Servant Leadership: Guiding Our Church with Humility
Summary
In our journey as a church, we are reminded of the importance of leadership and the role it plays in guiding us forward. As we approach our annual meeting, it's crucial to reflect on where we have been and where we are headed. Our goal is to grow deeper in our spiritual walks and strengthen our community bonds. Leadership is at the heart of this progress, and today, we delve into what it means to be a leader within our church.
Scripture provides a rich tapestry of guidance on leadership. Hebrews 13:7-9 reminds us to respect our leaders and follow their example of faith, emphasizing that our strength comes from God's grace. Leadership is not about authority but about serving others, as Jesus exemplified. Mark 10:42-45 teaches us that true leadership in the church is about servanthood, contrasting sharply with worldly views of power and authority. Jesus, the ultimate servant leader, washed the feet of His disciples, demonstrating humility and service.
First Timothy 3:1-13 outlines the qualities of a church leader, emphasizing integrity, self-control, and a good reputation. Leaders are called to live lives above reproach, holding themselves to a higher standard. This is not about perfection but about striving to live more like Christ each day. Philippians 2:3-11 further underscores the importance of humility, urging us to think of others as better than ourselves and to adopt the same attitude as Christ.
Leadership in the church is not about self-importance but about serving the community and spreading the love of Christ. It requires boldness in faith, as 2 Timothy 1:5-11 encourages us to embrace the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Our identity in Christ calls us to be bold in sharing the good news and living lives that reflect His love and grace.
As we move forward, we invite each of you to consider stepping into roles of leadership. Whether through formal positions or by leading small groups and ministries, your involvement is vital. Leadership is not for everyone, but for those who feel called, it is an opportunity to serve and help our church grow as a living community of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership as Service: True leadership in the church is about serving others, not wielding authority. Jesus exemplified this by washing His disciples' feet, showing that leadership is rooted in humility and service. [12:25]
- Qualities of a Leader: A church leader must live a life above reproach, demonstrating integrity, self-control, and a good reputation. This high standard is not about perfection but about striving to live like Christ. [09:52]
- Humility in Leadership: Philippians 2:3-11 teaches us to be humble, thinking of others as better than ourselves. Leadership is not about self-importance but about serving the community and spreading Christ's love. [15:26]
- Boldness in Faith: 2 Timothy 1:5-11 encourages us to embrace a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Our identity in Christ calls us to be bold in sharing the good news and living lives that reflect His love. [17:25]
- Invitation to Lead: Leadership opportunities are open to those who feel called. Whether through formal roles or leading small groups, your involvement is crucial in helping our church grow as a living community of Jesus Christ. [26:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [04:34] - Importance of Leadership
- [06:27] - Respect for Leaders
- [07:39] - Qualities of a Church Leader
- [08:42] - Integrity and Self-Control
- [09:52] - Living Above Reproach
- [11:21] - Servant Leadership
- [12:25] - Jesus as the Ultimate Servant
- [13:19] - Humility in Action
- [14:28] - Peaceful Leadership
- [15:26] - Humility and Service
- [16:42] - High Standards of Leadership
- [17:25] - Boldness in Faith
- [19:23] - Identity in Christ
- [20:25] - Invitation to Lead
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 13:7-9
- Mark 10:42-45
- Philippians 2:3-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 13:7-9, what are we reminded to do in relation to our leaders, and what is the source of our strength? [06:27]
2. In Mark 10:42-45, how does Jesus describe the difference between worldly leadership and leadership within the church? [12:25]
3. What qualities of humility and service are highlighted in Philippians 2:3-11, and how did Jesus exemplify these qualities? [15:26]
4. What are some of the qualities of a church leader as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-13? [09:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of leadership as servanthood in Mark 10:42-45 challenge common perceptions of leadership in society today? [12:25]
2. In what ways does Philippians 2:3-11 encourage believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, and how might this influence their approach to leadership? [15:26]
3. How does the sermon suggest that boldness in faith, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5-11, is essential for church leaders? [17:25]
4. What does it mean to live a life "above reproach" as a church leader, and why is this important according to the sermon? [09:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were in a leadership position. How did you balance authority with servanthood, and what could you do differently in the future? [12:25]
2. Consider the qualities of a church leader mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Which quality do you find most challenging, and how can you work on developing it? [09:52]
3. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, as encouraged in Philippians 2:3-11? Identify a specific situation where you can put others' interests before your own. [15:26]
4. The sermon invites individuals to consider stepping into leadership roles. What fears or hesitations do you have about leadership, and how can you overcome them? [26:38]
5. How can you be bold in sharing your faith, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 1:5-11? Identify one person you can share your faith with this week. [17:25]
6. In what ways can you support and respect the leaders in your church community, as suggested in Hebrews 13:7-9? [06:27]
7. Think about a leader you admire. What specific actions or attitudes do they exhibit that align with the biblical model of leadership, and how can you emulate them? [09:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Leadership as Humble Service
True leadership in the church is characterized by humility and service, not by authority or power. Jesus exemplified this through His actions, such as washing the feet of His disciples, demonstrating that leadership is rooted in serving others. This approach contrasts sharply with worldly views of leadership, which often emphasize control and dominance. In the church, leaders are called to follow Jesus' example, prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a spirit of servanthood. By doing so, they reflect the love and grace of Christ, creating a community that thrives on mutual respect and support. [12:25]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, emulating the humility and service of Jesus. How can you make this a regular practice in your life?
Day 2: Living Above Reproach
A church leader is called to live a life above reproach, demonstrating integrity, self-control, and a good reputation. This high standard is not about achieving perfection but about striving to live more like Christ each day. Leaders are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard, serving as role models for others in the community. By embodying these qualities, they inspire trust and respect, fostering a healthy and vibrant church environment. This commitment to integrity and self-discipline is essential for effective leadership, as it reflects the transformative power of the gospel in one's life. [09:52]
Titus 1:7-8 (ESV): "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with self-control or integrity. What steps can you take this week to align this area more closely with the example of Christ?
Day 3: Humility in Leadership
Philippians 2:3-11 teaches us the importance of humility in leadership, urging us to think of others as better than ourselves. Leadership in the church is not about self-importance but about serving the community and spreading Christ's love. By adopting the same attitude as Christ, who humbled Himself even to the point of death, leaders can create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This humility fosters unity and cooperation, allowing the church to function as a cohesive body that reflects the love and grace of God. [15:26]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you prioritized your own needs over others. How can you approach similar situations with a spirit of humility and service in the future?
Day 4: Boldness in Faith
2 Timothy 1:5-11 encourages believers to embrace a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, calling them to be bold in sharing the good news and living lives that reflect Christ's love. This boldness in faith is essential for effective leadership, as it empowers individuals to step out of their comfort zones and make a meaningful impact in their communities. By relying on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit, leaders can confidently proclaim the gospel and inspire others to do the same, fostering a culture of faith and courage within the church. [17:25]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel hesitant to share your faith? How can you take a step of boldness this week to share the love of Christ with someone in that area?
Day 5: Invitation to Lead
Leadership opportunities within the church are open to those who feel called, whether through formal roles or by leading small groups and ministries. This invitation to lead is an opportunity to serve and help the church grow as a living community of Jesus Christ. By stepping into these roles, individuals can use their unique gifts and talents to contribute to the church's mission and vision. Leadership is not for everyone, but for those who feel called, it is a chance to make a lasting impact and help others grow in their faith. [26:38]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How might God be calling you to use them in a leadership role within your church community? What steps can you take to explore this calling further?
Quotes
1. "We want to see each and every one of us growing deeper in our spiritual walks with God. We want to see the deep of our community that we're coming together stronger and stronger and we have opportunities with which to share meals together to share studies of scripture together that not only Sunday morning is the only time that we come together but there are other times throughout our week and month that we are able to get together and enjoy each other's company and to sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron." [04:34] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. And whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others, and to give his life, and to give his life, the ransom for many. This is where being a leader in the church flies in the face of what the world believes a leader should be. This is where being a leader in the church is different than being a leader in the community." [12:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Be like Jesus. Serve the people around you. Don't come in on the valiant steed. You come in on the donkey, right? You come in in a way of peace that leads us into being this living community. Philippians 2, 3 through 11 says, don't be selfish. Don't try to impress others. Be humble. Thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." [15:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you place your faith in Christ, our identity changes. I've been listening to John Delany a lot. One of the conversations he was having was about being married and this couple was the one caller of the relationship calling in to say, why will he not just get this over with? And as they talked through it, because his identity he was scared of losing his identity. And what John Delany said as a response to that was, when you get married, you lose your identity. Your identity becomes one." [19:23] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Be bold in bringing the name of Jesus to the community that we are going out into every single day. I remember your genuine faith that you shared. I laid my hands on you for God, God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and love and self -discipline. Be bold in your faith. So we have respect for leaders. Why do we have respect for leaders? Because the leaders are worthy of respect, right? Because they live our lives in a way that deserves respect." [20:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "As we read through these scriptures, there's more that I could even read from. Over and over and over again, who is to be the leader of the church? Somebody who deserves respect by the way that we live, by the way that we choose to place our faith in God. That we put God first. That God is the one who builds and who blesses everything that we do. We have a part in that. I said at the beginning, nothing happens here without leadership. Nothing happens without leadership." [23:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In order to move forward, we need to have strong leadership of those ministries. Take it away. so those opportunities are coming up. And just if leadership is something that you present in your lives, in any way, shape, or form, the invitation is that for years there was not really an expression of, if you want to get involved, please do. So this is the expression that she was looking for 10 years ago. If you want to get involved, please do. If you have a heart for what we're doing, for building this community of Jesus Christ, if you have a heart to be a leader within that, and you know that you have leadership qualities, talk to me." [26:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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