Your Journey · Stage 6 of 6

The Heart of a Leader

The Heart of a Leader artwork

Part 1

A Leader Serves

Leadership in God's kingdom is fundamentally different from worldly leadership. It's about function, not position - serving others and empowering them to flourish. Every believer is called to some form of leadership, starting with Gospel sharing and growing toward multiplication. True leadership is measured by who you serve, not who serves you.

1

The Jesus Leadership Model

Jesus revolutionized leadership by showing that true authority comes through serving others.

Scripture Set

  1. Jesus came to serve Mark 10:35-45
  2. Foot washing as an act of service John 13:1-17
  3. We are not to lord over others Matthew 20:20-28
  4. The upside down kingdom Luke 22:24-30
  5. Don't seek titles or honor Matthew 23:1-12
  6. The shepherd lays down his life for others John 10:11-16
  7. Leading is an example not domineering 1 Peter 5:1-4

Key Questions

How did Jesus or the apostles lead?

2

The Leadership Development Process

Great leaders create more leaders through intentional relationships and gradual release of responsibility. The MAWL - "Model", "Assist", "Watch", "Leave" model is a helpful framework for this process. Note: This module also appears in the "Starting a movement" course.

Scripture Set

  1. Elders were appointed in every church Acts 14:21-23
  2. The work was entrusted to faithful people 2 Timothy 2:1-7
  3. Elders were appointed in every town Titus 1:5
  4. Be imitators of Paul 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
  5. Equip saints for ministry Ephesians 4:11-16
  6. Entrusting to local leaders Acts 20:17-32
  7. Elder to elders exhortation 1 Peter 5:1-4

Key Questions

What does this passage tell me about developing leaders?

Part 2

Leading Discovery Studies

The church functions best when every member contributes their unique gifts. Like a human body, each part is essential and interdependent. Understanding the five-fold ministry gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, teacher) helps us recognize and develop the diverse leadership needed for healthy communities.

1

The Body of Christ

Every believer has gifts that are essential for the health and growth of the community.

Scripture Set

  1. We are many parts but just one body 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
  2. There is a unity in the diversity of gifts Ephesians 4:1-16
  3. There are different gifts according to God's grace Romans 12:1-8
  4. We are to serve one another with our gifts 1 Peter 4:8-11
  5. We all have a contribution to make 1 Corinthians 14:26-31
  6. Bear one another's burdens Galatians 6:1-5

Key Questions

How does your gift or contribution fit in?

2

The Five Fold Ministry Gifts

God has given the church five types of leaders to equip and mature the body.

Scripture Set

  1. There are Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers Ephesians 4:11-16
  2. Prophets and teachers at Antioch Acts 13:1-3
  3. Do the work of evangelist 2 Timothy 4:1-5
  4. Shepherding the flock of God 1 Peter 5:1-4
  5. Lord's servant teaching 2 Timothy 2:22-26
  6. Philip the evangelist and daughters Acts 21:8-9
  7. Respect those who labor 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

Key Questions

What might my role be? How do the different roles work together?

Part 3

Leading In Teams

God works through teams, not lone rangers. Biblical leadership is best understood through the lens of teams with multiple centers of influence working together rather than one dominant leader. This distributes authority, reduces burnout, develops more leaders, and reflects the Trinity's collaborative nature.

1

The Power of Teams

Scripture consistently shows God accomplishing His purposes through teams of people working together.

Scripture Set

  1. Two are better than one Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
  2. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two Luke 10:1-12
  3. The Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul Acts 13:1-4
  4. Paul and Silas Barnabas and Mark Acts 15:36-40
  5. Timothy and Epaphroditus Philippians 2:19-30
  6. Priscilla and Aquila team Acts 18:18-26
  7. Many fellow workers mentioned Romans 16:1-16

Key Questions

Where am I acting alone where I could be acting as a team?

2

It's Not About Me

Healthy leadership spreads authority and responsibility rather than concentrating it in one person.

Scripture Set

  1. Seven chosen to distribute ministry Acts 6:1-7
  2. There should be no division in body we are all of equal concern 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
  3. 70 elders share the burden Numbers 11:16-25
  4. It's a gift given through laying on hands 1 Timothy 4:14
  5. Not many should become teachers and those that do should mind their words James 3:1-6
  6. Just as Jesus empties Himself we should empty our selves as a part of leadership Philippians 2:1-11

Key Questions

How is this passage challenging my own leadership?

Go Deeper

Articles for this stage

The Five Fold Gifts, Simplified

A simplified look at the five fold ministry gifts — apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd and teacher — and...

Catalyst

A Potential Tool For Catalysts

A tool designed for looking at catalytic work through the lens of pioneers, migrators and settlers.

Catalyst

Managing-Power

A note about managing power and letting go of colonial systems.

Decolonization

Pioneers, Migrators & Settlers in Modern Day God Movements

Looking at catalytic work through the lens of pioneers, migrators and settlers.

Catalyst

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