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: 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.