Understanding Leadership

John 12:13-17 ¹² So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table 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 so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. ¹⁶ Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them

           

            Leadership is a trait, not just a position. Leadership requires relationship with those you lead. He or she understands the difference between management and leadership.  A true leader carries/serves those whom he leads, not the inversion of this. Leaders are caring, patient, humble, and transparent. Leaders have integrity. Leaders have experience. They understand that authentic leadership must be developed. Leaders inspire, motivate.  A good leader is able to instill change and develop followers who replicate their example. 

            Throughout the scripture, old and new, you have sound examples of leadership.  There was no better leader than Christ. Of course, He was God.  Christ called on those He saw who had the traits required to continue His ministry after His departure.   Christ understood the value of discipleship. Provide genuine modeling.  Provide training both didactic and practical.  He instilled confidence in His followers to allow them to understand who they were.  He provided constant communication. He left the Holy Spirit as a means to "call in" when the need for help comes up. He provided us a protocol as part of this communication to us so we could read and memorize how our LORD  wants us to minister, with compassion and integrity. Leaders sacrifice themselves, their wants and desires in order to fulfill the call.