JESUS CHRIST MODEL OF LEADERSHIP.

LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES.

WHAT ARE SOME QUALITIES OF EFFECTIVE LEADERS?

BIBLE READING: Exodus 6:1-12

Therefore, say to the Israelites: "I am the LORD, and I will free you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with mighty power and great acts of judgment." (Exodus 6:6)

EFFECTIVE LEADERS PERSEVERE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES.

When Moses gave God's message to the people, they were too discouraged to listen. The Hebrews didn't want to hear any more about God and his promises, because the last time they listened to Moses, all they got was more work and greater suffering. Sometimes a clear message from God is followed by a period when no change in the situation is apparent. During that time, seeming setbacks may turn people away from wanting to hear more about God. If you are a leader, don't give up. Keep bringing people God's message as Moses did. By focusing on God, who must be obeyed, rather than on the results to be achieved, good leaders see beyond temporary setbacks and reversals.

Moses inspected all their work and blessed them because it had been done as the LORD had commanded him. (Exodus 39:43)

EFFECTIVE LEADERS DELEGATE.

Moses had learned his management lesson well. He gave important responsibilities to others and then trusted them to do the job. Great leaders, like Moses, give plans and direction while letting others participate on the team. If you are a leader, trust your assistants with key responsibilities.

EFFECTIVE LEADERS APPRECIATE THE WORK OF OTHERS.

Moses inspected the finished work, saw that it was done the way God wanted, and then blessed the people. A good leader follows up on assigned tasks and gives rewards for good work. In whatever responsible position you find yourself, follow up to make sure that tasks are completed as intended, and show your appreciation to the people who have helped.

At that time I told you, "You are too great a burden for me to carry all by myself." (Deuteronomy 1:9)

EFFECTIVE LEADERS RECOGNIZE THEIR LIMITATIONS.

It was a tremendous burden for Moses to lead the nation by himself. He could not accomplish the task single-handedly. Like nations, as organizations and churches grow, they become increasingly complex. Conflicting needs and quarrels arise. No longer can one leader make all the decisions. Like Moses, you may have a natural tendency to try to do all the work alone. You may be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Moses made a wise decision to share the leadership with others. Rather than trying to handle larger responsibilities alone, look for ways of sharing the load so that others may exercise their God-given gifts and abilities.

EFFECTIVE LEADERS CULTIVATE GOOD CHARACTER QUALITIES.

Moses identified some of the inner qualities of good leaders: (1) wisdom, (2) understanding, and (3) respect. These characteristics differ markedly from the ones that often help elect leaders today: good looks, wealth, popularity, willingness to do anything to get to the top. The qualities Moses identified should be evident in us as we lead, and we should look for them in those we elect to positions of leadership.

Jesus told them, "In this world the kings and great men order their people around, and yet they are called 'friends of the people.' " (Luke 22:25)

EFFECTIVE LEADERS ARE SERVANTS.

The world's system of leadership is very different from leadership in God's kingdom. Worldly leaders are often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top. (Some kings in the ancient world gave themselves the title "Benefactor.") But among Christians, the leader is to be the one who serves best. There are different styles of leadership-some lead through public speaking, some through administering, some through relationships-but every Christian leader needs a servant's heart. Ask the people you lead how you can serve them better.

It was only right that God-who made everything and for whom everything was made-should bring his many children into glory. Through the suffering of Jesus, God made him a perfect leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation. (Hebrews 2:10)

CHRIST DEMONSTRATED EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP THROUGH SUFFERING.

How was Jesus made perfect through suffering? Jesus' suffering made him a perfect leader, or pioneer, of our salvation. Jesus did not need to suffer for his own salvation, because he was God in human form. His perfect obedience (which led him down the road of suffering) demonstrates that he was the complete sacrifice for us. Through suffering, Jesus completed the work necessary for our own salvation. Our suffering can make us more sensitive servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with compassion to others who hurt. If you have suffered, ask God how your experience can be used to help others.

CHRIST IS THE BEST MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP.

God's grace to us led Christ to his death. Jesus did not come into the world to gain status or political power, but to suffer and die so that we could have eternal life ("glory"). If it is difficult for us to identify with Christ's servant attitude, perhaps we need to evaluate our own motives. Are we more interested in power or participation, domination or service, getting or giving?

LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH:

IN WHAT WAYS IS LEADERSHIP TO BE EXERCISED IN THE CHURCH?

Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel. (Nehemiah 3:1)

CHURCH LEADERSHIP WORKS WHEN ALL DO THEIR PART.

All the citizens of Jerusalem did their part on the huge job of rebuilding the city wall. Similarly, the work of the church requires every member's effort in order for the body of Christ to function effectively (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The body needs you! Are you doing your part? Find a place to serve God, and start contributing whatever time, talent, and money is needed.

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)

EVERY BELIEVER HAS AN IMPORTANT AREA OF SERVICE.

Using the analogy of the body, Paul emphasizes the importance of each church member. If a seemingly insignificant part is taken away, the whole body becomes less effective. Thinking that your gift is more important than someone else's is an expression of spiritual pride. We should not look down on those who seem unimportant, and we should not be jealous of others who have impressive gifts. Instead, we should use the gifts we have been given and encourage others to use theirs. If we don't, the body of believers will be less effective.