A Consideration of Christian Leadership

What characterizes leadership in Christian communities? All believers are indwelt by the same Spirit and are equally welcome in God’s presence. There is no class of nobles that automatically assumes the mantle of command. None of the apostles had wealth, worldly status, or superior educations. Is there something distinctive about a Jesus-style of leadership? Who should lead in church? Under what circumstances? These are important questions and have received different answers across the globe and across the centuries.

This sermon series will draw on lessons of leadership learned in this church over the sixty years of our existence. We hope newcomers will find explanations of patterns here that are different from secular organizations and other churches they have known. We also expect the light of God’s word to illuminate new things for all of us, as we embark on our seventh decade.

This week:

Servant Leadership

Mark 10:35-45

At one point Jesus' closest followers were angling for positions of high status in his kingdom. He challenged them, saying that the one who would be great should be the servant of all. At the heart of Christian leadership is the determination to bless others, washing feet, rather than building up oneself. How do these convictions lead to effective leadership?

Points of Interest

Invisible realities are greater than things we can measure.

Organizational hierarchies are problematic.

God's power is made perfect in weakness.

Incarnation is central to Christian formation.

The truth of scripture is always relevant.