BIBLICAL MANAGEMENT 4

LEADING LIKE A SERVANT

Besides all styles of leadership, this lesson focuses on New Testament principle of leading as a servant.

A Contrasting Example

Jesus contrasted spiritual leadership with worldly leadership (Mk. 10:42-44). It is the one leadership style that is uniquely Christian.

A servant is one who serves others in humbleness, dedication, and love. Jesus was the greatest example of leading like a servant (Lk.22:26).

Following the Pattern

The leaders in the early Church followed the pattern set by Jesus, and they called themselves servants. For example, Paul, Peter, James, Jude introduced themselves as ‘servant of Jesus Christ’. Apostles called themselves as servants (Acts 4: 29). We are to be servants of those whom we lead.

The Power of the Servant

The power of servanthood is that it humbles a person to the point that he can be used by God. This is illustrated in the life of Jesus Christ (Philip. 2:5-11). The cross was the last place on earth anyone would look for a leader, but it became the "power of God unto salvation" (I Cor. 1:18). As a leader, you become powerful through serving.

Four Contrasts

1.      Secular leaders have dominion over their followers; Servant leaders do not oppress or control their followers.

2.      Secular leaders exercise authority over followers. Christian leaders are called to service, not superiority.

3.      Secular leaders are chiefs over their followers: In God's Kingdom, the first (leaders) are last.

4.      Secular leaders are lords over those they lead:  The Christian leader serves his followers.

Who Do We Serve?

Servant leaders serve the Body of Christ (2 Cor.4:5). Servanthood takes on dignity and power because when we serve others, we are really serving the Lord (Mat.25:40).

How to Become a Servant Leader

Leading like a servant means you must have the heart of Jesus (Phil.2:5-8): You must:

·         Develop proper attitude

·         Humble yourself

·         Identify with your followers (humanity)

·         Be obedient

·         Die to sin and self

·         Serve in love (John 4:10-11).Love is central to servant leadership. Love begins as an emotion in the heart, but it is shown in practical, observable ways. A servant leader builds up those he serves. He gives instead of takes.

·         Let God be in control.

LEADING LIKE A SHEPHERD

Jesus referred to Himself as the "Good Shepherd" and explained in detail what shepherding involves (John 10). To be an effective leader, you must not only know the Good Shepherd and be related to Him personally; you must also learn how to lead like a shepherd. Peter confirms that we are to lead like shepherds (1 Pet.5:2).

Principles of Shepherding

We must study the example of the “Good Shepherd” in John10, in order to understand serving as shepherds.

One Fold, One Shepherd: There is one ‘Church’ and one shepherd (Jesus Christ) vv.16. Do not try to separate "your flock" from other people in the flock of the Good Shepherd by denominationalism.

Sheep are Given By God: Followers are only entrusted to your care. In reality, they belong to God (v.29).

Some Sheep will not Follow: To be an effective leader, you must know the people entrusted to your care. You must develop a personal relationship with them (v.14).

The Sheep Know the Shepherd: Not only does the shepherd know his sheep, the sheep know the shepherd (v.27). People will always follow a leader whom they trust and know better.

The Shepherd Cares for the Sheep: You must care for the souls of the sheep. You must see that their "souls are restored" to right relationship with God (Psalm 23:4). Sheep will lie down only if they are:

1.      Free from Fear

2.      Free From Friction With other Sheep

3.      Free of pets (sickness and diseases)

4.      Free from hunger and thirst

The Shepherd Discipline the Sheep: Caring for sheep involves discipline. The rod which shepherds carried was used to prod the sheep into the right way. The rod provides discipline. It does not always feel good, but it is necessary. Leading involves discipline, reproof, and correction to keep sheep on the right path.

The Shepherd Helps Cast Down Sheep: In the natural world, a "cast down" sheep is one that has rolled over on its back and cannot get up by itself. It is an easy prey for animals and it is helpless. In the spiritual world, believers often settle down in material ease. They get involved with pleasures and riches of the world. They are unconcerned about God, His Kingdom, and lost souls. Both sheep and believers become "cast down" when:

a.       They settle down in ease

b.      They have too much wool

c.       They become too fat

The Shepherd Leads the Sheep: Leadership is just what the word implies: You must go ahead of the sheep and lead them (John 10:4). You do this by practicing what you preach and showing them by your lifestyle rather than only telling them. The shepherd sets the example as a leader, not as a "lord" who shows off (1 Pet.5:3).

Shepherd Leads Willingly: You should not lead because you are asked, forced, or required to do so. Fulfill your calling willingly.

The Shepherd Gives up His Life for the Sheep: To be a leader, you will have to "give your life" in other ways. You must sacrifice your own desires and selfish ambitions for others. There are many inconveniences in caring for people.

Shepherds Protects the Sheep: A good shepherd stays with the sheep and protects them, no matter what the cost. Hirelings do not really care for the sheep, so they flee when the enemy attacks (I Peter 5:2).

Warnings to Shepherds

Ezekiel 34 contains warnings to bad shepherds who ruled Israel. God promises "woe" or judgment on shepherds who:

1.      Do not feed the flock: Verse 2

2.      Rob and take selfishly from the sheep: Verse 3

3.      Take care of themselves, but not the sheep: Verses 2-3, 8

4.      Do not care for the needs of the flock: Verse 4

5.      Do not seek the lost sheep: Verses 4 and 6

6.      Rule with force and cruelty: Verse 4

7.      Scatter the sheep: Verses 5-6

8.      Let the enemy destroy the sheep: Verse 8

9.      Let the diseases of sin and disunity destroy the flock: Verse 21

A Promise to Shepherds

Every leader who follows Biblical principles of leading like a shepherd can claim the promise on 1Peter 5:4.