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What you need to lead!

One of the things that we feel very strongly about at Hollywood Community Church is the importance of producing followers of Jesus Christ.   One of the key components of producing followers, though, is the need to develop leaders as well.  That truth is evidenced in the lives and ministry of the twelve disciples.  Remember that the apostles not only committed their lives to follow Jesus, but their dedication to follow Him pushed them to the forefront and they became leaders of the new Cristo-centric movement known as The Way.  

 Just as devout followers of Jesus in the first century were transformed into leaders, so today’s Church must be used by the Holy Spirit to grow passionate followers into passionate leaders.  That brings us to several pertinent questions…

ü What type of leader does God desire to use? 

ü Are the leadership characteristics that are so admired by the world what we should strive for in the Church?

ü Are godly leaders any different than secular leaders?

As we talk through these questions in the next few blog posts, I trust that you will begin to get a clear picture of biblical leadership.  In today’s article, we will deal with the first leadership characteristic.

Humility

In today’s alpha male and female, type “A” personality world of leadership humility is not considered a necessary ingredient.  In fact, many would go so far as to say that humility will get you nowhere.    You need assertiveness, bold confidence and even some hubris if you are going to succeed.  Yet, that clashes with the teaching of some of the New Testament’s greatest leaders.

 ü What did Jesus say about humility?

 Matthew 20:25, 26 – You know that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different.  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

John 13:14 – And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feel, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

ü What did John the Baptist say about humility?

John 3:30 – He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less.

ü What did the Apostle Paul say about humility?

I Corinthians 15:9 – For I am the least of all the apostles.  In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

Ephesians 3:8 – Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

As you read those verses, it doesn’t sound like Jesus, John the Baptist and Paul possessed a large ego.  There wasn’t a lot of leadership testosterone flying around.   They each demonstrated humility even though their leadership skills were “off the charts.”  What an example to us!

I am reminded of the words of Augustine, “if you ask me what is the first precept of the Christian religion I will answer; first, second and third, humility.”

As we close this first article, let me give you four biblical thoughts about humility.  I trust that they will challenge you as much as they have me.

• Humility is the realization that without God you are nothing – John 15:4, 5
• Humility is the realization that you are a servant and not a savior – Matt. 20:27
• Humility is the elevation of other’s needs above your own – Philippians 2:3,4
• Humility is the embracing of Jesus Christ’s attitude – Philippians 2:5

As I read those I am reminded that I need a lot of work.  Would you pray with me that God would make us humble?  It is only when we truly humble ourselves before Him and others that we are really ready to lead.