM TRYING TO PLEASE.

[Your Objective: Follow Jesus’ example of pleasing an audience of One.]

Read John 5:30. Whose will is Jesus interested in obeying?

  • As a society, who are most of us seeking to please? What might it look like if everyone was focused on pleasing God?

What does Jesus tell us in Luke 16:13?

  • It has been said that leadership is the art of managing disappointment. Discuss the usual consequences of trying to please people. How does trying to please other people affect our ability to lead?

At the end of His earthly ministry, what was Jesus able to say? Look at John 17:4.

  • Some of the first recorded words of Jesus, at age 12, were, "I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49). Compare this statement with the words from John 17:4. What kind of life did Jesus live?
  • How might our leadership style be affected by recognizing "it's not about me"?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Mature believers recognize God as their Central Authority, the only One whose opinion counts. Even then, it is difficult to escape the trap of trying to please others. Discuss changes you can make in your attitude, schedule, and activities that will make pleasing God your number one goal.

WEDNESDAY

4. COLLABORATION: WORK WITH A SMALL GROUP.

[Your Objective: See the necessity of having the support and vision of others working alongside you.]

According to Mark 3:14, why did Jesus choose twelve disciples?

  • Why is it important for us to have people coming alongside us? Why is it essential for a leader to have help?
  • What are some things that keep us from accepting help from others?

What does Matthew 26:38 say Jesus' plea to the disciples was in the Garden of Gethsemane?

  • What do you think Jesus was asking His disciples for in Matthew 26:38?
  • How can this kind of support be especially valuable to leaders?
  • What are some ways a small group can offer this to one another?

Fellowship (Membership) - God calls believers to be part of His body, the church. Being part of a small group is essential for our personal growth because much of becoming like Christ means relating to people as He did. What kinds of support did the disciples provide Jesus? How can your small group offer this support to one another?

THURSDAY

5. CONCENTRATION: FOCUS ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT.

[Your Objective: Realize the need for concentrated energies in leadership.]

What does Luke 9:51 reveal about Jesus' attitude toward going to Jerusalem?

  • How do you think this determination affected Jesus' ministry?
  • Jesus knew He would be crucified in Jerusalem. What would a person's natural response be in a situation like that? What made this decision simple for Jesus?

Read Luke 9:62. What is the consequence of failing to focus on what God has called us to do?

  • What kinds of distractions can keep us from being effective leaders?
  • How important do you think focus is to God? How can we know what is important to Him and make that our first priority?

How did Jesus reprimand Martha in Luke 10:40-42?

  • How does worry affect our ability to lead?

Discipleship (Maturity) - One of the goals of growing up in Christ is learning to distinguish between what is important and what is urgent. How can lack of focus keep us from seeing what really matters and living up to our full spiritual potential? What change will you make in your life to become a leader focused on what is important? Share your decision in your group and ask a partner to hold you accountable.

FRIDAY

6. MEDITATION: LISTEN TO GOD CONTINUALLY.

[Your Objective: Commit to daily conversations with God.]

According to Mark 1:35 and Luke 5:15-16, what are examples of how Jesus prayed?

  • What are some specific ways we can follow Jesus' examples of praying?
  • Why is it often difficult to make time for God in our daily schedules?
  • As we lead others, why is following Jesus' example in prayer particularly important?

Where should our lives be rooted according to Colossians 2:7?

  • What does it mean to be rooted in Christ? How do we become rooted in Him?
  • It is easy to say "Listen to God." But how do we actually hear Him if He doesn't speak audibly to us?

Worship (Magnification) - As we spend time in God's presence, He reveals His character and nature to us. The more time we spend with Him, the more we become like Him. As leaders, called by God to impact the world around us, how can our time spent alone with God cause us to influence others toward Godly living? What next step do you need to take toward greater Christ-likeness in your own life?

7. RELAXATION: TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE.

[Group Objective: Understand why God commands us to relax.]

There are three key secrets of lasting leaders:

  • Divert Daily - Do something fun each day.
  • Withdraw Weekly - Always take one day off each week.
  • Abandon Annually - Get away at least once every year.

What was Jesus most concerned about in Mark 6:31?

What characteristics of Jesus' life are evident in Matthew 11:20?

  • Which of the Ten Commandments is most closely related to this seventh leadership principle?
  • Why would God care that we take time to relax?
  • Which aspects of being a Godly leader create the greatest needs in us for personal recharging?
  • Is relaxing and recharging something we have to learn to do well, or something that comes naturally?

Worship (Magnification) - Worship is focusing on God instead of on ourselves. What change will you commit to make in your own relaxation strategy to deepen your relationship with God while you recharge your leadership skills?

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

SATURDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Commit to work with a spiritual partner focusing on the leadership skills that are most needed in your life now.]

How do you react to the prospect of rising to Godly leadership in the 21st century? Are you enthusiastic about increasing your influence in order to expand God's glory? Share your thoughts and concerns with the others in your group. Identify which of the seven principles we discussed are ones where you need the most help. Do you feel clear about who you are, what you want to accomplish, and who you are trying to please? Are you collaborating with a small group? Do you have the ability to focus on what is important and find time to continually listen to God? Are you able to take time to relax and recharge? Choose a spiritual partner to help by checking with you each week as you commit to focus on the leadership growth areas that are most important for you now.