Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the 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 your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP (As illustrated in Acts, chapter 27)

I. LEADERS RISE TO THE TOP Acts 27:1 Paul begins as the last guy in rank— but ends up running the show

II. LEADERS ARE TRUSTED Acts 27:2-3 Paul, in one day, convinced the Centurion that he was trustworthy

Church leaders lead from the position of servant I Cor 4:1 “servants of Christ” (under rower) I Cor 3:5 “only servants” Matt 20:28 “I came not to be served ,but to serve”

Mark 10:35-37, 41-45 World Leadership = “The Boss” Church Leadership = “The Servant”

III. LEADERS TAKE THE INITIATIVE Acts 27:9-10 Paul took the initiative to warn them

IV. LEADERS SPEAK WITH AUTHORITY Acts 27:11-26 Paul spoke with clarity and boldness Matt 7:28 Jesus spoke “as one who had authority”

V. LEADERS STRENGTHEN OTHERS Acts 27:25, “keep up your courage, men!” I Thess 5:14 gives 3 types of people with needs: 1. Warn those who are idle (unruly) 2. Encourage the timid 3. Help the weak (Be patient with everyone)

VI. LEADERS USUALLY SUCCEED Acts 27:44 “In this way everyone reached land in safety”

SUMMARY: Leaders: Rise to the top Can be trusted Take the initiative Speak with gently authority ] Strengthen others.

We Are One We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, And we pray that all unity will one day be restored And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. We will work with each other, we will work side by side, And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride