Four Foundations Of Leadership – Foundation # 2 – Servant Leadership – Brian Sauder.
Philippians 2:5-7 teaches us to have the same attitude that Jesus had — the attitude of a servant. Jesus knew where He came from, why He was here, and where He was going (John 13:1-17). He was secure, and He was free to serve as a leader — a servant leader. Taught by Jesus. Matthew 20:25-28 indicates that the disciples had been influenced by the leadership patterns of the Gentiles. Jesus explained to them the leadership in the kingdom of God: Servant hood!
Leading
We reap what we sow. In 2 Chronicles 10:7, King Rehoboam, a new king, received advice from his father’s advisors about servant leadership:
2 Chronicles 10:7 – “If you are kind to these people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.”
In other words, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Rehoboam refused their advice and paid the penalty. Others will follow our example 1 Corinthians 11:1 teaches us to recognize that others follow our example as we imitate Christ.
Sowing seeds of truth
Servant leaders have a ministry of sowing seeds of truth into the lives of those whom they serve. Servant leaders see those they serve through “eyes of faith,” expecting a harvest. Mark 4:3-8.
Going two by two
Servant leaders recognize the kingdom of God is built through relationships.
Mark 3:14 says that Jesus called His disciples that “they might be with Him,” then He sent them out two by two.” (Mark 6:7).
1 Timothy 1:5 gives us the Lord’s goal — “love which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
The key to servant leadership
An attitude of serving is the key to servant leadership. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus exhorts us that whatever we do for one of the least of His brothers, we do for Him. In Matthew 9:36 we see the Lord’s compassion for the crowds. His attitude was always to serve. Leadership must have the same heart attitude to serve.
Taking time to know people (Show interest to others)
A true leader has a servant’s heart and is willing to take the time needed to be “knit with” the people in his cell. Just like it takes several weeks for a broken bone to heal and knit together, so it takes time for relationships in the cell group to be knit together.
The church is built together through relationships.
“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
Giving encouragement
Hebrews 3:13 tells us to “encourage one another daily”. This is especially true for new Christians who need regular encouragement and nurturing because they are like new plants in a greenhouse. Maturity does not happen overnight.
True servant leaders serve as spiritual advisors, encouraging God’s people in the Word as they mature in Christ. The cell is an excellent “wineskin” for regular encouragement.
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