This document provides leadership training with a fundamental emphasis on the necessity of the individual becoming a follower of Christ before becoming an effective leader in ministry.  Leadership skills and concepts are also introduced as factors that contribute to positive change within the ministerial leader and the ministerial organization.

INTRODUCTION

This training guide is structured to teach ministerial leaders to obtain, first and foremost, a foundational understanding that leaders must be followers of Christ before they can be leaders of ministries, organizations, churches, and people.  Once this fundamental prerequisite is established, then and only then, can the leader begin to effectively progress into the remaining sections of this guide to address various leadership skills, techniques and practical applications that address leadership in ministry and organizations.

• Leaders must know how to follow.
• Leaders must be called by God to ministry.
• Leaders must lead from the front, not the rear.

This training guide, as led by the Holy Spirit, includes the teachings of Max Lucado, John C. Maxwell, Sabrina D. Black, Christina Dixon, Pamela J. Hudson, Brenda A. Jenkins, and Apostle Cornell Hamilton.

Books required for this training:

• The Holy Bible
• It’s Not About Me, Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy, by Max Lucado

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• Help for Your Leadership, by Sabrina D. Black, Christina Dixon, Pamela J. Hudson, Brenda A. Jenkins

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• Developing the Leader Within You, by John Maxwell

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CONTENTS

Introduction

The Call to Leadership

It’s Not About Me, by Max Lucado

• Chapter 2: Show Me Your Glory
• Chapter 3: Divine Self-Promotion
• Chapter 4: Holy Different
• Chapter 8: God’s Mirrors
• Chapter 9: My Message Is About Him
• Chapter 14: Upward Thinking

Help for Your Leadership, by Black, Dixon, Hudson, Jenkins

• Leaving the Lone Ranger Mentality Alone
• Introduction to Leadership
• Watchmen on the Wall
• Consider Yourself

Developing the Leader Within You, by John Maxwell

• 5 Levels of Leadership
• Integrity
• Problem-Solving and People
• Confrontation
• Vision

Foot Washing (optional)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The Call of Leadership

For the Christian leader, the call of God is the point of revelation, the personal foundation for ministry.  The first goal and identity as Christians is to know Christ and to serve the Body of Christ.  In this regard, much of your individual, personal identity as a Christian comes from your calling and ministry from God.  As you give your life away to Christ and His church, you will discover it.

Every Christian is called by God to a specific ministry, but many leaders have entered into ministerial positions without receiving a divine call from God. Leaders going forth on their own initiative, without the Lord sending them result in failure.  There are 3 ways that a person can be appointed to an office:

• God can appoint him/her
• Man may appoint him/her
• A person may appoint himself/herself

Self-appointed leaders take upon themselves the authority and responsibility of a spiritual office into which they have not been divinely called.

Man-appointed leaders claim to receive a call from God but the call is by the authority of human vessels who are not speaking by the unction of the Lord. This type of appointment is common because today’s society is more man-centered than God-centered.  The humanistic spirit of today’s society puts emphasis on man’s own ability and strength, his own wisdom, his own training/education and degrees.  While a good education is commended, only the call of God can bring the anointing and His true authority upon the individual.  Ministry is not a profession, it is a calling!

God-appointed leaders are equipped by God to function in a given capacity.  The Bible speaks of four ways God called His leaders:

• Appointed them – Hebrew word for “appoint” means to oversee, to care for, to watch over.
  1. “God chose and appointed me David ruler over the people.” ( II Sam 6:21)
  2. Joshua was the set (appointed) man over the people. (Num 27:16, 19, 22)
  3. The apostles appointed deacons over the business of serving the tables. (Acts 6:3)
• Separated them – Hebrew word for “separated” means to set off by boundaries, to appoint to set aside.
  1. “The Lord separated the tribe of Levi.” (Deut 10:8)
  2. “Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things.” (I Chron 23:13)
  3. “Paul…called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.” (Rom 1:1)
• Called them – Hebrew word for “called” manes to accost a person, to call out by name.
  1. “The Lord called Samuel.” (I Sam 3:4, 18)
  2. “Paul, called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ.” (I Cor 1:1)
• Sent them – Hebrew word for “sent” means to send away for a specific reason.
  1. “God sent me before you to preserve you.” (Gen 45:7)
  2. “The Lord hath sent me unto the nations.” (Zech 2:8)
  3. “He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted.” (Like 4:18)

There are governmental ministries and congregational ministries.  Governmental ministries are given divine authority to rule the Body of Christ through the offices invested in them, the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor/teacher.  To function in one of these offices, a person must receive a divine call from God, under His authority, to carry out His purposes.  To function in a congregational ministry, a person must understand his position of responsibility and his limitations.   What are your gifts and/or talents?  Each part of the Body of Christ has received a call from God.

It’s Not About Me, by Max Lucado

 Chapt 2: Show Me Your Glory

God called Moses to lead the children of Israel through the wilderness and into Canaan, the Promised Land.  God promised to be with him.  With all that they’d been through, Moses was very aware of God’s power……So why did Moses request to see God’s glory?  Why did he feel he needed to go a step further to see God’s glory?  “We cross a line when we make such as request.  When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God himself, we cross a threshold.  Less self-focus, more God-focus.  Less about me, more about him.”

When we are able to truly comprehend the honor and the privilege of HIM allowing us to simply bask in HIS glory, we have come to that place where HE can use us, and we know that HE is with us.  In what lays ahead of us, tests/trials, assignments, we need to experience God’s glory to stand and endure this journey…this pilgrimage to which we have been assigned……to which we have been called.

(see questions on page 154)

BEHOLDING:

• When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God himself, we cross a threshold. Less self-focus, more God-focus.  Less about me, more about him. 
  1. What is your deepest desire? How is this desire reflected in the way you live?
  2. Have you crossed the threshold just described?
• You and I need what Moses needed – a glimpse of God’s glory. Such a sighting can change you forever.
  1. Have you ever caught a glimpse of God’s glory? If so, describe how and when you made the sighting.
  2. Why should a glimpse of God’s glory change someone forever?

 

REFLECTING:

• Read Exodus 33:12 – 34:10.
  1. What instructions does God give Moses in 34:1-4? How do these instructions heighten Moses’ anticipation of what is about to happen?
  2. How does God describe himself in 34:5-7? How do the attributes he names contribute to his glory?
  3. How does Moses respond to the revelation of God’s glory in 34:8-9? How is this significant for us?
  4. How does God reply to Moses’ final request in 34:10? Should this fill us with hope or dread?  Why?
• Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.
  1. How does Paul compare and contrast the ministry of Moses with “the ministry of the Spirit?”
  2. In what way was Moses’ ministry one “that condemns men” (v. 9)? If it condemned men, how could it be “glorious”?
  3. Why does the ministry of the Spirit outshine the ministry of Moses (vv 9-11)?

Chapt 3: Divine Self-Promotion

Seek God’s glory, not our own!

When you think “God’s glory,” think “preeminence.”  And, when you think “preeminence” think “priority.”  For God’s glory is God’s priority.  How can we reveal more of God’s glory today?

Christ taught us to make God’s reputation our priority in prayer: “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matt 6:9).

(see pg 30, pilot of the lifeboat)

If we boast at all, we “boast in the Lord” (2 Cor 10:17).

(see questions on page 155)

BEHOLDING:

1. When you think “God’s glory,” think “preeminence.” And, when you think “preeminence” think “priority.”  For God’s glory is God’s priority.
   1. How do you display God’s preeminence in your own life?
   2. Why is God’s glory priority?
   3. Why should God’s glory be our priority? When it isn’t, why isn’t it?
2. God has no ego problem. He does not reveal his glory for his good.  We need to witness it for ours.
   1. How would you answer someone who complained, “God must be very vain if he’s so concerned with everybody seeing his glory”?
   2. Why do we need to witness God’s glory? How does this help us?
3. Why does the earth spin? For him.  Why do you have talents and abilities?  For him.  Why do you have money or poverty?  For him.  Strength or struggles?  For him.  Everything and everyone exists to reveal his glory.  Including you.
   1. In what ways do you reveal God’s glory?
   2. In what ways do you think you could better reveal God’s glory?

 

REFLECTING:

1. Read Exodus 15:11-13.
   1. How would you answer the question in verse 11?
   2. What does it mean to be “majestic in holiness”?
   3. What does it mean to be “awesome in glory”?
   4. How do God’s love and strength comfort and encourage God’s people (v. 13)?
2. Read John 12:23-33.
   1. How did Jesus expect to be “glorified” (vv 23-24)?
   2. In what way did Jesus expect his followers to mimic his example (vv.25-26)?
   3. Did Jesus look forward with great pleasure to what lay ahead for him (v 27)? In what did he take ultimate pleasure?
   4. How did God put his stamp of approval on Jesus and his mission (v.29)?
   5. How did Jesus picture his mission (vv 30-33)? In what way was it for the benefit of his followers that he described events like this?

Chapt 4: Holy Different

Though he was professional and of high status, Isaiah was humbled when he saw the Lord.  Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts!  “Woe is me, for I am ruined!  Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” (Is. 6:2-5).

The God-given vision was not about Isaiah, but about God and his glory.  Isaiah got the point.  “It’s not about me.  It’s all about Him.”  He finds humility, not through seeking it, but through seeking Him.  God’s holiness silences human boasting.  To what can we compare to God? He is holy.  “Holy” in Hebrew is qadash, which means to be set apart or separate, to consecrate, to sanctify.  Holiness speaks of the “otherness” of God, His total uniqueness in that HE is different from the world.  HE is the creator of all things.  We are because He is.  We may have some power, but HE is power!  The veils that block our vision do not block God’s.  Unspoken words are as if uttered.  Unrevealed thoughts are as if proclaimed.  Unoccurred moments are as if they were history.  HE knows the future, the past, the hidden, and the untold.  Nothing is concealed from God.  He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present.

After seeing God’s holiness and his own sinfulness, Isaiah realizes he is nothing in comparison to the awesomeness of God.  Isaiah takes no notes, plans no sermon series, launches no seminar tours.  Instead he falls on his face and begs for mercy.  After dealing with Isaiah’s sinfulness, God then asks “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”  Isaiah NOW can say “Here am I, send me!!”

(see questions on page 157)

BEHOLDING:

1. The first and final songs of the Bible magnify the holiness of God.
   1. What does “holiness” mean to you? How would you describe it to someone who knew nothing about the Bible?
   2. Why do you think the first and final songs of the Bible magnify the holiness of God? What’s so important about His holiness?
2. God’s holiness silences human boasting.
   1. When are you most tempted to boast?
   2. How does God’s holiness silence human boasting?
3. God, who is quick to pardon and full of mercy, purges Isaiah of his sin and redirects his life.
   1. When was the last time you experienced God’s quick pardon and fullness of mercy? Describe what happened.
   2. How has God redirected your own life?

 

REFLECTING:

1. Read Exodus 15:1-18 and Revelation 15:3-4.
   1. IF you were to rewrite the Exodus song to reflect an event in your own life, what would it say?
   2. What is the relationship in the Revelation song between fear and glory and holiness? How does your own life reflect this relationship?
2. Read Isaiah 6:1-8.
   1. How does Isaiah react to the revelation of God’s glory (v 5)? How do you think you would have reacted? 
   2. What resulted from Isaiah’s cleansing (v 8)? How do you think God wants to use Isaiah’s experience un your own life?

Chapt 8: God’s Mirrors

(2 Cor 3:18) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

We are God’s mirrors.  We are to reflect God’s glory.  In this passage, Paul parallels the Christian experience to Moses’ Mt Sinai experience.  Moses, after beholding God’s glory, he began reflecting His glory.

“Beholding” in Greek, katoptrizo, means both to behold (contemplation) and to reflect (refraction)……to mirror!

To behold = to study, to stare, to contemplate.

God sends the message; we mirror it.  As mirrors, we await for His call.  When placed in His hands, we do His work.  It’s not about us, it’s all about Him.

(see questions on page 163)

BEHOLDING:

1. Reduce the human job description down to one phrase, and this is it: Reflect God’s glory.
   1. What does it mean to reflect God’s glory?
   2. Describe a time when you knew you provided an excellent reflection of God’s glory. What happened?
2. Could it be that the Holy Spirit intentionally selected a verb that would remind us to behold God so intently that we can’t help but reflect him?
   1. In what ways do you best behold God?
   2. How does your beholding God enable you to reflect God?
3. He’s the source; we are the glass. He’s the light; we are the mirrors. He sends the message; we mirror it.
   1. Think of the last time you saw someone forget that God is the source and we are the glass. What happened?
   2. What most stands in the way of you effectively mirroring God’s message to others?

 

REFLECTING:

1. Read Romans 2:17-24.
   1. What advantages does Paul list for his fellow Jews in verses 17-20? Do you recognize any of these advantages in your own life? 
   2. What challenge does Paul give in verses 21-23? Why does hi give this challenge?
   3. What warning does Paul issue in verse 24? How is this warning relevant to us today?  What does it have to do with reflecting God?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31.
   1. How does someone drink to the glory of God?
   2. How does someone eat to the glory of God?
   3. How can doing everything to the glory of God change not only what you do, but how you do it?

Chapt 9: My Message Is About Him

(Romans 1:1) Paul considered himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ…..a slave!  His message was all about Christ.  We are not to insert lines of self-service.  We do what we do for Him, not for ourselves.

Minister/Lay Minister = Slave, servant, bondservant

(John 3:3)  We must become less and less as He becomes greater and greater!

(1 Cor 3) 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We plant and we water, but God is the One who makes things grow!!

It doesn’t matter what people think about us, it matters is what they think about God.  God will not share His glory!  We are only the messengers.  God does not need us to do HIS work!

(pg 94 – European village priest)

A European village priest in medieval times once gathered his church for a special service. “Come tonight,” he told them, “for a special sermon on Jesus.”  And they did.  They came.  To their surprise, however, no candles illuminated the sanctuary.  They groped their way to the pews and took their seats.  The priest was nowhere to be seen. But soon he was heard walking through the church toward the front.  When he reached the crucifix that hung on the wall, he lit a candle.  Saying nothing, he illuminated the pierced feet of Christ, then the side, then one hand, and then the other.  Lifting the candle, he shed light on the blood-masked face and the crown of thorns.  With a puff, he blew out the candle and dismissed the church.

May we do nothing more and nothing less!

(see questions on page 164)

BEHOLDING:

1. Paul existed to deliver the message. How people remembered him was secondary. (Else why would he introduce himself as a slave?)
   1. Why do you think Paul so often introduced himself as a slave? Whose slave was he?
   2. Would you describe yourself as a slave? Explain.
2. I believe Satan trains battalions of demons to whisper one question in our ears: “What are people thinking of you?”
   1. Why do we care so much what people might be thinking of us?
   2. How can we train ourselves not to listen to Satan’s battalions of demons?
3. God doesn’t need you and me to do his work. We are expedient messengers, ambassadors by his kindness, not by our cleverness.
   1. What does it mean to be an ambassador by his kindness?
   2. What kind of an ambassador for God are you? Do most people know who you represent?  And if so, what do they generally think of him?

 

REFLECTING:

1. Read Matthew 6:1-4.
   1. What temptation do we often face when we do a kind thing for someone else, according to verse 1? What instruction does Jesus give us? What warning?
   2. How do we sometimes announce our charitable acts with “trumpets” (vv 2-4)? How does Jesus instruct us to proceed instead? What promise does he give for those who heed his words?
   3. What do all of these verses have to do with God’s glory and God’s message?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
   1. What groups does Paul contrast throughout this passage? Why does he build such a contrast?
   2. Why do any of us receive God’s mercy and grace, according to verse 30?
   3. Who alone is fit to boast, according to verse 31? About what should these individuals boast? Why?

Chapt 14: Upward Thinking

May we have no higher goal than to see someone think more highly of our Father, our King.

(2 Cor 5:20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.  The ambassador has a singular aim – to represent the King.  WE promote the King’s agenda, WE protect the King’s reputation, and WE present the King’s will.  We, as ambassadors, elevate the name of the King.  In all that we do, we represent the KING.  May we never misrepresent HIM.

(see questions on page 172)

BEHOLDING:

1. The girl dishonored the name of her father, not with vulgar language, but with insensitive living. Keep this up and the whole building will be second-guessing the CEO.
   1. How does insensitive living on the part of God’s children cause people to second-guess God?
   2. What issues of insensitive living do you strggle with the most? How can you best deal with these issues?
2. May God rescue us from self-centered thinking. May we have no higher goal than to see someone think more highly of our Father, our King.
   1. In what areas of life is it easiest for you to slip into self-centered thinking?
   2. What practical steps can you take today to help others think more highly of your God than they do of you?

 

REFLECTING:

1. Read Exodus 20:7.
   1. How have you normally interpreted this commandment?
   2. Why is God so concerned with the use of his name?
2. Read Matthew 25:14-23.
   1. Why is it important to know that the master was gone “a long time” (v 19)?
   2. How does the master respond to the first two servants (vv. 20-23)?
   3. How can you be like either of the first two servants? Do you expect one day to hear words similar to those they heard?

Help for Your Leadership, by Black, Dixon, Hudson, Jenkins

Leaving the Lone Ranger Mentality Alone

Fellowship is a shared conviction, a shared commitment, a shared compassion.  It is two people walking the same road, bearing the same load.  Fellowship involves a vertical dimension with the Father and a horizontal dimension with fellow Christians.

The test for us comes when we don’t agree.  True submission is when you disagree but submit to the authority person based on God’s word.

Do many of us become solo to prevent ourselves from submitting?

How many people want things done their way?

The question we should ask ourselves “Is our way God’s way?”

The love affair you are commanded to have with God requires you to die to self, love your enemies, and pray for those who curse you.

Do you know what your responsibilities are, and what God’s responsibilities are?

Chart #1 (5 R’s) © Brenda A Jenkins

(GOD) Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit	MAN
Responsibility Creator & Finisher (Alpha & Omega) Gives Grace Provides Promises	Responsibility Make your bodies a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) Make Jesus Lord of your life, be obedient to God’s word
Redemption God sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins. HE died on the cross, rose and sat on the right hand of God. God’s Word gives the Revelation of Redemption.	Redemption We must be in agreement with God’s verdict on sin in the cross of Jesus Christ. We must have a conscious experience of salvation in our lives.
Reconciliation Reconciliation between God and Man, God brings us back to Himself by blotting out our sins and making us righteous. He reestablished relationship (God & Man)	Reconciliation Ministry of reconciliation Reconciliation between Man and Man (Matt 5:23-24) Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remembers that thy brother hath fought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer your gift. Our relationship with each other affects our relationship with God.
Regeneration Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us until His return (strength)	Regeneration Let the Holy Spirit control your life
Restoration Second coming, New earth, Bible begins with the majestic story of creation of the universe and it concludes with the creation of a new Heaven and earth (Rev 21:1-5)	Restoration Knowledge of God’s Word Rom 15:14 and Col 3:16 Know the word and how to apply it Gal 6:1  Restore others, Remember, Love one another, Glorify God, First teach yourself, then teach others

Barrier that interferes with relationships is TRUST.

Trust can break down if someone:

• Is a backstabber
• Exploits you
• Consistently breaks promises
• Misleads you in some way
• Gossips about you
• Rejects you
• Breaks an agreement or contract
• Withholds important information from you
• Takes credit for your work
• Criticizes you unfairly

We all know that the only person we can change is ourselves.

Introduction to Leadership:

Leaders make sure plans and purposes are clearly written, attainable and measurable.

“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablet so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2)

__________________________________________________________________________

Habakkuk 2:1-3:

• Be still
• Focus eyes on Jesus
• Tune into the voice of God as He speaks to our inner man (spontaneity)
• Write the vision

“stand upon my watch”  (my assignment, purpose)

“set me upon my tower” (the Word of God)

“watch to see what He will say” (listen to Him)

Application Exercise for Leaders Desiring to Hearing the Voice of God:

• Be still; quiet
• No tension
• Find comfortable setting
• What time is best with no distractions
• Cease striving from making things happen; let go and relax
• Don’t be hurried of forced
• Vision yourself with the Father
• Allow it to happen, trust your imagination to be controlled by the Holy Spirit
• Begin talking to the Lord
• If you ask Him a question, then be quiet and wait to hear what He will say.

__________________________________________________________________________

Those in positions of leadership must know within themselves they are called by God and answerable to God for their ministry, recognizing that God gets all the glory.  They are instruments, God’s workmanship created for good works; keepers of the vision of God.

Leadership must bring character, integrity and dignity to their position.  They should always regard the congregation with an attitude that they are valuable to God first, to the ministry second, while building a community of true fellowship and suppressing internal conflict.

All in positions of leadership should realize they are to mentor or disciple others by modeling behavior that pleases God and by giving future leaders an example to aspire to in becoming a servant of the Most High God. The leadership of individuals should reflect:

• Open communications
• Unity among the brethren (attitude)
• Flexibility toward change
• Respect for authority
• Reasoning and zeal with knowledge

 

Watchmen on the Wall

As leaders, God has called us to be watchmen on the wall.  A guard who spies out the enemy and calls out a warning to the people so they can close all entryways and keep the enemy out!  Watch and guard souls for God.

We must watch and guard our own souls as well. Leaders gird up your minds and put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand and watch for those under your leadership.

First, confront yourself!  Be honest.  Know where you are and understand that we are all a work in progress.  We are not perfect, but Phil 1:16 tells us that He who began a good work in us and in the lives of those around us will be faithful to carry it on to completion.

Satan desires to have God’s people and lead them into sin.  God has called his leaders to snatch those who have allowed the enemy into their eyes, ears and soon after into their hearts from the fire by witnessing love and grace to them, not condemnation.  The witness is Jesus Saves……those who don’t know as well as those who do and may have wandered off.

We endeavor to walk Godly.  The bible tells us ways not to walk:

10 Ways Not to Walk

1. As sinners (Eph 4:17)
2. As fools (Eph 5:15)
3. Contrary to God (Lev 26:21-28)
4. In darkness (Ps 82:5, Prov 2:13)
5. In ways of the heart (Eccl 11:9)
6. After own devices (Jer 18:12)
7. In lies (Jer 23:14)
8. In pride (Dan 4:37)
9. After the flesh (Rom 8:1-4, 12-13)
10. By sight (II Cor 5:7)

Spiritual Disciplines that we should practice: (seeking God, communing with God, hearing from God)

• Solitude (spending time alone with God)
• Worship (offering praise and adoration to God)
• Prayer (talking to and listening to God regarding His will in your life)
• Study (reading and meditating on scripture)
• Confession (admitting your transgressions to God and others)
• Submission (responding to authority and seeking accountability)
• Fellowship (mutual care and concern through time shared)

 

Consider Yourself

As leaders, we are in the position to see and discern issues in the lives of the people that God has given us to watch over.  We cannot turn the other way and pretend to not notice.  Nor can we come off as though we have never sinned when we confront them.

Dr. Don Dunlap of Family Christian Ministries provides an edited version of Charles G. Finney’s checklist of 30 sins from Breaking Up Fallow Ground.  According to Finney, an evangelist from the 1800s, this list is a list of sins of which every person is guilty.  Here are 12 of them.  As you review the list, take a moment to carefully consider and pray regarding those areas of your life where repentance and restitution may be necessary:

• Lack of Love for God – Has someone else captured your heart, your thoughts or your time? God calls Himself a jealous God.  Have you given your heart to someone or something else and offended Him?
• Neglect of Fellowship – Have you made foolish excuses that have prevented you from attending fellowship gatherings with other Christians?
• Ritually Performing Duties – Think of the times when you have spoken about God with a lack of faith or feeling. Recall the prayers that you have prayed carelessly when you were in such a worldly frame of mind that you could hardly remember what you prayed five minutes afterward.
• Lack of Love for Souls – Look around at your friends, your acquaintances and your relatives, and think of how little compassion you have felt for them. You have stood by, aware that they were lost and doomed for hell, and yet you failed to utter a single, fervent prayer for their salvation.
• Neglect of Family Duties – Consider the kind of example you have set before your family. What direct, ongoing efforts do you make for their spiritual welfare?
• Failure to Watch Over the Brethren – Christians are charged with the solemn duty to watch over one another in the Lord. How little do you know or care about the state of your brothers’ and sisters’ souls?  Do you see them falling into sin and yet you hold back and let them go on?  Do you merely pretend to love them? Would you watch a close family member falling into disgrace and choose to remain silent?
• Envy – Have you been jealous of people who were in a higher position than you were? Do you envy people who are more talented than you?  Does it cause you pain to hear certain people receive praise?  Do you prefer to dwell on their faults rather than on their virtues?  Do you rejoice in their failures rather than their successes?
• Bitterness – Repent of all the times when you have harbored a grudge or a bitter spirit toward someone. Have you spoken of someone in an unloving way?  Do you believe the best in people or do you suspect the worst?
• Hypocrisy – Have you confessed sins that you did not really intend to turn away from? Have you prayed aloud in groups for people or situations, when your heart was cold and uncaring?  Do you pray in front of others in order to be considered spiritual?  Do you agree to pray for someone’s need and then forget about it as soon as the person is out of sight?
• Failure to Control My Temper – Are you an angry person? Do you often lose your temper with your spouse, your children, your friends, your neighbors or your associates?
• Proud and Rebellious Heart – Is it hard for you to admit when you are wrong? Do you long to be recognized by others and to receive credit for your accomplishments? Do you have a rebellious, disobedient or unteachable spirit?
• Worrying and Being Anxious – Do you trust God for your physical and spiritual needs? Do you often murmur and complain? Do you find fault with people easily? Do you have a critical attitude toward people or situations? Are you irritable, cranky, harsh or unkind?

Developing the Leader Within You, by John C. Maxwell

Leadership is influence.  Leadership is the ability to obtain followers.

A proverb: He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.

No one is excluded from being a leader or a follower.  Realizing your potential as a leader is your responsibility.

Every one of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives.

The issue is not whether you influence someone, but rather what kind of an influencer will you be?

The 5 Levels of Leadership

Level 1 (Position/Rights) – The only influence you have is that which comes with a title.  A person may be “in control” because he has been appointed to a position and given a certain amount of authority.  Real leadership is more than authority, technical training, and following procedures. Real leadership is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow.

Characteristics:

Security is based on title, not talent.

This level is often gained by appointment.

People will not follow a positional leader, beyond his/her stated authority.

Positional leaders have more difficulty working with volunteers, white collar workers and younger people.

Level 2 (Permission/Relationships) – The influence you have gets people to work for you when they are not obligated.  People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  Leadership flourishes with a meaningful relationship, not more regulation.  People unable to build solid, lasting relationships will soon discover that they are unable to sustain long, effective leadership.  You can love people without leading them, but you can’t lead people without loving them.

Level 3 (Production/Results) – Things begin to happen, morale is high, needs are being met, goals are being realized.  Problems are solved with minimum effort!  Under level 2 people get together just to get together, under level 3 people come together to accomplish a purpose.  They like to get together to get together, but they love to get together to accomplish something.

Level 4 (People Development/Reproduction) – A leader is great, not because of his/her power, but because of his/her ability to empower others.  Success without a successor is failure.  At level 2, the follower loves the leader; at level 3, the follower admires the leader; at level 4, the follower is loyal to the leader.  You win people’s hearts by helping them grow personally.

Level 5 (Personhood/Respect) – People follow because of who you are and what you represent.  This step is reserved for leaders who have spent years growing people and organizations. Few make it.  Those who do are bigger than life.

The most important ingredient of leadership:  INTEGRITY

The dictionary defines integrity as “the state of being complete, unified.”

My words and my deeds match up.  I am who I am, no matter where I am or who I am with.

A person with integrity does not have divided loyalties (duplicity), nor is he or she merely pretending (hypocrisy).  It becomes the navigating system that guides us.  It establishes priorities in our lives and judges what we will accept or reject.

The more followers see and hear their leader being consistent in action and word, the greater their consistency and loyalty.  What they hear, they understand.  What they see, they believe.

Too often we attempt to motivate our followers with gimmicks that are short-lived and shallow.  What people need is not a motto to say, but a model to see.

Integrity builds trust.

Cavett Roberts said: “If my people understand me, I’ll get their attention.  If my people trust me, I’ll get their action.”  For a leader to have the authority to lead, he needs more than the title on his door. He has to have the trust of those who are following him.

Creating Positive Change is the ultimate test of leadership!  Change the leader, change the organization.  People do what people see.

Characteristics of a leader in trouble:

• Has a poor understanding of people.
• Lacks imagination.
• Has personal problems.
• Passes the buck.
• Feels secure and satisfied.
• Is not organized.
• Flies into rages.
• Will not take a risk.
• Is insecure and defensive.
• Stays inflexible.
• Has no team spirit.
• Fights change.

Why People Resist Change:

• The change isn’t self-initiated.
• Routine is disrupted.
• Change creates fear of the unknown.
• The purpose of the change is unclear.
• Change creates fear of failure.
• The rewards for change don’t match the effort change requires.
• People are too satisfied with the way things are.
• Change won’t happen when people engage in negative thinking.
• The followers lack respect for the leader.
• The leader is susceptible to feelings of personal criticism
• Change may mean personal loss
• Change requires additional commitment
• Narrow-mindedness thwarts (impedes) acceptance of new ideas.
• Tradition resists change.

The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership:  PROBLEM-SOLVING

The problem-solving process is as follows:

1. Identify the problem
2. Prioritize the problem
3. Define the problem
   1. Ask the right questions
   2. Talk to the right people
   3. Get the hard facts
   4. Get involved in the process
4. Select people to help you in the problem-solving process
5. Collect problem causes
6. Collect problem-solving solutions
7. Prioritize and select the “best” solutions
8. Implement the best solution
9. Evaluate the solution
10. Set up principles or policies to keep problems from recurring

ATTITUDE

The leader’s attitude helps determine the attitudes of the followers.

Developing Your Most Appreciable Asset:  PEOPLE

Assumptions:

• Everyone wants to feel worthwhile
• Everyone needs and responds to encouragement
  • People tend to become what the most important people in their lives think they will become.
• People “buy into” the leader before they “buy into” his or her leadership
• Most people do not know how to be successful
• Most people are naturally motivated

What motivates people?

• Significant contributions – people want to join in a group or pursue a cause that will have lasting impact.
• Goal participation – people support what they create; a sense of ownership
• Positive dissatisfaction – dissatisfied people are highly motivated people, for they see the need for immediate change and often know what needs to be done. The key is harnessing this energy toward effective change.
• Recognition – people want to be noticed. Recognition is one way to give meaning to a person’s existence.
• Clear expectations – people are motivated when they know exactly what they are to do and have the confidence that they can do it successfully. Motivation rises when the goals, expectations, and responsibilities are clearly understood.  When delegating responsibility, be sure to give the necessary authority to carry out the task.  People perform when they have some control over their work and their time.

Do I Care Enough to Confront People When It Will Make A Difference?

While confrontation is very difficult for most people, consider changing the word “confront” to “clarify.”  Clarify the issue instead of confronting the person. Then follow these ten commandments of confrontation:

• Do it privately, not publicly.
• Do it as soon as possible.
• Speak to one issue at a time.
• Once you’ve made a point, don’t keep repeating it.
• Deal only with actions the person can change.
• Avoid sarcasm.
• Avoid words like “always” and “never.” They usually detract from accuracy and make people defensive.
• Present criticisms as suggestions or questions if possible.
• Don’t apologize for the confrontational meeting. Doing so detracts from it and may indicate you are not sure you had the right to say what you did.
• Don’t forget the compliments. Use the “sandwich” approach, which is to compliment, confront, and then compliment again.

VISION

Leaders should have vision.  Followers find the leader and then the vision.  Leaders find the vision and then the people.  How do you get a vision for your organization/ministry?

Look Within Yourself: What do you feel?  It should be a vision you can articulate clearly and forcefully.  There is a difference between a person with a vision and a visionary person:

• A person with a vision talks little but does much.
• A visionary person does little but talks much.
• A person with a vision finds strength from inner convictions.
• A visionary person finds strength from outward conditions.
• A person with vision continues when problems arise.
• A visionary person quits when the road becomes difficult.

Look Behind You: What have you learned?  A person with experience learns that people buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.

• The credibility of a vision is determined by the leader.
• The acceptance of a vision is determined by the timing of its presentation.
• The value of a vision is determined by the energy and direction it gives.
• The evaluation of a vision is determined by the commitment level of people.
• The success of a vision is determined by its ownership by both the leader and the people.

Look Around You: What is happening to others?  A good idea becomes great when the people are ready.  Develop a stride that reflects the pace of your people, don’t run too far ahead and run the risk of losing your power of influence.

Look Ahead of You: What is the big picture?  Leaders are concerned with the basic purpose of the organization/ministry – why it exists and what it should achieve, not the “how to” aspects of the operation.

Look Above You: What does God expect of you?  Utilize the potential God has given us to establish great visions that are bigger than ourselves.  Maxwell’s definition of success is:

Knowing God and His desires for me; Growing to my maximum potential; and Sowing seeds that benefit others.

Look Beside You: What resources are available to you?  Because the vision is greater than the person who has it, its accomplishment must be the result of many people bringing resources to the vision.

FOOT WASHING Ceremony (OPTIONAL)

John 13:1-20

1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

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The love that is evident in the laying down of life at the crucifixion is also demonstrated in the laying down of life in humble service in the foot washing.  In the foot washing, we have “an acted parable of the Lord’s humiliation unto death” (Beasley-Murray 1975:154; cf. D. Wenham 1995:15).

Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist (v. 4). The verb used for took off (tithemi) is not the usual word for this idea (apotithemi). Perhaps John intends an allusion to Jesus’ imminent laying down of life, since this verb is used for that idea elsewhere (10:11, 15, 17-18; 13:37-38). Similarly, the word used for taking up his garments (lambano, v. 12) was used to describe his taking up his life again (10:17-18, cf. Brown 1970: 551). So perhaps through the language he uses, John is connecting these two events of great humility.  It is important to realize that Jesus is going to wash the feet of one who is considering betraying him.

Having taken off his outer garment (himation), Jesus was left with his tunic (chiton), a shorter garment like a long undershirt. Slaves would be so dressed to serve a meal (cf. Lk 12:37; 17:8). Jesus tied a linen cloth around his waist with which to dry their feet, obviously not what one would expect a master to do. A Jewish text says this is something a Gentile slave could be required to do, but not a Jewish slave (Mekilta on Ex 21:2, citing Lev 25:39, 46). On the other hand, footwashing is something wives did for their husbands, children for their parents, and disciples for their teachers (b. Berakot 7b; cf. Barrett 1978:440). A level of intimacy is involved in these cases, unlike when Gentile slaves would do the washing. In Jesus’ case, there is an obvious reversal of roles with his disciples. The one into whose hands the Father had given all (13:3) now takes his disciples’ feet into his hands to wash them (cf. Augustine In John 55.6).

Slaves were looked down upon in the ancient world (cf. Rengstorf 1964b), and Peter cannot stand the thought of his teacher doing the work of a slave (13:6). It would have been appropriate for one of the disciples to have washed Jesus’ feet, but the reverse is intolerable. In Peter’s response we see the pride and self-will that is at the heart of all sin and that is the very thing for which the cross will atone and bring healing. Peter is working from a worldly point of view.

Jesus realizes this act is scandalous and mystifying, given their current ignorance: You do not realize now what I am doing, but later (literally, “after these things”) you will understand (v. 7). In response to Peter’s rejection (v. 8) Jesus says, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me (v. 8). The word for part (meros) can be used of one’s share in an inheritance (cf. Lk 15:12).  If Peter is to have a share with Jesus in his community and the eternal life that comes through faith in him, then he must be washed by Jesus. Since this is Peter’s greatest desire he responds, Then, Lord, . . . not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!  We see his love, but again there is still a strong element of self.  He is not simply receiving with humility what the Lord is saying and doing. Peter at this point is an example of religious enthusiasm that is really a manifestation of the unregenerate self rather than of genuine discipleship. He has not discovered the depths of his own brokenness and selfishness and thus does not have a solid foundation in reality to build on.

So Jesus must further correct Peter and thereby give more insight into his scandalous act: A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you (v. 10). People would bathe before going to a special meal, but their feet would get dirty on the way since they wore sandals. Here, as in verse 8, Jesus is addressing Peter as an individual, but by implication he is also addressing each of the disciples. Jesus must wash him, or else he is not clean and has no share with him.

After Jesus finishes washing their feet, he puts his outer garment back on and returns to his place, asking, Do you understand what I have done for you? (v. 12). They will not completely understand until they have seen the cross (v. 7), but they can at least grasp his act as an example of humility.  While they are reeling from this embarrassing event, Jesus spells out the implications for their own lives of what he has done: 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 (vv. 14-15). What does Jesus have in mind? Some have established a foot washing ceremony, either as a separate service or as part of the Maundy Thursday service.  Jesus, however, does not say to do “what” he did but “as” he did. The cleansing and the further foot-washing are symbolic of the revelation that Jesus gave of the Father, and thus the disciples are called upon to embody this same revelation. The disciples are to pass on the same teaching that he, their teacher and Lord, has done by conveying as he has, both in word and deed, the selfless love of God (cf. Barrett 1978:443; Michaels 1989:241-42). The community Jesus has brought into being is to manifest the love of God that he has revealed through serving one another with no sign of pride or position. There will be recognized positions of leadership within the new community, but the exercise of leadership is to follow this model of servanthood.

(InterVarsity Press New Testament Commentary, http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Washes-Disciples-Feet)

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As you come to the end of this leadership training, if you have faithfully and whole-heartedly taken upon yourself the concepts, teachings, mindset and spirit of what has been covered, conducting and/or participating in a foot washing service would be a symbolic outward expression of your commitment to serve with humility, as a slave for Christ, as an ambassador for the KING, as a leader with integrity, and as a watchman on the wall, beholding and reflecting God, knowing that you are called by God to follow as you lead.

[Submit request on Contact page of TrinityDestined.com for onsite training opportunities.]

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Black, Sabrina D., Christina Dixon, Pamela J. Hudson and Brenda A. Jenkins. HELP! For Your Leadership. Detroit: PriorityONE Publications, 2003.

Hamilton, Apostle Cornell. The Making of a Leader.  From Bondage to Freedom Interdenominational Church, Shreveport, Louisiana, 2007.

(InterVarsity Press New Testament Commentary, http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Washes-Disciples-Feet)

Lucado, Max. It’s Not About Me, Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004.

Maxwell, John C. Developing the Leader within You. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publications, 1993.