The Shepherd ’ s Way: BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS Keith Palmer Associate Pastor, Grace Bible Church, Granbury

What is leadership? Leadership is influence

Misguided thoughts or approaches to leadership: Misguided training Leadership is about what the leader does or doesn't do – "Be like some other guy!" Leadership is about how the leader gets to the top – "Be assertive" "Take charge" Leadership is about what skills the leader needs – organization, time management, delegation

Misguided thoughts or approaches to leadership: Misguided processes Leadership is about effectively using my power – "I have all the authority but I am not using it correctly." Leadership is about effectively understanding people – "They are not responding because I have not yet found the right buttons to push." Leadership is about effectively using my strengths – "My strengths will always overcome my weaknesses."

What does the Bible say about leadership? Unlike most books (Christian or otherwise) on leadership, the Bible both presents and defines leadership differently than the world. A different presentation – Unlike books that tend to present leadership in a point-by- point, step-by-step approach, the Bible usually presents leadership descriptively rather than prescriptively.

What does the Bible say about leadership? Unlike most books (Christian or otherwise) on leadership, the Bible both presents and defines leadership differently than the world. A different definition – The Bible paints a very different picture of leadership than the world does. Biblically speaking, leadership is influence that flows out of a person's Character, their Content, and their Commitment.

What does the Bible say about leadership? However, we do occasionally get glimpses of prescriptive teaching on leadership in Scripture. One such text is 1 Timothy 4:16. While this text is not exhaustive in terms of all that the Bible has to say about leadership, is does highlight the foundational pillars upon which most other leadership truths are built upon.

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16)

Biblical Leadership (1 Tim 4:16)

Note the context: Instruction about leadership in the context of ministry (1 Tim. 1:3ff)

Cultivate Christ-like Character "Pay close attention to yourself" Leadership is first and foremost about character Note the context of 1 Timothy: Character of godly women (1 Tim. 2:9-10, 3:11, see also Titus 2:3-5) Character of godly men (1 Tim. 3:2-13, 4:12)

Cultivate Christ-like Character Action Plan Seriously evaluate your own heart Ask a godly, trustworthy friend to help you discover your weaknesses Be humble, teachable, open to hearing what you discover Commit to repentance and change

Cultivate Christ-like Character Reminder: Our ability to minister flows out of our own walk with the Lord (2 Tim. 2:21) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:21

Grow in Biblical Content "Pay close attention to … your teaching" Second, leadership is about developing sound biblical content (doctrine) Notice the emphasis in 1 Timothy 4:1-6 A leader with Christ-like character can still misguide others if he does not have his theology straight

Grow in Biblical Content Action Plan Evaluate your current practice for growing in Bible knowledge (quiet time, reading, discipleship, etc.) Seek guidance from a godly and knowledgeable friend or from a leader or pastor in your church Make a plan to grow and stick to it Footnote:

Persevere in your Commitment "Persevere in these things" Third, leadership is about a persevering commitment Commitment to what? Assumed: The Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 1:1-2, 18-19, 4:1) Context: To biblical leadership (which includes Character & Content) and ministry (3:6-15)

Persevere in your Commitment Commitment to what? Extent: Even to the point of pain (3:15, Col. 1:29) Action Plan Evaluate your commitment to the Lord, your own growth, your church, and your ministry Make or re-affirm your commitments and by means of God's sufficient grace, keep them

Note also the sobering reminder of what is at stake "for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you ” What is at stake is nothing short of your salvation and the salvation of others These qualities give evidence to the reality of your own salvation These qualities will be effective in bringing others to salvation

Observations: Leadership is more about who you are than about what you do Leadership is more about who you are than about knowing who you influence You cannot separate character from leadership success Improving your leadership ability comes down to your own humility and commitment to changing your character weaknesses

Observations: Doctrinally misguided or shallow believers do not make good leaders. What you believe influences how you lead The bottom line on Leadership is one's own commitment to the Lord and commitment to growing both in their character and doctrine

Suggested Resources: