Basics Of Christian Leadership

Basics of Christian Leadership

Selected Passages

July 12, 2009

Evening Service

This message uses some material from a John maxwell Leadership lesson: the leadership of Jesus

Who are the leaders within the church?

Board Member Ministry Director

Sunday School Teacher Praise Team Member

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Definitions of Leadership

Leadership is influence. John Maxwell

Leadership is the art to of influencing and directing people in such a way that will win their obedience, confidence, respect and loyal cooperation in achieving common objectives. U. S. Air Force

The ultimate test of practical leadership is the realization of intended, real change that meets people’s enduring needs. James MacGregor Burns

"Leadership appears to be the art of getting others to want to

do something you are convinced should be done." — Vance Packard

Leadership is the ability to influence others to achieve positive results

Christian Leadership Requires a Number of Things

1. Stability

How did Jesus remain stable when everything around Him crumbled?

Jesus guarded His time alone with God (Mark 1:35)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Jesus was the master of His time and He made it a priority to spend time alone with God

Jesus remained calm

Jesus never lost His composure in any situation. The world was chaotic around Him but He remained calm and collected.

When the storm raged on the Sea of Galilee, His disciples had to wake Him from a peaceful sleep before He arose to calm the waters. When various people rushed to Him with dire news of sickness or death, His comments were always calming and reassuring and His actions deliberate and helpful. Even in the midst of the most tumultuous hours of His life, during the events leading up to His crucifixion, while others fell apart emotionally. Jesus remained calm – Bob Briner

Jesus settled disagreements quickly

Jesus never compromised who He was or what he came to do. There may be a time to agree to disagree.

Jesus dealt with wrongdoing immediately

Jesus saw the problem, took care of it immediately and moved forward.

When He observed the activities of these extortionists and usurers in God’s house, He didn’t call for a committee meeting. He didn’t put the problem on the agenda for the next board meeting. He didn’t call in the spin doctors to discuss how best to handle the situation. He immediately and forcefully drove the slimeballs out. Bob Briner

Jesus finished what he started

Your exit will be remembered longer than your entrance

2. Strength

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

God knew that Joshua was going to need plenty of strength and courage to handle the coming war that needed to be fought. Joshua was given the task of leading the people into the Promised Land.

Three different kinds of strength

Strength of heart

The strength of the heart is being strong in the area of will. It is a determination that drives us on to accomplish the tasks that lay in front of us. It is an attitude that never gives in and never gives up. Joshua wholeheartedly followed God.

Strength of spirit

The strength of spirit is exactly that, spiritual strength. Our spiritual strength reveals itself in our character, our conduct and our commitment. Joshua was described as a man filled with the Spirit and led with spiritual wisdom.

Strength of stamina

The strength of stamina is the strength of physical proportions. This is not about how much a person can lift or bench press but instead is how long someone can keep going. Joshua was going to need a great deal of this kind of strength. Joshua would have a great deal of long and difficult days ahead.

Joshua is likely afraid of the situation that he is in. Joshua had been in this same place before and the people turned tail and ran from the call of God. The biggest fear in Joshua’s mind was not about the coming battles but the commitment of the people. Joshua had scouted the land forty years before and knew the challenges that awaited them. He also knew the enemies that they would have to face. Above all of these things Joshua knew that God would fight the battle for them.

3. Understanding of Suffering

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5