Leading by Example
Today we are starting a new blog series on leading. Not everyone is called to be an ‘out-the-front’ Leader or to be part of a Leadership Team, but we are called to lead by example whether it be in the home, at work or at church.
In this series we will be looking at leading by example; in the home, in education, at work and in the church.
In a recent talk, Simon spoke about the characteristics of an Elder. He spoke about the importance of character rather than qualifications. He suggested that the description that Paul gives in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 regarding Elders could also apply to us as we aim to become more like Jesus.
So what might that look like as we lead by example?
Servant Leadership
Jesus told his disciples that he came to serve not to be served.
If you put ‘servant leadership’ into a search engine you will get results such as this: a philosophy-driven approach where the leader’s primary goal is to serve employees, customers, and stakeholders, prioritizing their growth and well-being over personal power.
The biblical description is: leading through humility, sacrifice, and service rather than authority or power, with Jesus Christ as the supreme example.
We should be aiming to serve each other, through prayer, support, encouragement and practical help.
How does this work in practice?
It is about observing and listening to people, being aware in some cases of what they are not saying.
You may have gone through a similar experience to the person you are talking to and you can offer practical help or advice if they need it. In effect you are leading them through what is happening in their lives.
Often we don’t see this as ‘leading by example’ because we think of leadership as a more managerial approach.
However people notice our integrity and attitudes. Have you ever been asked how it is that you are coping with a situation that would have broken others? As we walk out our faith, we have the opportunity to be Jesus to people. We can influence the culture around us, bringing the Kingdom of God into our sphere of influence.
In this series I hope you will find encouragement from the authors of the posts in how they have lead by example in the home, in education, at work and in the church.
