Talk 2: “THE HEART OF A SERVANT-LEADER”

INTRODUCTION

YFC has grown over the past 7 years so much that because of this growth, there are brothers and sisters who have to take on roles which place them in a position where they can actually affect the direction and even cause the disintegration of the group. Failure of leadership in YFC won’t affect God’s work, but rather, it will deprive us of this wonderful opportunity to be part of God’s work! Leadership in any group, including Christian organizations, is the effective use of power and authority. Groups collapse because of the wrong concept of leadership… in pursuit of our own interest, thus having disunity, envy and strife. If we are to lead God’s people, we have to lay down a strong foundation in the heart of servants who are called to lead!

OUR MODEL: THE LEADERSHIP OF JESUS

1. His brand of leadership is servant-hood. (e.g. washing of the feet)2. His interest is the salvation of the world. He seeks that everyone will

experience life to the fullest. (Rom 12:3)3. He practiced what He preached! Always in the frontlines! Walk the talk!

(“Come follow me!”) He should be our model!

IMPLICATIONS OF SERVANTHOOD

1. Nothing by ourselves… We are able to do good because of God! (Mt 28:18)- no identity- no authority- no power- no rights

2. Our interests are the Master’s interest- not hold on to position- not to look to our personal glory (Phil 2:3)- in CFC, YFC… He gives His direction through our elders

3. Humility (let participants read Phil 2:5-8, 1Peter 5:5-6)4. Look not to earthly reward but reward in heaven

- suffering like the Master- it’s ok if we are not appreciated! (in fact, it is better!)

ATTITUDE SOF YFC LEADERS THAT NEED TO CHANGE

1. Leaders who are proud- give importance for their contribution to the work (no one can do it

better)- have adopted a territorial attitude and begin to own the work (no talks

to my people without passing through me!)- members are warned not to talk to elders from Manila (we can solve

our own problems, why waste money?…we can do it better here)- resent when not given due recognition, or a place of honor in

assemblies

2. Leaders who are controlling- they want to do everything- suppress initiative of others

- can never admit mistakes3. Leaders who are rigid

- legalistic- hierarchical- too much emphasis on protocol…. instead of making service easy and

joyful, they make it burdensome

4. Leaders who are stubborn- those who will not support decisions that have been agreed upon if

against their own agenda- will insist on doing things their way- cannot take suggestions/corrections

5. Leaders who are dishonest- manipulate to get what they want- do not give an honest assessment when asked- conscious of image as a leader

THE HEART TO CHANGE

Sometimes, correction is valid. God wants to teach us new things about ourselves. When shared with the Lord…when it is true, He is molding us… when it isn’t, He is consoling us… or even warning us not to become a source of disunity, strife and discouragement.

H – Humility Be humble enough to accept/acknowledge

E – Eagerness …to change… let us always have the heart to better ourselves

A – Aspire …to be like Christ

R – Repent …not because we want to be restored to leadership, but because we have caused

T – Total change! Go for total victory!

CONCLUSION

We have to shed off the world’s view of power and authority when we exercise Christian leadership. Power corrupts and destroys if not focused on the premise that “it is not by our won merit that we are in leadership, but because of God’s will”, so we always fix our eyes on the source of power…JESUS!

TEST YOURSELF! (Yes or No)

1. Do you get angry when you are not acknowledged or given a place of honor?2. Do you withhold support for activities you do not agree with, whose consensus

has already been given?3. Do you insist on doing things your way?4. Do you carry a grudge when others have wronged you?5. In meetings, do you shout, lose your temper or walk out?

DISCUSSION STARTERS

1. Share areas of difficulties in your service.2. How can you concretely overcome these areas?