Message: “PREPARING TO BE A GREAT LEADER IN 2024 AND GOING FORWARD” from Joe Summers

PREPARING TO BE A GREAT LEADER IN 2024 AND GOING FORWARD Embracing Servant Leadership: Insights from "Lead Like Jesus" by Ken Blanchard Lesson Objective: To discuss what makes a good leader using Christ and the Bible as examples Scriptures: Mark 10: 41-45 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many Introduction: 1) Age old debate Are leaders naturally born or does one learn to be a leader? 2) Man sees the outside but God sees the heart Ken Blanchard along with Phil Hodges teaches that is important that we become servant leaders like Christ and that this can be taught. “Lead Like Christ”. Definition of Servant Leadership- A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of the employees first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the people. Robert Greenleaf Biblical Foundations**: Discuss Jesus as a model for servant leadership (Philippians 2:5-7). - **Key Characteristics of Servant Leaders**: Humility, selflessness, empathy, etc. Four components of Servant Leadership Heart Shaping Character and Motivation Discuss the importance of a leader's heart in shaping their leadership style and actions. Reference Proverbs 4:23. Self-Reflection and Prayer**: Regular self-examination and prayer can help align one's heart with God's will, fostering humility and compassion. - **Seeking Forgiveness and Offering Grace**: Embrace forgiveness, both in seeking it and offering it, to cultivate a heart of grace and understanding. **Bible References:** - **Psalm 51:10**: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help in renewing one's heart. - **Matthew 5:8**: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This beatitude speaks to the value of inner purity and sincerity in leadership. a. Head Fostering the Right Beliefs and Values Talk about the mindset and beliefs of a servant leader. Discuss the importance of having a vision (Proverbs 29:18). b. Development Strategies:** c. - **Study and Meditation on Scripture**: Regularly engaging with the Bible helps in shaping a worldview that aligns with God's principles. d. - **Seeking Wise Counsel**: Engage with mentors and wise counselors who can provide guidance and perspective based on biblical principles. e. f. **Bible References:** g. - **Romans 12:2**: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This verse highlights the importance of a mindset that is aligned with God's will. h. - **Proverbs 3:5-6**: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This emphasizes the importance of trusting God's wisdom over our own. i. j. Hands Putting Beliefs into Action **Development Strategies:** - **Service-Oriented Actions**: Actively look for opportunities to serve others in both big and small ways. - **Leading by Example**: Demonstrate the behaviors and actions you wish to see in others. **Bible References:** - **John 13:14-15**: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." Jesus exemplifies servant leadership. - **James 2:17**: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This verse underscores the importance of putting faith into action. k. Discuss the daily habits that reinforce servant leadership, such as prayer, reflection, and seeking feedback. Habits: Cultivating Consistency and Discipline **Development Strategies:** - **Regular Prayer and Devotion**: Establish a routine of prayer and devotion to stay connected with God and grounded in your faith. - **Accountability Structures**: Create or join accountability groups to maintain discipline in servant leadership practices. **Bible References:** - **Daniel 6:10**: Daniel consistently prayed, despite facing persecution, demonstrating the power of disciplined spiritual habits. - **1 Timothy 4:7-8**: "Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." This emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline. Section 3: Practical Application and Challenges (10 minutes) - **Implementing Servant Leadership**: Share practical ways to apply servant leadership principles in various settings (workplace, community, home). - **Challenges and Misconceptions**: Address common challenges and misconceptions about servant leadership (e.g., perceived as weakness). By integrating these strategies and reflecting on the corresponding scriptures, one can develop a deeper understanding and practice of servant leadership in the model of Jesus. Remember, servant leadership is as much about personal spiritual growth as it is about leading and serving others effectively. #### Conclusion (5 minutes) - **Summarize Key Points**: Recap the main takeaways from the presentation. - **Call to Action**: Encourage the audience to reflect on how they can incorporate servant leadership into their own lives. - **Closing Scripture**: End with a relevant scripture, such as Mark 10:43-45, emphasizing the call to serve others.

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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