TOPIC: Potential Christian Leaders [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 9 February 2020]
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MEMORY VERSE: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 9 February 2020 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 20:25-28 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 9 February 2020)
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Christian leadership can be described as ’knowing where God wants people to be and talking the initiative to use God’s method to get them there in reliance on God’s power’. Every believer in Christ must see himself/herself as a potential leader who carries the grace of God to to lead others in the fulfilment of divine mandate (Heb.12-24). This mandate or assignment is to propagate the gospel and mature believers in the faith who lives will glorify God (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19. Christian leadership is aimed not so much at directing people as it is at changing people. It is therefore, important to understand what Christian leadership entails and how to harness the potentials in us a leaders in any capability. (1 Peter 5:1-4).
2 OUTLINES
1. ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
There are some essentials of Christian leadership which make it a little different from the leadership theories and definitions of the modern world.
1. Calling: Christian leaders are usually called by God. There are quite a number of examples of leaders in the bible who received genuine call from God e.g. Moses, Gideon, Perter, Paul, etc. Any believer can be called for a specific purpose in God’s vineyard (Ex.3:10,14; Judge 6:12-14; Matt.4:18-19; John 21:15-17; Rom.1:1).
2. Character: This is serious the test of the real you from the inside. It refers to the set of moral qualities that distinguish you from others. These qualities include honesty, courage, integrity, humility, perseverance and decisiveness. (Prov.4:23).
3. Gifts/Potentials: These enhance the call and character of a leader in order to effectively achieve set goals of leadership (Prov.18:16).
4. Knowledge and Skills: These are the corresponding complements to the calling, character and the gifting/potentials of a would-be leader (Ex.18:19-24; Neh.4:9-17). Leadership competencies are enhanced through knowledge and skills (Acts 22:3).
5. Commitment: A potential Christian leader must develop sense of responsibility and commitment to impart lives positively. The concern should not be that of profit making (1 Peter 5:1-4).
6. The Power of Christ: The inner fuel, guide, and force at work through the Christian leader in achieving eternal results is the very power of Christ which is characterised by a walk of faith and the leading of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; Rom.8:14; Col. 1:27; Phil. 2:13, 4:13).
2 PREPARING FOR LEADERSHIP
There are certain things expected from Christians in preparation for leadership. These include:
1. Ability to follow Christ and inspire others to follow Him as well (1Cor.11:1).
2. Adopting the servant-leader model of leadership as exemplified by Christ. Christians should be service-oriented, willing and ready to go or do as commanded (John 13:12-15).
3. Being charismatic: Good communication skill, ability to share visions with people and carry them along as well as manage material resources (Hab.2:2; Neh.2:17-18; 4:15).
4. Being proactive and firm with decisions (1 Sam.25:14-19; Esther 4:16)
5. Having emotional intelligence: ability to manage emotions such as anger , anxiety, fear, excitement, etc. (Eph. 4:26; Phil.4:6; 2 Tim.1:7).
6. Being a good role model: living an exemplary lifestyle (1 Tim. 4:12).
7. Manifesting the fruit of the spirit and other Christian virtues such as integrity, compassion, empathy, confidentiality, etc. (Prov.11:3; Phil.4:8).
CONCLUSION: Those who will lead God’s people must be in addition exemplify sacrifice, devotion, submission and lowliness.
QUESTIONS:
- State six essentials of Christian leadership.
- What constitutes preparation for leadership?
FURTHER READING:
Monday – Ephesians 4:26
Tuesday – Philippians 4:6
Wednesday – 2 Timothy 1:7
Thursday – 1 Samuel 25:14-19
Friday – Esther 4:16
Saturday – Genesis 12:1
Sunday – Exodus 3:10
ASSIGNMENT: Mention the names of five (5) clear did inactions between secular leadership and Christian leadership.
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?