To introduce the idea of leadership to a new training group or leadership group in a church or youth organization.

OVERVIEW

In a comfortable introductory discussion, begin by having each person share a bit of personal trivia and a few ideas on leadership. The format that follows may be covered in a single session, but it is probably more effective stretch the outline over three to five discussions sessions. Questions four and five and eight through twelve are possible assignments for the next session.

SOME PROVOKING QUESTIONS

1. What is a leader?
2. Why would anyone want to be a leader? What kind of leadership did God give men and women according to Genesis 1:28; 2:19-20, and other parts of the Bible? Are parents leaders? What kind of a human being is not a leader?
3. Are leaders born or trained?
4. Do you agree that everyone should learn how to be a follower before becoming a leader? How does Hebrews 5:8 address this question?
5. How, then, must we prepare ourselves for leadership? (Study Phil. 2:1-18 and Col. 3:1-4:6 as appropriate.)
6. Where can we find the most helpful examples of leadership?
7. How and what can we learn from the leadership of Jesus Christ?

   During his lifetime, Jesus was mainly a leader of two groups. He was a leader of the Jews and of the disciples. At one time, the crowds of Jewish followers wanted to make Him king. Crowds joined Him in the temple until the end of His life, and throngs welcomed Him on what we call Palm Sunday. Still, they all fell away. In this sense, Jesus failed as a leader of this group (John 1:11 describes). From this, we learn that leadership is not always successful and that rejection of our leadership can be very painful.

   Jesus was also the leader of the Twelve. Study His leadership of this interesting band of difficult students in the Gospel of Mark. There, you will find various strategies of leadership. One can also learn one's own type following or leadership.

8. What else can we learn about leadership from the life of Jesus?

   Though Jesus failed as a leader of the Jews in a certain sense, He is to become the leader of the world. He was not only born a leader, but He had to learn how to be such a leader. (See Hebrews 5:8.)

   Even those who do not profess to be Christians see in Jesus an example of the leadership the world needs today: servant leaders. (See Mark 10:45, Phil. 2:4-11.)

9. What potential do you see in yourself for leadership?
10. What weaknesses do you think need to be overcome for you to become an effective leader?
11. Is there any way that this study discourages you? How can other members of the group help these problems and encourage those who might be discouraged?
12. What from this introduction most interests you for future study and discussion?

cCYS