The Leadership of JesusHow

to be a Servant Leader

Lessons from the book

“The Leadership of Jesus:
How to Be a Servant Leader”
By C. Gene Wilkes
 Lesson 1
Jesus' Teachings on Leadership - 1
True greatness and true leadership are not achieved by reducing
men to one's service, but
by generously giving oneself to their service - J. Oswald Sanders
Introduction
Today we want to examine different ideas about leadership. We want to spend
our time looking at biblical models of leadership and how Jesus taught and
exemplified leadership for his followers. Let's start by defining your impressions of
a leader. Below you will find a list of character qualities. Check the ones you
consider important in a leader.

Honest Gentle Fair

Goal Oriented
Humble Bold Concerned Full
Out of the
Pious Helpful Inspiring
ordinary
Dependent Emotional Decided Cautious
Cooperator Independent Loyal Intelligent
Go back to the list and circle the characteristics of your life.
We know what we want from a leader. Some prefer him to be decisive or have
vision. Others want me to be nice and friendly. Some people don't want to have a
leader, thank you very much!
We would like to highlight the features of the service. A leader with a heart to
serve meets the needs of the group related to its goals. Instead of using a memo,
this type of leader leads by example.
In 1977, Robert Greenleaf, then an executive in the communications industry,
announced to the world that a new moral principle was emerging in society. He
wrote that in the future “the only institutions that will succeed will be those
predominantly run by serfs.”
Greenleaf observed that people respond best to a leader who serves the group or
institution. In the mid-1970s, he called for serf-run organizations. He understood
that bosses who lorded it over things were not liked by the workers. People prefer
to follow those who help, not those who bully!
J. Oswald Sanders wrote:
True greatness and true leadership are not achieved by reducing men to one's
service, but by generously giving oneself to their service. And this is never
achieved without a price... The true spiritual leader is infinitely more concerned
with the service he renders to God and his followers than with the benefits and
pleasures he can extract from life. He aspires to give more to life than what he
will get out of it.
Sanders and Greenleaf call for the same qualities in a leader: a servant's heart.
This feature is not a new discovery, it is an affirmation of Jesus' teachings on
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leadership. Sanders found true leadership in his examples and teachings.
Leadership in the kingdom of God is different from that in the world. It is still
leadership, but those who lead in the kingdom of God are very different from
those who lead according to the world. Life under the lordship of Christ has
different values than life under our lordship. Therefore, kingdom leaders lead like
Jesus. Kingdom leaders are servant leaders because they follow Jesus who “did
not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Jesus Christ taught his disciples a valuable lesson about leadership and a humble
spirit.
A Jesus Story About Humility
Read Luke 14:1, 7-11. Then answer the questions.
1 Now it came to pass, as Jesus went into the house of one of the chief
Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, that they watched him closely. 7 And
he began to speak a parable to those who had been invited, in which he
observed how they chose the places of honor at the table, and said to them, 8
When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of
honor, for fear that he may have invited someone more distinguished than you,
9 and the one who invited you and him may come and say to you, ‘Give the
place to this man’; and then you will be ashamed and go to the lowest place. 10
But whenever you are invited, go and sit down at the last place, so that when
the one who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, come up next,’ and
you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For
everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will
be exalted.
1. Where was Jesus when he told this story?
2. Why did he tell the story?
3. Put yourself in the place of the disciples. How would you react to Jesus'
message in that place and to those people?
Jesus told this story to his followers while they were attending a meal at the home
of a prominent religious leader. He watched as guests sought places of honor at
the head table, near the host. He chose this situation to teach his disciples how
they should behave regarding places of honor. Write the main aspect of each of
the verses of the parable:
1. Verse 8
2. Verse 9
3. Verse 10
4. Verse 11
Jesus said that first of all his followers must humble themselves. The final
distinction will come from God. The world says: “Sit at the head table.” Jesus
says: “Sit in the last place. I will choose the one who will sit in front.”
In verse 11 “humbled” means: “to lower oneself or to change to a lower place.”

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The Lord asked his disciples to humble themselves rather than to exalt
themselves. Jesus' disciples wait for their host to invite them to the table of honor.
They don't look for the best places. The Bible says: “Humility comes before
honor” (Prov 15:33).
The first principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders humble themselves and wait for God to exalt them.
You cannot apply this principle to your life without first following the teachings of
Jesus. You must decide whether or not you will design your life according to the
patterns of Jesus, or according to the best experiences and ideas the world
offers.
Decisive point: Before continuing, answer this question: “Who is the Lord of my
life?” This answer is basic for this study because: No one can be a servant
without having a master. You cannot be a servant leader, as Jesus showed,
without having Him as Lord. Christ said: “No one can serve two masters; for either
he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and -
despise the other...” (Mt 6.24). Leaders without Jesus as Teacher will only be
servants of themselves, not of others.
An Attitude Like Jesus'
The apostle Paul asked the Christians in Philippi to serve one another as Jesus
Christ served them. Paul reminded them of their sources of power, fellowship,
and unity in Christ. He wrote to them: “Let this mind be in you which was also in
Christ Jesus” (Phil 2.5). Paul then described Jesus' humble service: taking human
form and dying for others on the cross.
Read Philippians 2:5-11. Underline the words that describe how Jesus humbled
himself. Read it again and circle the words that tell how God exalted you.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, though he
existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be
grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in
human likeness. 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above
every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The key phrase in the first half of this passage is, “he humbled himself” (Phil 2:8).
The term “humiliate” used by Paul is the same one used by Jesus in his story to
the disciples in Luke 14.7-11. Jesus taught humility because it was the essence of
who He was. This was God's plan for the life of his Son. The key phrase in the
second half of these verses is, “Therefore God exalted him” (Phil 2:9). The word
“exalt,” which Paul uses, is also the one used by Jesus in his story in Luke. God
exalted His Son after Jesus humbled Himself in obedience by dying on the cross.
Peter, who was present as Jesus taught this lesson of humility described in Luke
14, told the early Christians: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand

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of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Pet 5:6).
The servant leaders of the Church humble themselves in obedience to Christ. -
Exaltation is God's choice, not ours. Guides must have the humble spirit of Christ
and must be willing to sit in the last places. God will choose those who will be in
charge.
Personal Evaluation
Take some time in prayer to consider your answers to the following questions:
1. Am I trustworthy as a leader because people see me as a servant?
But
2. Am I willing to wait for the host's invitation to sit at the head table? But
3. Do people see the humility of Christ in my life? But
4. Is Jesus really the Lord of my life? But
5. Am I willing to humble myself like Jesus, to allow God to fulfill His plan in my
life? But

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 Lesson 2
Jesus’ Teachings on Leadership – 2
Serving others is the first quality that should stand out in
tomorrow's leaders - Calvin Miller
Introduction
If you're looking for leaders you wouldn't pick Roberto out of a crowd. He wouldn't
win the “most handsome” or “best dressed” competition. Roberto is the one who
maintains the mainframe computers of an important company. He works in a
high-tech building making sure computers run as they are programmed to. It is
the same in the Church. He dedicates his life to serving the body of Christ. He is
never in the front unless his obligations demand it. Calmly resolve matters with
those involved. It never creates problems in a Church-wide program. Has served
as a leader. For five years he has led a weekly men's Bible study and has served
as a deacon. He directs our church's bell choir and leads a Sunday afternoon
Scripture memorization group. I doubt that many of our church members know
Roberto, but he is a servant leader like those defined by Jesus. Lead by serving.
You probably have a Robert in your Church. This person's priority is to serve
others. This type of leadership is born from service to others.
Jesus redefined greatness and being first when he declared, “But it is not so
among you. Whoever of you wishes to become great shall be your servant, and
whoever of you wishes to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). You are
great when you serve. It is first when he is a slave. Jesus taught this to his closest
disciples. These men accepted Jesus' call to follow Him and after Christ
ascended to the right hand of the Father, they became leaders of others in God's
work. How they understood leadership among God's people determined how the
united people of the kingdom would live for generations to come.
Jesus taught them about greatness and how to be first after James and John
asked him for a favor. We will see what happened for Jesus to teach his disciples
about servant leadership.
Jacob, John and You
Read Mark 10:32-40. After reading this passage, answer the questions.
32 And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went before
them; and they were perplexed, and those who followed him were afraid. And
taking the twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen
to him: 33 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be
delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to
death and hand him over to the Gentiles. 34 Then they will mock him and spit
on him, flog him and kill him, and after three days he will rise again.
35 Then James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came to him and said,
"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." 36 And he said to
them, What do you want me to do for you? 37 They said to him, "Grant that we
may sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your glory." 38 But

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 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.” Can you drink the
cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? 39
And they said unto him, We may. And Jesus said unto them, The cup that I
drink, ye shall drink; and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.
40 But whether you sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for
those for whom it has been prepared.
1. What did James and John ask Jesus?
2. What did Christ say that provoked this question?
3. What was the Lord's answer to their question?
4. How did James and John respond to Jesus' comments?
5. What did the Master finally answer them?
6. What do you think of James and John's request?
James and John sensed that something would happen in Jerusalem. They
thought that Jesus was approaching their throne and selfishly, they wanted to
lead alongside Him from powerful positions. These disciples thought that kingdom
leadership meant a position or title. They made known the ambition of their
hearts, wanting to reach Jesus before anyone else.
But before you judge the sons of Zebedee, remember that we are also very
similar to them. We want prominent places when the Lord defeats his enemies.
However, we forget that before reigning with Him we must suffer like Jesus. Christ
wanted James and John to know that following Him could cost them their lives
and not even their places of honor at the high table. Only the Host knows who sits
there.
The second principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders follow Jesus, not positions.
Calvin Miller has emphasized that servant leadership “is nourished by the Spirit
by following Jesus. Servant leaders are generally not created by commanding
others, but by obeying their boss. In such an environment, executive arrogance is
not possible. The condescending leader is always an incarnation of Christ, the
true leader of the Church.”
Servant leadership is not about position or power. Among the disciples, leaders
follow Jesus as He serves others and suffers for them. Servant leadership
requires drinking from the cup and being baptized with the baptism of Christ's
suffering (Mark 10:38-39).
The Other Ten Disciples and You
Read Mark 10:41-45. Put yourself in the place of the other 10 disciples who heard
the request of James and John and answer the questions.
41 When the ten heard this, they were indignant at James and John. 42 And
Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are
recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones
exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not so among you. Whoever of you

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 wishes to become great shall be your servant, 44 and whoever of you wishes to
be first shall be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many.
1. Were the other disciples' feelings toward James and John justified? Because?
2. When Jesus called the group, how did he describe the world's concept of
leadership?
3. What is the definition of “lord it over”?
4. What is the definition of “exercising power”?
5. Jesus said that his true disciples do not practice leadership as the world does.
Fill in the blank with the Master's words from Mark 10:43: “Whoever wants to
become a believer, __________________________________ among you
will be yours ____________, and that one of you wants to be the _________
will be __________ of all”.
6. The prefix “mega” in our language comes from a Greek word meaning large.
Our word deacon comes from the same language and means “servant.” In the
ancient world, this “servant” served diners at their tables. Based on this
information, write what you mean by Christ-like “greatness.”

7. The prefix “proto” is derived from the Greek word “first,” meaning first in a
series or line. There is no word in our language that adequately describes the
Greek word for “slave” (doulos) in this passage. Such a “slave” was at the
lowest level of the social scale. The master bought and sold him as if he were
an object. The “doulos” was a slave who served the master without will or right
to questions. He had no rights, no privileges, no desires, he only followed the
master's orders. Based on this information, write what you believe about being
the “first” among Jesus’ disciples.
The third principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders give up their rights to find greatness
in serving others.
Jesus redefined “greatness” and “being first.” When you make Jesus the master
of your life, you become the servant of others. In the kingdom of God, leading is
serving others and following the King.
Jesus, The Servant Leader
Jesus defined “greatness” as the life of a servant. What does this leadership
picture look like today? How can servants and slaves lead? The answer exposes
a real dilemma for a disciple of Jesus.
Neither servants nor slaves define leadership in the world's dictionary. Many
people understand the idea of being a servant and losing personal rights as a
negative image. Jesus came to show what life is like in the kingdom of God, not to
change how the world does things. God's methods only yield good results in the
corridors of humanity when the Lord reigns in their hearts. Any follower of Christ
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who wants to imitate Jesus must be willing to be treated like Him.
Some will follow. Others will throw stones at him.
For example, Jesus said: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus was a
teacher who not only defined his terms, but also exemplified what he asked
others to do. James, John, and the other 10 disciples experienced what Christ
taught as they followed Him until His death. They soon learned that servant
leadership fundamentally means: Surrendering oneself so that others can have
the life God desires for them.
Jesus deserves the service of those he created! Christ, of course, came to serve
us. He came to give his life as a ransom so that we could be free from the penalty
of sin. In the ancient world, ransom was a payment to free a slave or prisoner. As
the Son of Man, Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice so that others could benefit.
Jesus is our one true model of servant leadership. He served by giving his life for
them. Their only mission was to free others, not to gain positions. That is a
mystery to the world, but this is the heart of kingdom leadership. Anyone who
wants to lead in the body of Christ must submit to His lordship. Only in this way
will he understand the greatness of the servant and the priority of the slave.
Personal Evaluation
Jesus responded to his disciples' desires and taught them servant leadership.
Consider your responses to the following statements. In an attitude of prayer,
write down your feelings and thoughts.
1. I am like James and John because I...
2. I am like the other 10 disciples because I...
3. This week I can be “great” as a servant because…
4. This week I can be “first” like a slave because...
Lesson 3
The Leadership Model of Jesus
Christian leaders must adopt the leadership style of Jesus, who washed
the feet of his disciples. It is interesting that “the old way” is as up to
date as any modern leadership theory - Leith Anderson
The Power of Service Leadership
Where do you find the power to serve others? If your “ego” is at war with God,
how can you break free from the bondage of self-interest to serve those around
you? John 13 tells us the story of Jesus' last supper with his disciples. On that
occasion, when washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus exemplified servant
leadership, so that it applies at all times. John, inspired by the Holy Spirit,
observed some things about Jesus before He took the towel and the basin. These
facts reveal the secret of risking server leadership.
Read John 13:3. Write sentences that describe what Jesus knew about Himself at
that time.
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 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he
had come from God and was going back to God...
1.
2.
3.
Jesus knew that “the Father had entrusted everything under his power.” He knew
that God was in control of his life and ministry. Jesus Christ knew his place as the
Son of God. Jesus knew that “it came from God.” He trusted that what he had
was part of God's plan for his life. Jesus Christ knew that he would “return to
God.” He knew that he would return to his eternal place as God in heaven. Jesus'
awareness of these realities, John wrote, was preceded by his taking the basin
and towel. Confident in these facts, Jesus was able to establish the model of what
God commanded him to do: Serve others and give his life. Circle the number that
represents your trust in God in these areas of your life. (1 is the most similar to
you, and 5 is the least similar.)
1. ____ I believe that in Christ, God has given me the power to serve others (see
Ephesians 2:6-7 to know their place “in Christ”).
2. _____ I believe that God created me and has a plan for my life.
3. _____ I believe that when I die, I will go to be with God.
These acts of faith are the source of power that enables you to risk leading others
as a servant. Only when you trust that God is in absolute control of your life can
you take risks and forget about yourself to serve others. If not, you have no
choice but to protect your ego and defend your rights.
The fourth principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders take risks to serve others because they trust
that God controls their lives.
Jesus knew that his power came from God. I knew it came from God and would
return to Him. The secret to taking risks in practicing servant leadership is the
assurance that God is controlling your life.
The Towel Ministry
I have a shoe polish towel in my office, which I only use when we elect the elders
and deacons of our Church. In that case, I kneel down and shake the dust off
their shoes in front of the congregation. I do this for two reasons:
1. Remembering my role as a servant leader
2. Let each of them remember the example that Christ gave us when he washed
the feet of his disciples.
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus performed two symbolic acts for his
followers. He took a towel and a basin and washed his feet. Also, taking bread
and wine from the Passover meal, he announced a new covenant between God
and his creation through the blood of Jesus.
When the Master asked his disciples to prepare the Passover meal, he did not
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ask them to employ a servant. He wanted his closest followers to learn an
important lesson.
Read John 13:4-11. In your own words, describe what Jesus did.
4 He got up from supper and laid aside his cloak, took a towel and wrapped it
around him.
5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and
to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 Then he came to
Simon Peter. He said to him, Lord, are you going to wash my feet? 7 Jesus
answered and said to him, “You do not understand now what I am doing, but
later you will understand. 8 Peter answered him, “You will never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, If I do not wash you, you have no part with me. 9 Simon
Peter said to him, "Lord, then not only my feet but also my hands and my
head." 10 Jesus said to him, He who has bathed does not need to wash,
except his feet, but is clean every bit; and you are clean, but not all of you. 11
For he knew who was going to betray him; therefore he said, "You are not all
clean."
1. When Jesus Christ approached Peter, “the fisher of men,” he objected. Why do
you think Peter said that? How do you relate this to what he said?
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's resistance? What did he say to her?
Jesus surprised his followers when he left the main table and went where the
servants were working. He took off his cloak and wrapped a towel around his
waist. He filled a basin with water and began to wash his friends' dusty feet. This
was not his job. He was Master and Lord. Still, Jesus redefined what leaders do:
Leaders meet needs. Jesus' followers had dirty feet and no one was willing to
wash them. They had a need, but no one was going to leave their post to meet it.
Jesus exemplified servant leadership when he left his place at the table and knelt
to meet the need. Peter's response revealed that he had not understood. Nobody
understands it. Jesus could only say: “You will understand later.” Christ,
descending from the Passover meal to the towel and the basin, drew a parallel
with the descent from heaven to the cross. (Phil 2.5-11). His actions showed what
He had already taught about being the greatest and the first (Mark 10:35-45). The
Master showed in the upper room what he had previously explained on the way to
Jerusalem.
The fifth principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders imitate Christ by taking up Jesus' towel of servanthood
to meet the needs of others.
Important Note: Meeting needs does not mean acceding to people's desires.
Jesus knelt at Peter's feet as a servant, but He did not allow Peter's preference to
distract Him from fulfilling His mission. This apostle did not get his way. Serving
does not mean a lack of determination or understanding. Servants cannot
hesitate to fulfill their master's wishes.
Sometimes leaders must show the need before they meet it. Parents bathe their
children even though the children think that being clean is not important!

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Another Important Note: Jesus washed the feet of Judas, the disciple who would
betray him, with a kiss. The Master washed Judas' feet even though he knew that
he would hand him over to the religious leaders to be crucified. The greatest test
of servant leadership is to wash the feet of those who are going to betray him.
Jesus was an example of what kingdom leadership means. He who seeks to be a
leader like Jesus must be willing to serve and kneel at the dirty feet of others.
Sometimes it means expressing a need in order to satisfy it. Other times it means
humbling oneself before those who will hand one over to one's enemies.
An Example to Follow
Read John 13:12-17. When Jesus finished washing the disciples' feet, he put on
his cloak and returned to his place at the table. This is how he staged his -
teaching. He wanted to know if his students had understood him (Jn 13.12). -
Jesus Christ agreed with his followers that He was their Master and Lord.
12 So when he had finished washing their feet, he took his garments and sat
down again. He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” 13 You
call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one
another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I
have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, no servant is greater than his
master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know
this, you will be happy if you practice it.
1. What did Christ say after washing the feet?
2. How can you “wash the feet” of those you know?
3. How did Jesus conclude his lesson of servant leadership? What truths did he
affirm?
4. Jesus made a promise to his disciples at the end of the lesson. What was it?
Personal Evaluation
Think about what you have learned in this study and put a T (True) or F (False)
next to each of the statements below:
1. ____ You can be a servant leader if you choose to imitate Jesus.
2. _____ You can risk being a servant leader when God is in
control of your life.
3. _____ The symbols of Christ-like leadership are the towel and the basin.
4. _____ Servant leaders kneel to serve.
5. _____ Jesus He should have honored Peter's request by not washing him.
their_feet.
6. _____ If the Master took a towel, they should also do so. their followers.
7. _____ Jesus will bless you if you do what He did.
8. _____ You You can serve others when you trust that God is in control
his life and that He is its beginning and end.

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9. _____ A guide is a model of servant leadership when he leaves his place
At the head table, he takes his serving tools and kneels at the feet of those in
need to help them.
10. With his reaction, the night he was handed over, Jesus represented
death on the cross.
Lesson 4
They needed Servants!
Delegating is one of the ways a leader can unite what is said with what is
done. It is a valuable method to encourage others to participate, develop
and reach their potential - Max DePree
A Special Fellowship
After Christ ascended into heaven, He poured out His Spirit on His people on the
day of Pentecost. The Church grew rapidly. God brought people of all races and
customs. The new believers lived together in Christian fellowship and shared
everything they had.
Read Acts 2:42-47. Complete the following sentences that describe the lives of
believers after God poured out His Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
42 They devoted themselves continually to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Fear came upon every
soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 All who
believed were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold all their
possessions and goods and shared them with everyone, as anyone had need.
46 Day after day they continued together in the temple courts, breaking bread
from house to house and eating together with glad and sincere hearts, 47
praising God and finding favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their
number daily those who were being saved.
1. Verse 42: “And they continued steadfastly in...
2. Verse 43: “And fear came upon...
3. Verses 44 and 45: “All who believed were righteous, and...
4. Verses 46 and 47: “And... every day.
Two Threats to Unity
The Church in Jerusalem experienced great growth and fellowship with the
presence of the Spirit of God in the lives of the people. But as the Church grew,
two internal ailments threatened to halt the Christian movement.
Hypocrisy was the first internal threat to the Church. In Acts 5:1-11, we are told
the story of how Ananias and Sapphira believed they could lie to God and still
participate in the work of the Church. God judged his actions quickly and
decisively. He does not tolerate hypocrisy among his people. The Church learned
that God demands holiness. “Great fear (of God) came upon all the Church” (Acts
5:11).
Gossip was the second internal threat. As the Church grew, so did its needs. Acts
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6:1 tells us how the apostles had not met the needs of certain members of the
Church. People grumbled because leaders neglected to adequately address a
need. The Church did not have enough leaders to oversee the daily distribution of
food. The apostles' inability to serve all members resulted in division and
murmurings.
They needed Servants!
Read Acts 6:1-6. What did the apostles suggest to solve this need of the Church?
1 In those days, as the number of the disciples increased, a complaint arose
among the Hellenistic Jews against the native Jews because their widows were
being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 Then the twelve called the
assembly of the disciples together and said, "It is not fitting for us to neglect the
word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, select from among
you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to whom
we may entrust this task. 4 And we will give ourselves to prayer and to the
ministry of the word. 5 The whole congregation approved what they had
proposed. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip,
Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte from Antioch.
6 They presented these men to the apostles, and after praying, they placed
their hands on them.
1. Verse 2
2. Verse 3
3. Verse 4
As leaders, the apostles saw their role as ministers of God's word. Their role in
the Church was to know, preach and teach to obey what Jesus Christ had
commanded. That was what Jesus commanded them to do (Mt 28.19-20). They
were also responsible for the welfare of the brothers. The Church had some
members with unmet needs. Neglecting them means bringing divisions and pain
to the body. Wisely, the apostles delegated responsibilities for these demands to
qualified members of the Church. They delegated these responsibilities, with
appropriate authority, among seven members who were “full of the Holy Spirit and
wisdom” (Acts 6:3). These men were to “serve tables” for needy members, so that
the apostles could continue ministering the word of God. The word “minister,”
which means the same as servant, was used by Jesus when he said that among
his followers the great ones should serve others (Mark 10:44). The apostles
multiplied their leadership by delegating some of their responsibilities and
authority to meet the needs of the congregation.
The sixth principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders delegate responsibilities and authority to others
to meet greater needs.
Calvin Miller writes: “A good leader never gives up leadership. However, the
rewards and responsibilities of leadership are decided.” Kennon Callahan reminds
us that there must be a balance between delegated authority and responsibility.
He points out that “more authority and less responsibility help to increase

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leadership; less authority and more responsibility help to develop passive
behavior.” The apostles delegated enough authority for the seven to make
decisions that would serve those in need.
Jesus delegated to his disciples authority to satisfy the greatest need: Evangelize
the world. Matthew 28:18 points out Jesus' words to his followers: “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go...” Jesus gave his
followers authority before giving them the responsibility of making disciples (Mt
28.19-20). Jesus delegated to his disciples the authority and responsibility to
proclaim the gospel around the world.
The Discernment of a Father-in-Law
The principles of delegation and empowerment are not new. After the exodus, -
Moses was responsible for leading the children of Israel to the promised land.
One of the responsibilities was to make decisions regarding disputes between
people. The only problem was that there were millions of people! Moses sat from
morning until evening settling disputes (Ex 18.13-16).
Read Exodus 18:17-18 What observation did Jethro make to Moses regarding
how he was leading the people?
17 And Moses' father-in-law said to him, "This is not good for you." 18 You will
surely faint, both you and the people who are with you, because the work is too
heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.
When leaders try to lead alone, they exhaust their followers and tire themselves
out. Many church leaders burn out because they think they are the only ones who
can do the job. Owning the responsibility of a task doesn't mean you have to do it
alone. Servant leaders know they are most effective when they trust others to
work with them. Good leaders train other capable people to help them carry out
their responsibilities.
Read Exodus 18:19-23. What did Jethro suggest to Moses to satisfy those in
need and also fulfill his responsibility as a leader?
19 Now listen to me; I will advise you, and God will be with you. Be the -
representative of the people before God, and submit matters to God. 20 And
teach them statutes and laws, and make them know the way in which they must
walk and the work they must do. 21 Furthermore, you shall select from among
all the people capable men, fearing God, men of truth who hate dishonest gain,
and you shall set them over the people as captains of thousands, of hundreds,
of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times; and let
them bring every serious controversy before you, but let them judge every
simple controversy. This will make it easier for you, and they will carry the load
with you. 23 If you do this, and God commands you, you will be able to stand,
and all these people will go to their place in peace.
1. Verse 20
2. Verse 21
3. Verse 22
Moses listened to his father-in-law, taught others, and chose judges to judge the
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nation. Moses delegated responsibility and authority to the judges to meet the
needs of the people. Carl George calls it “The Jethro Principle.” George believes
that this method of delegating ministry still works well in the Church. According to
him, this is the best way to deal with a large number of people.
The seventh principle of servant leadership is:
Servant leaders multiply their leadership by delegating leadership
responsibilities to others.
Moses and Jesus' apostles filled a need by delegating authority and
responsibilities to other leaders. Paul also applied this principle. The apostle
commanded Timothy to do with others what he had taught: “entrust faithful men
who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2).
Jesus multiplied his leadership by empowering his disciples with the Holy Spirit.
He said to them: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you will be my witnesses...” (Acts 1:8). Empowerment always comes
before the mission. Jesus gave His Holy Spirit to the disciples so that they would
have the power to testify who He was and why the Father had sent Him.
Results of Delegated Leadership
1. According to Jethro, if Moses did what he was told, what would the results be?
2. According to Acts 6:7, what happened when the apostles delegated to the
seven the responsibility of meeting the needs of the Church members?
One of the benefits of delegating to others is that the leader suffers less emotional
stress and has more satisfied followers. The result is healthy growth and care. It
will also have more ministries and leaders focused on its work. Leaders serve by
appointing others to lead alongside them.
Jesus followed these leadership principles when He chose, prepared, and sent
out the disciples to build the kingdom of God. Matthew 10 tells us this part of the
story.

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Personal Evaluation
Check the box that best describes your honest feelings about leadership.
As a leader I am tired and exhausted.
I feel like I'm the only one who can do what I'm asked to do.
Appointing and instructing others will take up too much of my time and my
work will never be done.
I am happy to delegate some of my responsibilities to others so that they
can share the leadership role with me.
I have many responsibilities and little authority.
I was groomed to be a leader and I feel good about what I was asked to
do.
My Church has enough prepared leaders to help meet the needs of our
congregation.
1. What needs exist in your Church and community that demand good leaders?
3. Circle the number next to the needs for which you are responsible in some
way. Make a list of members you can train to help you meet those needs.

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 Lesson 5
You, The Servant Leader
Most of us would have no objection to being the master, but servitude
is unattractive - J. Oswald Sanders
Introduction
Luisa was an elementary school teacher. She wasn't prepared to be a preschool
director during the week, but she loved teaching children. He loved them with all
his heart. She dropped out of public school to teach at our Church's preschool.
After two years, the school principal moved to another state. But he had seen in
Luisa a love for children and the leadership qualities of a good principal. He
offered her the job and Luisa accepted.
Luisa now runs a preschool of one hundred and twenty students. He has a team
of thirteen people and a waiting list of students. Their ministry with children
reaches more families than a pastor could ever reach. Luisa is a servant leader
because she loves children first and she leads her team and program second.
She believes that Jesus loves children. The budget, the team and the program
flow from that conviction. He is faithful to his calling. Directing is his way of living
out that calling.
Servant leadership is not something you earn. It is not about working to achieve a
high position in the company. It is not a career choice or a title to be achieved. It's
not something you get after a six-week course! Servant leadership is developed
through a relationship with the Master, who came to serve, not to be served. The
servant's heart develops as a result of time spent with Jesus, learning from Him
and obeying Him. There is no book, tape, or conference that can replace a time of
preparation with the Lord.
Today we want to review the seven principles of servant leadership. You will write
them down and remember the events and teachings from the life of Jesus. When
completed, you will be asked to commit to spending time with the Lord to learn
how to live as a servant leader.
Let's Review the Seven Principles of Servant Leadership
As you recall everything you experienced during this study, try to remember and
write down the seven principles below. If you need help, re-read the Scripture
passage.
1. The first principle (Luke 14.7-11): Servant leaders...
2. The second principle (Mark 10:32-40): Servant leaders...
3. The third principle (Mark 10:41-45): Servant leaders...
4. The fourth principle (John 13.3): Servant leaders...
5. The Fifth Principle (John 12:4-11): Servant Leaders...
6. The Sixth Principle (Acts 6:1-6): Servant Leaders...
7. The Seventh Principle (Exodus 18:17-23): Servant Leaders...

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You, the Servant Leader
Go back to the seven principles you have written down. Circle the ones that seem
to be part of your current life. Underline the Bible passages that have taught you
the most about servant leadership. Share your answers with the group.
You may now think that this study was intended for someone other than you. You
may believe that you are not a leader in the Church and never will be. However,
perhaps you are now a leader in the Church and this study has challenged
everything you thought about leadership. In either case, it is still in the right place.
Because? Because you have trusted Christ to be your Lord and Savior, two
things are certain:
1. The first truth is: If you are a disciple of Jesus you are called to serve.
Sometimes God calls to lead others, but the pressure of leadership ends when
you follow Jesus. Service becomes your priority. Any other model falls short
compared to the example of Jesus. Leadership in the body of Christ must
always follow service. Meeting needs is your most important task as a servant
leader.
2. The second truth is: You were created by God, bought with a price, called for a
purpose and sent on a mission. Triumph has already been achieved on the
cross and in the resurrection of Christ. Your success is measured by your
service. God created you for a purpose. He purchased it with the price of the
death of his only Son (1Co 6.20). The only begotten Son of God has
commissioned him to make disciples (Mt 18.19-20), and to be his ambassador
(2Co 5.20). With those credentials, who needs titles or publicity!
This is your thing. God wants you to serve his people and those who need to
know his love. This fact also applies to being a servant leader in your family.
Jesus has called you to be a servant first and foremost. Leadership comes when
the Host invites you to sit at the head table to lead others into a session. The
school for training leaders in the body of Christ requires taking the towel and
basin in hand, and kneeling at the feet of others.
Personal Evaluation
Consider, in prayer, the following expressions. Check the ones that represent
your feelings at this moment:
1. I never saw myself as a leader, but after these lessons I believe that God
wants me to be a servant leader in my Church.
2. I have been a leader in the Church, but this study has helped me see my role
in a whole new way.
3. Jesus is the Lord of my life, and I commit to follow his example and teaching of
servant leadership.
4. I want to continue discovering server leadership. I promise to spend time with
the Master, participate fully in study, learn to live as a servant leader, and
discover where Christ wants me to serve.
5. I'm not sure what all this means, but I'm willing to continue seeking God's will

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 for my life.
6. I don't think I want to continue this study. These concepts are very foreign to
me.

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 Lesson 6
Be a Mentor
Introduction
A mentor is a guide who directs others through new terrain that he or she is
already familiar with and therefore is prepared to lead. The mentor sets the
example of what he wants his followers to do. Your actions weigh as much as
your words. Ministry team leaders point the way and model the Christian lifestyle
they want for their members. In our work team we have seminarians. I consider
them part of my ministerial team. Our seminarians do everything from opening the
building on Sunday mornings to preaching for me. They have other duties too.
One of them leads the process of assimilation of new members. Another monitors
the computer database. A third leads the men's ministry and the fourth is a small
group leader. Each one, at least, is in a leadership position in his service. I have
the privilege of guiding them. I know what it means to be in the seminary while
wanting to serve full-time. I know what it means to know that you can do the job,
without anyone asking you to do it. I also know what it's like to know that God has
called you to a certain ministry and still not be there. I know all this because I was
an assistant pastor while in seminary. Someone who had passed where I was
going showed me the way.
As a mentor I guide our seminarians and show them how I believe ministry should
be done. They are responsible for telling me how they perform their tasks and I
promise to guide them as best as possible.
Servant leaders are mentors to those with them on the ministry team. Through
mentors the work of Christ is passed on to the next generation of servant leaders.
Being a mentor is reproducing Jesus in the life of another.
Complete the sentence:
A mentor is...
Jesus was a Mentor
When Jesus called his disciples to follow him, he taught them how to be followers
because he wanted them to follow his example as much as his footsteps. Read
the following passages and write some ways in which the Master advised his
disciples.
1. And when he saw the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he
was set down, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth and
taught them, saying... (Mt 5.1-2).
2. And they went away in the boat to a solitary, secluded place. But the people
saw them leaving, and many recognized them and together they ran there on
foot from all the cities, and arrived before them. When he landed, he saw a
great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep
without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it
was now evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This place is deserted,
and it is already late; send them away, that they may go into the country and

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 villages round about, and buy themselves something to eat. But he
answered and said to them, You give them something to eat. And they said
unto him, Wilt thou that we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread,
and give them to eat? And he said to them, How many loaves have you? Go
and see. And when they were sure, they said to him, Five, and two fish. And
he ordered them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. And they lay
down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Then he took the five loaves and the
two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them and broke the loaves
and gave them to the disciples to set before them. He also distributed the
two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they took up
twelve baskets full of the fragments, and also of the fish. Those who ate the
loaves were five thousand men (Mr 6.32-44).
3. In those days He went out to the mountain to pray, and spent the whole night
in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).
4. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that
he had come from God and was coming back to God, got up from supper
and laid aside his outer garment, took a towel and wrapped it around himself.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and
to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him (Jn 13.3-5).
Jesus guided his disciples by teaching them, Matthew 5, 6 and 7 show in the -
Sermon on the Mount, the Master's teachings about how people live in the
kingdom. At the beginning of this study, you learned a lot about Jesus' teaching
ministry as he taught leadership to his disciples (Mark 10:35-45). Jesus also
advised his followers by showing them the power of God in their lives. When the
disciples thought it was impossible to feed the crowd that had followed them all
day, Jesus asked God to provide enough food, from a boy's snack, to feed five
thousand (Mark 6.32-44).
Jesus exemplified a life of prayer and service. Luke 6:12 tells us that He prayed
all night before choosing the twelve (see also Luke 11:1-4) and in John 13 Jesus
taught His disciples servant leadership when He washed their feet.
Complete the sentence:
Jesus was a mentor to his disciples when...
Pablo was a Mentor
Pablo was also a mentor. The apostle taught the leaders of each Church he
founded. This is one of the reasons why he was able to establish so many
churches. Being a mentor means exemplifying what you want others to follow.
Paul urged the Church at Corinth to do just that.
Read 1 Corinthians 4:16. What did Paul ask the Corinthians to do?
Therefore I urge you: be imitators of me.
Paul wrote: “be imitators of me.” The apostle wanted that if they trusted in the
testimony of Christ as their Savior, they would also trust in him and how they
should live their lives. The word mime comes from the translation of the Greek
word imitate. As a mentor, Paul could have said, “mimic what I do.”

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Read 1 Corinthians 4:17.
For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful son
in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways, the ways in Christ, just as I
teach everywhere, in every church.
Paul said that Timothy “will remind you of my ways.” When the apostle could not
set an example of how he wanted people to live, he sent a prepared follower.
Timothy was someone he had counseled in the faith. Paul was Timothy's mentor.
The more mature missionary taught Timothy how to be a follower of Christ. The
apostle also taught him to be a servant leader.
Read 1 Timothy 4:12.
Do not let anyone look down on you when you are young, but set an example
for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
What did Paul tell Timothy to do for the believers in the Church?
The apostle told him to be an example for believers in the Church. Paul wanted
the members of the Church to see the kind of disciple they should be.
In what areas of his life did Paul ask Timothy to show Christ?
Timothy was to teach the Church what a life in Christ should be in the areas of
speech, daily life, love, faith, and purity. He was to mentor others by displaying
the behavior he wanted in their lives. How did Timothy learn these things?
Mentoring means taking what you learned from your mentor and teaching it to
someone else. Servant leaders on the ministry team exemplify how they want
each member to act. Servant leaders teach others what Christ taught them.
Need for a Mentor
1. Hendricks, the author of the book “Promise Keepers,” encourages every -
believer to have a “Paul” in his or her life because “you need someone who has
been through the journey.” Every believer needs a Barnabas because he needs
someone “who will love him, but not be impressed by him.” You need a Timothy
“whose life you are building.” Servant leaders on the ministry team need a
mentor, a partner, and a mentee—someone to prepare to serve. These people
should be part of your ministry.

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In the appropriate space, write the name of your mentor, your associate, and your
mentee. Also write down the activities you have done with these people based on
the role they play in your life.

Name Activity

Mentor (your Pablo)

Associate (your
Barnabas)

Apprentice (your
Timothy)

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 Lesson 7
Motivate Others to Serve
Introduction
Juana has two children and her passion is reaching children for Christ. She is a -
servant leader.
For the first eight years of my ministry in the Church we did not have a director for
children's ministry. So every summer the members of the Church ran Vacation
Bible School. Juana did so in the summer of 1995 and appointed a leadership
team to assist her. He instructed and motivated each member to seek out other
people who would in turn help them with their assigned tasks. He once invited me
to a meeting just to have me say, “Get on with it!” Juana said she would call me if
necessary. I was not offended. It freed me up to pastor, rather than plan Vacation
Bible School. That summer, when “the week” finally arrived, there were 143
volunteers and around 400 children enrolled! A school completely run by lay
leaders! My only responsibility was to present the gospel message on Thursday.
Juana is a leader who prepared others to achieve the goal. He demonstrated how
true it is that a servant leader equips others to serve together.
In your Church you have servant leaders like her. Before you continue reading,
write in the margin the names of some servant leaders who are like our Vacation
Bible School director.
Servant leaders know that their responsibility is to equip others to serve. They
don't think they are the only ones capable of doing it. Ken Hempill noted that:
“Every member of the corps is a leader; although some simply have more
responsibilities.” You must also prepare other leaders to serve together in
ministry. The Church works best when two things happen:
2. Members know how God has shaped them.
3. They are trained to work in the ministry (or ministries) for which they have been
prepared.
Training others to serve follows the concept of the sixth principle of servant
leadership: “Servant leaders delegate their responsibilities and authority to others
to meet greater needs.”
The First Step in Preparing Leaders
Servant leaders motivate others to get involved in ministry. They know the joy of
finding a place to serve and want others to find it too. They know that those who
do not participate in ministry are missing out on something of God's plan for their
lives.
To train others to serve you have to:
Motivate them to get involved in the ministry.
To motivate means: To attract towards oneself. You motivate someone when you
stand by their side for a while to comfort and help them.

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Jesus Motivated His Disciples
Jesus called the twelve to follow him to the cross and be his witnesses around the
world. He spent much of his time motivating them. John 14 contains some of
Jesus' most encouraging words to his followers. His disciples were worried about
their Master. The closer they got to Jerusalem, the more worried they became
about what would happen to him.
Read John 14:1-4. What did Jesus say to his followers to motivate them?
1 Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my
Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I
go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
4 And you know the way where I am going.
Read John 14:5-7. Thomas asked the question that was probably on everyone’s
mind: “How can we know the way?” How did Jesus’ answer motivate his
followers?
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, if we do not know where you are going, how can
we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you
would have known my Father also; from now on you know him and have seen
him.
Read John 14:12-14. What did Jesus promise his disciples? How do you think
this motivated them to join in ministry? What do you think about these promises?
12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will
also do; and greater works than these he will do, because I am going to the
Father.
13 And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.
Jesus said that He would send another comforter who would be with them
forever. Another name for the Holy Spirit is: Comforter (Jn 14.16). Jesus said that
he would not leave his disciples orphans. He would send his Holy Spirit to be with
them. The Master knew that his followers would need his presence to guide and
motivate them in the future. Christ prepared his closest followers by encouraging
them to rely on his power as they served.
Barnabas: An Influential Person
We find Barnabas at the beginning of the book of Acts. He was a Levite from the
island of Cyprus. His name was Joseph but the apostles called him Barnabas,
which means “son of consolation” (Acts 4:36-37). We know that he had a
generous heart and shared his possessions with the Church. Read Acts 9:23-28.
Jesus had just called Saul of Tarsus to minister to the Gentiles. Paul began
preaching in Damascus, but fled to Jerusalem when some religious leaders
planned to kill him.
23 After many days the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known
to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, intending to kill him. 25 But

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 his disciples seized him by night and let him down through an opening in the
wall in a basket. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples,
but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But
Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and told them how Saul
had seen the Lord on the road, and how He had spoken to him, and how at
Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with
them, moving freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
1. What did the believers in Jerusalem think about Saul?
2. Who encouraged the disciples to trust Saul?
3. What happened when Barnabas supported Saul?
Barnabas: Motivated Paul
Read Acts 11:19-24.
19 Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that arose
after Stephen came as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the
word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men from
Cyprus and Cyrene, who when they came to Antioch spoke also to the Greeks,
preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a
great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 Now news of this reached
the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23
When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord with a steadfast heart. 24 He was a good man, full
of the Holy Spirit and faith. And great multitudes were added to the Lord.
1. The Church in Jerusalem knew what was happening in Antioch, how the hand
of the Lord was manifested there “and a great number believed and turned to
the Lord” (Acts 11:21). The Church sent Barnabas to Antioch. According to
verse 23, what did Barnabas do when he saw the evidence of God's grace
upon those people?
2. According to Acts 11:24, what kind of person was Barnabas?
3. In what ways was he a servant leader?
Read Acts 11:25-26.
25 Then Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he found
him, he brought him to Antioch. And they met with the church for a whole year,
and taught the multitudes; and the disciples were called Christians for the first
time in Antioch.
As the Church in Antioch grew in number, it became necessary to improve
teaching. The new converts needed to be taught how to continue on the path with
the Lord. Bernabé recognized this need.
1. How did you react to this need?
2. What did Barnabas and Paul do together?
Barnabas saw a need in the young Church at Antioch. The new converts needed
intensive Bible teaching. I knew that Saul of Tarsus was an experienced teacher
of the Scriptures. Barnabas traveled to Tarsus and encouraged the Pharisee, who
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had converted to Christianity, to come with him to help him meet this need.
1. Read Acts 11:26 again. How long did they teach people?
2. How do you think this impacted the Church?
Barnabas was a servant leader who encouraged Saul to join him in ministry. This
same Saul quickly became the greatest missionary the Church has ever known.
Paul knew the importance of encouragement. On two different occasions he told
the Christians in Thessalonica to encourage one another (1 Thess 4:18; 5:11).
The Church has always had men and women like Barnabas who never lead alone
but equip others to serve together in ministry. Joan is like Barnabas. She saw the
need to teach children in Vacation Bible School and encouraged others to join in
that ministry. Servant leaders motivate others to join them in ministry.
Jesus demonstrated how to motivate others in ministry by reminding them of His
power and presence in their lives.
Personal Evaluation
Prayerfully consider seeing yourself as someone who must motivate others to
take a place in ministry. Now, answer the following questions:
1. What did Jesus say to his disciples that motivated you the most?
2. In your life you may have had someone like Barnabas approach you and invite
you to join a ministry that eventually led to service. If you have or have ever
had such a person in your life, write his or her name. Tell what He asked you
to do that placed you in the ministry.
3. Perhaps you are now occupying a leadership position. Write the names of
people who have been encouraged to join the ministry because of their
relationship with you.
4. Make a list of people you know that you can encourage to join you in your
ministry now. What do you see in them that makes you believe they are ready
to serve?
5. When thinking about motivating others to seek a position in ministry, evaluate
your own life. Is there anything in your life that would prevent someone from
accepting your invitation to serve? Proverbs 27:19 says, “As in water face
reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.” What does your heart reflect to
others?
Lesson 8
Train Others to Serve
Introduction
Leaders make a serious mistake when they forget to train those they recruit.
Many times leaders leave those they motivate to serve in ministry alone and they
have to guess what to do. Untrained servers will always cause problems.
One of the missions of our Church is to have several small groups making
disciples. We have one rule: No one leads a small group without undergoing
leadership training. We insist on preparing our leaders because we believe that a
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trained person is a better leader. A common training keeps everyone on the same
pace. We prepare the leaders of these groups by instructing them as much as
possible to minister through small groups.
To train others is to instruct them.
Instructing is part of leadership. Followers need to know what is expected of them
and how to do the assigned task. Jesus prepared his followers by instructing
them. Let's look at his example.
Example of Jesus
Jesus taught his disciples constantly. He taught them the nature of the kingdom
of God (Mt 13). He explained his mission to them (Mr 10.32-34). The Lord
performed a miracle to teach a lesson (Mr 4.35-41). Occasionally he taught the
disciples how his followers should be.
Read Luke 17:7-10. Jesus told a story to teach his followers the attitude of
discipleship.
7 Which of you has a servant plowing or tending sheep, and when he comes in
from the field, he says to him, 'Come quickly and sit down and eat'? 8 Will he
not rather say to him, 'Prepare me something to eat, and dress yourself
properly, and wait on me until I have eaten and drunk; and afterward you may
eat and drink'? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told?
10 So you also, when you have done all that you were told to do, should say,
'We are unprofitable servants; we have done only what we should have done.'
1. Summarize the story that Jesus told his disciples.
2. What did Jesus refer to in this lesson?
3. Return to Jesus' teachings about being the greatest and the first (Mark 10:35-
45). How does this story complement Jesus' instructions to his disciples about
who is greatest in God's kingdom?
Jesus instructed the disciples to have the attitude of a servant. He taught them
that servants do not get special treatment when they only do what is expected of
them. This supported his previous message about who is the greatest (Mark
10:44-45) and to humble ourselves (Luke 14:11). These instructions were also
given before washing the feet of his disciples. Jesus trained the disciples by
teaching them, in various ways and attitudes, to have the heart of a servant.
Paul instructed Timothy
Paul, the leader who established a worldwide network of churches, also
instructed those he recruited for ministry. The clearest example of this practice
comes from his letters to Timothy.
Timothy joined Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). Paul left him
in Ephesus to lead the Church there. The apostle then wrote to Timothy
explaining how he wanted him to serve those he left in his care.
Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16. Make a list of Paul's instructions to Timothy.
11 This he commands and teaches. 12 Do not let anyone look down on you
when you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in
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 conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to reading
the Scriptures, to exhortation and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual
gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on
of hands of the presbytery. 15 Ponder these things and devote yourself to
them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to
yourself and to the teaching; continue in these things, for by doing so you will -
save both yourself and those who listen to you.
1. Verse 11
2. Verse 12
3. Verse 13
4. Verse 14
5. Verse 15
6. Verse 16
Paul asked Timothy to teach the things he had taught him (1 Tim 4:11). The
apostle told the young man not to let others underestimate him because of his
youth. Paul encouraged him to be an example in every area of his life and for
others to follow him. The apostle asked the young pastor to dedicate himself to
reading the Scriptures in public, to preaching and teaching (1 Tim 4:13). Paul told
him not to neglect his spiritual gifts (1 Tim 4:14). The senior missionary taught
him to be diligent in these matters so that others could see his progress (1 Tim.
4:15). Finally, he taught Timothy not to neglect his life and doctrine because
others depended on him (1 Tim 4:16).
Paul prepared Timothy by teaching him how to minister to those in his care. His
teachings were clear and specific. Timothy didn't have to guess what his mentor
expected of him. These instructions came from Paul's experience and wisdom.
Servant leaders equip others by instructing them in specific areas of their
ministry.
How Can You Instruct Others?
Let's imagine for a moment that you have already found your place in servant -
leadership with the Sunday morning welcome group. He recruited his friend
Esteban to work together on this important ministry serving visitors. He agreed to
help him, but made it clear that all he knows about this ministry is how to open the
door, smile, and say, “Good morning!” Esteban looks at him waiting for
instructions. Please answer the following questions:
1. What would you teach Esteban about his attitude toward serving in this
ministry?
2. What would you say about the importance of your ministry?
3. What specific things could you teach him about this ministry?
4. What would help you be more helpful when welcoming?
Even if this isn't the case for you, you can see how important it is to instruct the
people you call to help you. Servant leaders patiently instruct those they motivate
to do ministry.
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The course ends... the ministry continues to march. Let's go together,
forward!

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