LEADERSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP
LEADERSHIP: “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task".[1] Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.
DISCIPLESHIP: The process by which someone become a disciple, student, practitioner of the teachings or disciplines of another.
DISCIPLE: from Dictionary.com
1.
Religion .
a.
one of the 12 personal followers of Christ.
b.
one of the 70 followers sent forth by Christ. Luke 10:1.
c.
any other professed follower of Christ in His lifetime.
2.
any follower of Christ.
3.
( initial capital letter ) a member of the Disciples of Christ.
4.
a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines ofanother; follower: a disciple of Freud.
**A disciple of Jesus Christ is more then a student or pupil, he/she is more then a follower. They are leaders that have a definite goal of reproducing the in others that which has been poured into them.
Disciples are DOERS
***You can be a follower and a leader and not be a disciple. You can't be a disciple and not be a leader!
FOOD for THOUGHT -
Encouragement and Manipulation both use the same tools, the difference is in the INTENT.
Encouragement is about what's best for others, creating better people
Manipulation is about getting others to do what you want for your gain.
Discipleship is about creating the best leaders for Christ through Spirit-filled brotherhood/sisterhood, worship, prayer, study and self examination.
An example of the disciples choosing leaders and the requirements of a leader.
Acts 6
New International Version (NIV)
The Choosing of the Seven
6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Stephen Seized
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Leadership has an order and a balance.
Confident, faith-filled people make great leaders even though they are sometimes reluctant leaders.
Insecure, fear-filled people make bad leaders and are all to often too ambitious to try and lead.
The important thing to understand is that the "Confidence" or "Insecurity" are actually the outward manifestations or either a "Faith-Fill" or "Fear-Filled" life.
Another important key to understand is, In what does the leader put their faith and trust. Many start out strong but fail to produce "GOOD FRUIT" because they put their faith in themselves alone.
Where does your strength come from?
Psalm 121
Examples of great leaders:
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
SO what are the traits or qualifications of a Leader/Disciple?
Wait for answers
Pauls lays it out quite clearly in 1 Timothy 3:
1 Timothy 3
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach., faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Jesus - Son of God, Savior of the world, Seated at the right hand of the Father
Moses - Lead the Nation of Israel out of Captivity.
Joshua - Lead the Nation of Israel into the Promise Land
Paul - After his dramatic conversion, he spent 3 yrs studying and seeking God. Then went on to write 2/3rds of the N.T.
Modern Day great leaders:
Ghandi - Lead a peaceful revolution and freed a nation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghandi
Mother Theresa - Amazing example of long suffering and endless love for people. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa
Winston Churchill - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill - Unifying leader during WWII
One important factor is found in the leadership style of each of those listed above and most every great leader.
Their primary function in helping others was in serving. They lead by example, they impart, teach, reveal and are a living example to those that followed.
Below is a link to a great resource to help you dig deeper into the importance of understanding and maximizing your leader and discipleship ability.
Who moved my cheese
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0399144463
