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Wright Track Ministries 6675 Moondance Drive Olive Branch, MS 38654 (662) 890-6398 |
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WTVU Leadership Lesson 1 |
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Foundations for Biblical Leadership |
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Lesson Objectives: |
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When approaching any Biblical subject, the best place to start is the Bible. The subject of leadership is no exception. The Biblical view of leadership is quite different from that of the secular world. In the New Testament you will find that academics is not the primary focus in the development of a leader. Rather, a leader is defined by and developed through a different path. Let's briefly examine six areas that differentiate a Christian leader from a leader in the secular sense. |
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Gift |
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"But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of
one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...if it is leadership, let him govern diligently..." Romans 12:6,8. Leadership in the Church is not meant by God to be based on pyramidal structures or means of succession. It is based on gifts that come directly from God. As a Christian you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He is the one who will help you to develop into that which God has called you to be. Salvation is a gift from God and so are the gifts of the Spirit in your life. The leader must never loose sight that all he or she is and will ever become is a gift from God. This is then not only spiritual gifts but this goes all the down to the core of who a person is. If there is anything good or talented about a person, it is a gift from God. |
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Prayer |
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"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Luke 6:12,13.
A leader must have a prayer life. Our communication and communion with God comes primarily through prayer. Look at the three examples above. Jesus had a regular prayer life. The Apostles prayed constantly. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to pray always. If Jesus and His apostles had a prayer life then it becomes apparent that every Christian must have one too, especially a Christian Leader! |
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Attitude |
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"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2. "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24. A leader must show a Christ-like attitude. It has been said that an organization can rise no higher than it's leadership. A leader must guard against bitterness, discouragement, focusing on negatives, and other things that can choke out and destroy the ministry that God has called them to be a part of. Some have said leadership is more caught than taught. I believe there is a lot of truth to this, especially in the area of attitudes. Your attitude determines you altitude! This is not a call to the classic "Positive Thinking" that was popularized by Norman Vincent Peale. This is a call to New Testament values for you thought life! There is great value in having faith in God and trusting Him. |
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Action |
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"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" Hebrews 13:7. "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Philippians 4:9. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not." Romans 12:10-14. A leader leads. Like a shepherd, he or she sets the pace up in front, not from behind. A leader doesn't just tell others what to do, but sets the example, both in pattern of life and in a proactive lifestyle. Look at the "action" and "attitude" words in these scriptures. A leader an active office not a passive title. |
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Maturity |
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" But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever ." 2 Peter 3:18. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Ephesians 4:11-15. A developing maturity is one of the foundations of true Biblical leadership. This has little to do with chronological age (1 Timothy 4:12) or academic qualifications (Philippians 3:4-7; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Rather, it has to do with recognized spiritual depth and a proven pattern of life. The Bible encourages us to seek a deeper walk with Christ and guides us to understand what the expected results are. |
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Servanthood |
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"Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'" Mark 10:42-45. The mark of true Christian leadership is the heart of a servant. Jesus paved the way for a pattern of leadership that this world will never understand. Leadership in the Church begins with a recognition that there is only one true Leader - Jesus Christ Himself. All leadership is derived from the authority of Christ and must be expressed with the attitude of Christ. A person who desires a leadership position so that they can be the boss and have others look up to them has totally missed the teaching of Jesus on this subject. |
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Assignment |
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Take 6 sheets of paper and write the headings of each section on one of the sheets of paper. On these sheets of paper write the scripture references down underneath the title and divide the page into 3 equal columns. Mark the first column a Role Model, the second column Me today, the third column Where I want God to take me. Once you have done this, I want you to think of some one that you admire that is in a leadership position. You can use the same leader for all five or a different one for each one. List some of the characteristics of this person in this area of leadership. For example under Gift / Role Model you might list some things like : generous giver, excellent preacher, great communicator, very supportive, love of children, boldness to witness, etc. Under the Gift / Me Today list some things that you see in your life as a gift, talent or love that God has given you. What is it that God has given you that you can use for him? Under the Gift / Where I want God to take me. Is there a desire in your heart to do more for God? Of the things you listed in the previous column, are you willing to let God grow you in these areas? Are you willing for God to give you new burdens, challenges, opportunities and gifts? In this column write down where you want to be in 5 years. Before you write anything in this column, talk to God about it. It always works better for a leader to be going in the direction God wants! If you are having trouble with this, let me recommend to you to read the book Do the same for the other 5 sections. When you have finished this assignment. I would ask you to pray again about it and put it somewhere that you can review this again in 6 months. At that time examine your life and see how God is moving you toward this goal. It would not be a bad idea for you to monitor this every 6 months for the rest of your life. This will be an encouragement to you and it will help you to see what God id doing in your life and help you to train other leaders. |
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JER for NMW3 10-15-2000 |