Christ-like Leadership: Calling, Humility, and Service
Summary
### Summary
Leadership is a calling that many of us may not initially recognize in ourselves, but it is a role that Jesus often sees in us, even when we don't. Whether you lead at work, in school, in your family, or within the church, it is crucial to lead well because the future of those who follow you may depend on it. Leadership is not just about guiding people to success in their careers or personal lives; it is also about leading them to a deeper relationship with Jesus and helping them become more like Him.
Simon Peter's journey from a simple fisherman to a foundational leader of the early church serves as a powerful example. Jesus saw potential in Peter that no one else did, not even Peter himself. This transformation was not immediate but involved a process of following Jesus, learning from Him, and eventually leading others. Peter's story teaches us that leadership often begins with being a good follower.
Peter's instructions to the early church leaders in 1 Peter 5:1-4 provide timeless principles for effective leadership. First, great leaders lead by example. Jesus epitomized this by living out His teachings, showing compassion, healing, holiness, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Second, great leaders lead humbly. Jesus, though divine, emptied Himself of His privileges to serve humanity, demonstrating that true leadership involves humility and valuing others. Third, great leaders serve their followers. In God's upside-down kingdom, leaders are called to serve those they lead, ensuring their well-being and helping them to thrive.
These principles are not just theoretical but practical and applicable in various contexts, whether in business, ministry, or family life. Leading by example, leading with humility, and serving those we lead are the hallmarks of Christ-like leadership. As we strive to embody these principles, we can impact our communities and the world, leading others not just to success but to a deeper relationship with Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Leadership is a Calling from Jesus: Many of us may not see ourselves as leaders, but Jesus often calls us into leadership roles we never anticipated. Just as He called Simon Peter from his fishing job to lead the early church, Jesus sees potential in us that we may not recognize. Our leadership can significantly impact the lives of those who follow us, guiding them to success and a deeper relationship with Jesus. [01:55]
2. Great Leaders Lead by Example: True leadership involves more than just giving instructions; it requires setting an example. Jesus exemplified this by living out His teachings, showing compassion, healing, holiness, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Leading by example not only instructs but also motivates others to follow. Whether at work, in ministry, or at home, leading by example is crucial for effective leadership. [14:10]
3. Great Leaders Lead Humbly: Humility is a cornerstone of Christ-like leadership. Jesus, though divine, emptied Himself of His privileges to serve humanity. Leading humbly means valuing those we lead, seeing them as worth our sacrifice, and not considering ourselves superior. This approach fosters respect and genuine care for the well-being of our followers. [20:20]
4. Great Leaders Serve Their Followers: In God's upside-down kingdom, leadership is about serving those we lead. Jesus taught that true leaders must be servants, caring for the needs of their followers to help them thrive and flourish. This service-oriented leadership is counterintuitive but essential for building strong, healthy communities and organizations. [26:47]
5. Leadership in the Kingdom of God: Jesus' teachings on leadership are counterintuitive and challenge our conventional understanding. In the kingdom of God, leaders are called to love their enemies, give generously, trust God, and serve their followers. This radical approach to leadership prepares us for God's kingdom and transforms the way we lead in our daily lives. [27:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - The Importance of Leadership
[01:55] - Unexpected Leadership Roles
[02:44] - Personal Story of Leadership Calling
[04:00] - Margaret's Leadership Journey
[05:01] - Resources on Leadership
[06:18] - Biblical Instructions for Leadership
[07:03] - Jesus' Call to Simon Peter
[08:47] - Peter's Transformation from Follower to Leader
[09:49] - Instructions to Church Leaders
[11:11] - Shepherding as a Leadership Metaphor
[13:19] - Leading by Example
[19:36] - Leading Humbly
[26:03] - Serving Followers
[31:39] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV)
> To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
2. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
> In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
3. Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)
> Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key instructions Peter gives to the elders in 1 Peter 5:1-4?
2. How does Philippians 2:5-8 describe Jesus' attitude and actions?
3. According to Matthew 20:26-28, what must one do to become great in the kingdom of God?
4. In the sermon, what example did the pastor give to illustrate leading by example? ([18:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize leading by example in 1 Peter 5:3? How does this principle apply to different areas of leadership in our lives?
2. How does Jesus' humility, as described in Philippians 2:5-8, challenge our conventional understanding of leadership? ([20:20])
3. What does it mean to serve others as a leader, according to Matthew 20:26-28? How is this concept counterintuitive to worldly views of leadership? ([26:47])
4. How did the pastor's story about his wife Margaret illustrate unexpected leadership roles? ([02:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were called into a leadership role unexpectedly. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:55])
2. In what ways can you lead by example in your current roles at work, home, or church? Identify one specific action you can take this week to model Christ-like behavior. ([14:10])
3. How can you practice humility in your leadership? Think of a situation where you can put others' needs before your own and describe how you will approach it. ([20:20])
4. Serving others is a hallmark of Christ-like leadership. Identify a person or group you lead and plan a specific act of service you can perform for them this week. ([26:47])
5. The pastor mentioned that great leaders see the value in those they lead. How can you better recognize and affirm the value of the people you lead? ([24:49])
6. Jesus' teachings on leadership are often counterintuitive. What is one area of your leadership that feels "upside down" compared to worldly standards, and how can you embrace this kingdom principle more fully? ([27:34])
7. Think about the people in your life that God has called you to lead. How can you apply the principles of leading by example, leading humbly, and serving your followers to impact their lives positively? ([13:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Call to Leadership
Leadership is a Calling from Jesus: Many of us may not see ourselves as leaders, but Jesus often calls us into leadership roles we never anticipated. Just as He called Simon Peter from his fishing job to lead the early church, Jesus sees potential in us that we may not recognize. Our leadership can significantly impact the lives of those who follow us, guiding them to success and a deeper relationship with Jesus. [01:55]
Jesus often sees leadership potential in us that we may not recognize in ourselves. Just as He called Simon Peter from his fishing job to become a foundational leader of the early church, Jesus calls us into roles we might never have anticipated. This calling is not just about guiding people to success in their careers or personal lives; it is also about leading them to a deeper relationship with Jesus and helping them become more like Him.
Our leadership can significantly impact the lives of those who follow us. Whether we lead at work, in school, in our family, or within the church, it is crucial to lead well because the future of those who follow us may depend on it. Recognizing this calling and stepping into it with faith can transform not only our lives but also the lives of those we lead.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you felt unqualified to lead. How can you trust Jesus to guide you in this role and help you see the potential He sees in you?
Day 2: Leading by Example
Great Leaders Lead by Example: True leadership involves more than just giving instructions; it requires setting an example. Jesus exemplified this by living out His teachings, showing compassion, healing, holiness, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Leading by example not only instructs but also motivates others to follow. Whether at work, in ministry, or at home, leading by example is crucial for effective leadership. [14:10]
True leadership goes beyond merely giving instructions; it involves setting an example for others to follow. Jesus epitomized this by living out His teachings, showing compassion, healing, holiness, sacrifice, and forgiveness. His life was a testament to His words, and this consistency between His actions and teachings motivated others to follow Him.
Leading by example is crucial in various contexts, whether at work, in ministry, or at home. When we live out the values and principles we espouse, we not only instruct but also inspire and motivate others. This form of leadership builds trust and respect, making it easier for others to follow our guidance and grow in their own journeys.
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where your actions do not align with your words. How can you begin to set a better example in this area starting today?
Day 3: Embracing Humility in Leadership
Great Leaders Lead Humbly: Humility is a cornerstone of Christ-like leadership. Jesus, though divine, emptied Himself of His privileges to serve humanity. Leading humbly means valuing those we lead, seeing them as worth our sacrifice, and not considering ourselves superior. This approach fosters respect and genuine care for the well-being of our followers. [20:20]
Humility is a cornerstone of Christ-like leadership. Jesus, though divine, emptied Himself of His privileges to serve humanity, demonstrating that true leadership involves humility and valuing others. Leading humbly means seeing those we lead as worth our sacrifice and not considering ourselves superior to them. This approach fosters respect and genuine care for the well-being of our followers.
When we lead with humility, we create an environment where people feel valued and respected. This not only enhances their well-being but also encourages them to grow and thrive. Humble leadership is about putting the needs of others before our own and serving them with a genuine heart.
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a recent leadership decision you made. How can you approach similar decisions with more humility and a focus on serving others?
Day 4: Serving Those We Lead
Great Leaders Serve Their Followers: In God's upside-down kingdom, leadership is about serving those we lead. Jesus taught that true leaders must be servants, caring for the needs of their followers to help them thrive and flourish. This service-oriented leadership is counterintuitive but essential for building strong, healthy communities and organizations. [26:47]
In God's upside-down kingdom, leadership is about serving those we lead. Jesus taught that true leaders must be servants, caring for the needs of their followers to help them thrive and flourish. This service-oriented leadership is counterintuitive to the world's view of leadership but is essential for building strong, healthy communities and organizations.
Serving those we lead means prioritizing their well-being and growth. It involves understanding their needs, providing support, and creating an environment where they can succeed. This approach not only benefits the followers but also strengthens the entire community or organization, fostering a culture of mutual respect and care.
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Think of someone you lead. How can you serve them in a way that supports their growth and well-being today?
Day 5: Leadership in the Kingdom of God
Leadership in the Kingdom of God: Jesus' teachings on leadership are counterintuitive and challenge our conventional understanding. In the kingdom of God, leaders are called to love their enemies, give generously, trust God, and serve their followers. This radical approach to leadership prepares us for God's kingdom and transforms the way we lead in our daily lives. [27:34]
Jesus' teachings on leadership are counterintuitive and challenge our conventional understanding. In the kingdom of God, leaders are called to love their enemies, give generously, trust God, and serve their followers. This radical approach to leadership not only prepares us for God's kingdom but also transforms the way we lead in our daily lives.
Embracing this kingdom-oriented leadership means adopting values and practices that may seem radical or unconventional. It involves loving those who oppose us, giving without expecting anything in return, trusting in God's provision, and prioritizing the needs of others. This approach not only aligns us with God's will but also sets a powerful example for others to follow.
Luke 6:27-28 (ESV): "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
Reflection: Reflect on one aspect of Jesus' radical leadership that you find challenging. How can you begin to incorporate this aspect into your leadership style today?
Quotes
1. "I think almost everybody at some point in their life has somebody looking to them for leadership, to help them grow and to help them develop and to help them get where they need to be. So maybe you lead at work or in school or in your unit or your team. Or maybe you lead a group or maybe you lead a ministry. Maybe you're leading your family. You're leading your children. Maybe some of your friends look to you in some way as a leader. Maybe you're a leader here at this church. But whoever you're leading, it's important to lead well. Because the people that follow you, your followers' future may depend on you." [00:56] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes we don't anticipate the leadership role that God calls us to. You guys have heard my story of, you know, I was going to the big church, CBC, and my pastor, Pastor Robert, just called me and said he wanted to take me to lunch. And I mean, honestly, I thought I was in trouble. Right? I don't know what this is. I went there thinking I might be in trouble, and I took my checkbook because, you know, preachers. That's the other thing it might be. And, man, in an hour, everything changed for me. And I came home. I came home that night in a completely different role in the kingdom of God." [02:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't assume that just because you don't see yourself in a leadership role now that that's not going to change. Especially if Jesus should show up at your workplace. Or your pastor should ask you to lunch. And if you are a leader, or if you want to become a leader, or if you think you might get stuck being a leader, and you want to be a good leader, there are about 13 gazillion books, right? There are 100 million YouTube videos. There is a conference every single day about how to be a good leader. And a lot of them are great." [05:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As a Christian, and especially if you lead a group, or if you lead a kid's class, or you lead a ministry, or if you have family or friends and you're hoping to lead them to Jesus, as a Christian, it would be nice to have some biblical instructions, right? Not just what Simon Sinek says. Not just what that book says. Not just what John Maxwell says, or somebody like that. It would be cool to have some instructions from the Bible. It would be cool to have some instructions from Jesus. And how did he do it? Because Jesus is the best leader ever, right? Jesus came to lead humanity back to God." [06:18] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Great leaders lead by example. Look what this says. 1 Peter 5.3. Lead them by your own good example. So obviously Peter learned about leading by example from the example, right, of the greatest leader ever. So Jesus came to lead mankind back to God. And he was a perfect leader. Jesus was a perfect leader because he didn't just teach the way. He lived it out. He modeled it. Everything that Jesus taught us to do, he did in front of us. He was a perfect model. He was a perfect example." [14:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Great leaders lead humbly in humility. The same verse. 1 Peter 5.3. Don't lord it over people who are assigned to your care. That's such a weird term. I can tell you in my life, other than this verse, I've never heard anybody use that term. Lord it over. But what it really means is don't act like you're somehow superior to the people that you're leading. Don't act like somehow you're more important than they are. And again, Peter had a pretty good leadership teacher, you know, Jesus. Matthew 20.26. Jesus said, whoever wants to be a leader must first be a servant. That's like, that's humility. That's being humble." [20:20] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus didn't think equality with God. With something to hold on to. Instead, he gave up. He gave up his divine privileges. And he took the humble position of a slave. He was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he again humbled himself in obedience to God. And died a criminal's death. The lowest thing, right? On a cross. It's a really interesting idea. He gave up his divine privileges. You guys know the theological term here? Kenosis. Kenosis. Are you impressed with me now? Kenosis. That means, like, he emptied himself. That's what that literally means. He emptied himself of these divine privileges that he had." [21:29] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Great leaders serve their followers. Again, Peter learned from the chief shepherd. This is what Jesus said in Matthew 20, 26. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. And so, that is so, like, bizarre sounding, I think, to us and the culture that we live in. All Jesus' teaching on leadership, and I guess all Jesus, all his teaching, period. They're so, I love this word, counterintuitive. Right? They're the opposite of what feels right. They're the opposite of what seems normal. They're the opposite of what we're used to. And you know why that is? Because Jesus is leading us into God's upside down kingdom. Where everything is backwards." [26:47] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "In the kingdom, we want people that we lead to thrive and to flourish because we love them. because we want to follow the example of Jesus. Because he loved us. He wanted us to thrive. And he wanted us to flourish. So he led by example. And he led humbly. And he served his followers. And I tell you, if you have any doubt about this, go back and read the story in Matthew of him washing the disciples' feet. I mean, all of these things. He told them. An example. He told them. I'm doing this as an example to you." [29:59] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus is leading a whole new humanity into God's kingdom. Peter led the New Testament church. If you want to lead like they led, lead by example. Lead humbly. Serve the people that you lead." [30:40] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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