Leading People Overboard

Click Here for Hurricane Pictures & Video

Church leadership is not like any other kind of leadership

Church leaders must be Servants not Lords
Mark 10:42-45 “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Church leaders must be Amoung not Over
Luke 22:25-27 “Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Church leaders must Inspire not Intimidate
John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
1 Peter 5:3 “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

How to inspire others to walk on water? Look at Jesus example:

1. Jesus the Prayer – He made time for a personal relationship with the Father.
Matthew 14:23 “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone”

2. Jesus the Companion – He spent time with them and shared their challenges.
Matthew 14: 24-25 “but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”

3. Jesus the Encourager – He knew their fears and always addressed them.
Matthew 14:26-27 “When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It’s a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid."

4. Jesus the Example – He set an example that inspired others to follow Him.
Matthew 14: 28-29 “Lord, if it’s you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

5. Jesus the Confronter – He loved enough to reach out, rescue and rebuke them.
Matthew 14: 30-31 “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

6. Jesus the Peacemaker – His presence always brought at atmosphere of peace.
Matthew 14:32 “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.”