Lead – to show the way by going in advance; to guide or direct in a course; to guide the action or opinion of.
If I asked one of you to leave this room and make your way in and out of two other rooms in this building (your choice of rooms) and reenter this room from a different door and stated this is your leader, could you then follow in his footsteps while he remained in this room and gave you no indication of his journey? No, you could not, could you?
Did your “leader” follow one of these definitions?
- To show the way by going in advance.
- To guide or direct in a course.
- To guide the action or opinion of.
What could have made him a leader? How could this exercise have been changed to enable him to be your leader as described in each of the definitions?
- Allow him to encourage you to follow closely behind him.
- Allow him to give you directions in taking the journey or to draw you a map.
- To go along with you on your journey, encouraging you at every turn.
Why did Peter desire to walk on the water? Because his leader, whom he trusted, was walking on the water. Where in Matthew 14:22-33 do we see Jesus demonstrating these three definitions of leadership?
Going in advance is leading by example. Leading by example is, I believe, one of the most important characteristics of a good leader. Jesus led by example. Where else do we read about Jesus leading by example? Think on this for a moment and name two others.
How do you as a church leader lead by example? …Everything you do you are setting an example.
The more we read and study the ministry years of Christ we see that Jesus’ teachings and His lifestyle demonstrated leadership of the heart. Even at age twelve he says, “…I must be about my Father’s business.” He repeatedly makes similar statements throughout His ministry years.
Leading by example, Jesus shows us that to be a truly great leader we not only need to lead by example, but our example is to be that of a servant. A kingdom leader is a servant leader. Where is one place in scripture where Jesus demonstrates and teaches of being a servant leader? (John 13:1-17 Jesus washing the feet of His Disciples).
“I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15
Why is it important to be a servant leader and lead by example?
We call these characteristics because being a servant leader and leading by example are traits of a person’s character. You see, character is formed on the inside. It starts in the heart and blossoms outward.
To be an effective kingdom leader requires a change of the heart. As seen in Matthew 20:20-28 the hearts of the disciples needed a change and in verse 26 Jesus is once again teaching about becoming a servant leader.
When did the disciples experience a change of heart?
Character grows and flows from the inside out.
Becoming a kingdom leader is a process that starts on the inside with who we are, our character. Kingdom leadership is not a position earned or granted by an authoritative body or person. Kingdom leadership is an outward expression of the godly beliefs held within our heart and directed by the Holy Spirit.
For more information on Characteristics of Christlike Leadership or this conference contact George L. Yates and visit soncare.net .