Our Leadership Mandate

“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28

As we mentioned during Encounter, we have designed a series of audio or video messages focused on one practical leadership principle to help you grow as a lead like jesus leader. Every topic includes a variety of resources to help practically reinforce the leadership model presented to you by Lead Like Jesus.

These messages are designed to help you focus on implementing the Lead Like Jesus model in real life. It focuses on our leadership mandate found in Matthew 20:28.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this  post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. Are power and position important to you as a leader?

2. Consider: Who has been an example of a selfless leader in your life?

3. What steps can you take to focus on others rather than self?

4. What will be your first step and when will you start?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. During this week read Matthew 20: 20-28 and meditate on Jesus’ mandate.

2. Evaluate your leadership and decide to do one thing differently to help you become a selfless leader.

Change is hard, would you agree?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Changing jobs, moving to a new home, or even changing your diet, all of these are examples of changes that happen in life. Change is inevitable and often outside of our control, yet the way we react and respond to change is one thing we can control.

Applying Jesus’ model of leadership requires both internal heart change as well as external change of our habits.

Today you’ll have the opportunity to watch Phil Hodges, Co-Founder of Lead Like Jesus, teach us about change. Phil will help us understand how to use change for both personal growth as well as for influencing others.

Enjoy this step of the journey!

Something to Think About 

Change is not easy, at least not for most of us.  Yet changes happen all the time. We change or loose our jobs; we change homes and our economic situation changes. So what is that one constant you can count on in the midst of change? Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the midst of change, He is our constant!

Something to Do 

Even though change is an inevitable part of life, some changes are more necessary than others, and are up to us to action. Without change we’ll be stuck personally and professionally.

• What one thing, one circumstance if changed, would make all the difference in your life today?
• How can you action or spur that change on?

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” Deuteronomy 8:17-18 

Today, let’s talk about CALLED and DRIVEN leaders.

There is, after all, a big difference between these two kinds of leadership.

Called leaders understand that their position and influence are on loan, and that it’s their responsibility to steward them the best they can.

Driven leaders lead out of the sense of entitlement, considering both their position as well as their relationships, as a way to get ahead.

How do you lead? Are you a called or a driven leader? Consider this as you listen to today’s message.

Here is today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. Does your leadership indicate that you are a called or a driven leader? How so?

2. How do you respond to negative feedback? Be very honest!

3. What one thing can you change today, in order to become more like a called leader?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Give careful thought to all of the feedback you receive, especially to the negative one.

2. Recognize that your positions of leadership are on loan and that your responsibility is to steward them well.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain the heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:12 

We Exalt God Only…

when we recognize Him as the sole object of our worship, as the source of our security, self worth and wisdom, and as the audience and judge of our life decisions.

Here is today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. In what ways does your leadership demonstrate that God is your source of security and self worth?

2. What does humility mean to you and to the way you lead others?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Memorize Psalm 90:12 and make it your daily prayer.

2. What is one thing you can change, starting today, to lead with more humility?

Exalting God Only requires humility and God-grounded confidence. It requires resting in the fact that God knows best, that His purposes are perfect, and that He will provide us all we need in order to exalt His name through the way we lead and influence others.

EGO Outcomes

First: When we Edge God Out we become separated from God, from others and from self.

Second: Allowing EGO to dominate our lives causes us to fall prey to the comparison trap. We become focused on living up to the expectations of others rather than on following God’s design for our lives.

Third: EGO distorts the truth and prevents us from seeing ourselves through the eyes of Jesus.

As we work through these three EGO outcomes, reflect on how they have impacted your effectiveness as a leader.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. Recall a time when EGO caused you to become separated from God and from others. How did it impact the way you lead?

2. How do you feel when you compare your leadership success and failures with other leaders and fall into the comparison trap?

3. In what ways have you allowed distorted truths to influence you as a leader?

Something to Do 

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Spend time in God’s word daily and ask Him to help you restore broken relationships.

2. Every time you are tempted to compare yourself wit other leaders, pray and ask God to help you focus on doing His work.

“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16  

Today, lets talk about your purpose.

If someone were to ask you: What’s your life purpose? What would your response be?

As you lead and influence others, do you know the WHY behind your leadership? If your purpose and your WHY are not clear, then your leadership and the way you interact with others will reflect that.

As you listen to today’s message and to Ken Blanchard’s personal purpose statement, think about how having a clear purpose can help you become a better leader.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. When was the last time you reflected on your life purpose?

2. Reflect on someone you know who has a clear life purpose. How does (s)he demonstrate it in the way they lead and influence others?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Write down your personal purpose statement and put it in a visible place to serve as a daily reminder.

2. Share your personal purpose statement with your spouse or a close friend and ask them to keep you accountable to stay on track.

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12  

How About Your Values?

If someone watched you lead and influence others, would they be able to tell what you stand for?

Our values are at the heart of how we reflect Jesus to others. Misplaced values will not only prevent us from being effective leaders, but will also make us ineffective as ambassadors of His kingdom.

As you listen to today’s message, think about your values and whether they help you effectively lead and influence others for God’s glory.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. When was the last time you reflected on your values? What did you learn?

2. What do you need to change to more clearly live out your values?

3. Reflect on someone you know who has clear values and how (s)he lives out those values in their daily lives.

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Write down your values and put it in a visible place to serve as a daily reminder.

2. Share your personal values with your spouse or a close friend and ask them to keep you accountable to stay on track.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

You picture of the future…

Do you have a clear picture of what you’d like your future to look like?

In Ecclesiastes 8:7 we read: “Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?”  When we talk about having a clear picture of the future we don’t mean “knowing” what is to come, rather we refer to having a clear image or idea of what outcomes we want to strive towards.

Jesus painted a great picture of the future for His disciples, telling them to share the Good News and make disciples of all nations.

As you listen to today’s message, think about the picture of the future you are painting for those you lead.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About 

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. When was the last time you painted a clear picture of the future for those you lead and influence?

2. What prevents you from having a clear picture of the future or from wholeheartedly striving towards it?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Practice verbalizing your clear picture of the future to your spouse or a close friend.

2. Share your picture of the future with those you lead. Ask if they fly understand it. Can they get behind it? Is it clear and compelling?

Let’s look at the implementation aspect of leadership.

“When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who has given such authority to men.” Matthew 9:8

Clear vision and direction are the responsibility of the leader. When it comes to the implementation aspect, the leadership pyramid should be turned upside down, and the authority for implementation should be given to those we lead.

How are you doing with delegating the authority for implementation to those you lead?

Hoarding power and authority and micromanaging others is one sure way to become an ineffective leader.

As you listen to today’s message, think about how well you are doing, as a leader, in the area of implementation.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. How often do you delegate responsibility and authority to others?

2. How do you empower and equip those you lead with what’s necessary in order to implement your vision and director?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Read Deuteronomy chapter 1 and reflect on how Moses delegated authority to others.

2. Release one task you’ve been holding onto too tightly and delegate it to someone you trust. Empower and equip them to implement it.

Saying “I’m sorry” is a big deal, especially for leaders.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power, as it is working.”  James 5:16

There will be times when both we as leaders and those we lead will make a mistake. After all, to err is human!

Admitting that we’ve made a mistake and saying “I’m sorry” is critical in order to maintain authentic relationships with those we lead. In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus tells us to reconcile with others before we come to offer gifts at the altar. We are even commanded to settle matters quickly with our adversaries.

Saying “I’m sorry” does not make us weaker leaders. On the contrary, it demonstrates our strength of character. So let’s be quick to ask for forgiveness and quick to forgive others. This way we can keep short accounts with others.

As you watch today’s video by Ken Blanchard reflect on how you are doing, as a leader, with saying “I’m sorry.”

Something to Think About

Apologizing, admitting we’ve made a mistake and simply saying “I’m sorry” is probably one of the hardest things for leaders to do. Effective apology, when done right, begins with surrender, facing up to the truth, and ends with integrity, your recognition of the fact that your actions were inconsistent with who you want to be.

Something to Do

Is there someone in your life right now that you need to apologize to? Maybe a neighbor you treated unkindly? Maybe a co-worker you hurt with your words or actions. Maybe your spouse or your children? If so, make it right by simply admitting to yourself and to them that you were wrong. It’s amazing the freedom and peace that follow a simply “I’m sorry!”

Let’s look at The Way of The Carpenter model, especially at the stage we call Novice.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

There are four stages of development as we journey from novice to becoming true masters of our trade. Novice is the first stage of that journey. It’s someone who is just starting out and does not yet have the knowledge and the experience as their more seasoned colleagues.

There are unique leadership needs that novices have. It’s our job, as leaders, to recognize the novices and equip them with the help and support they need in order to grow in their current role. If we ignore those unique needs, it may be very hard for a novice to grow and develop into the next stage of the journey.

As you listen to today’s message, think about the novices with whom you’ve been entrusted. How are you leading them?

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. What’s unique about the way you lead novices under your leadership?

2. How do you equip and empower novices under your care to help them mature and grow in their role?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Spend dedicated time with your novice(s) on regular basis and help them map out a plan to gain more knowledge and expertise.

2. Pray for your novice(s) and ask for wisdom in leading them.

Let’s look at The Way of The Carpenter model, especially at the stage we call Apprentice.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Apprentice is the second stage on the journey. Apprentice is someone who has undergone certain growth, but is also prone to experience discouragement on the journey.

Giving apprentices permission to make mistakes is key in order to help them continue developing. Extending grace during those moments will help them become more confident. It will also help you build a special trust relationship between you as a leader and your apprentice.

As you listen to today’s message, think about the apprentices you’ve bee entrusted into your leadership care. How are you encouraging them on their journey?

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this  post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. What’s unique about the way you lead apprentices under your leadership?

2. How do you help apprentice learn and grow from their mistakes?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Spend dedicated time with your apprentice(s) on regular basis and help them overcome discouragement and fear of making mistakes.

2. Pray for your apprentice(s) and ask for wisdom in leading them.

Today, we’d like to look at The Way of The Carpenter model, especially at the stage we call Journeyman.

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7 

Journeyman is the third stage on the journey. A journeyman is someone who is well qualified to perform the work assigned to them, without requiring much supervision. Because of the depth of knowledge and experience, a journeyman can become too confident in his or her abilities and fall prey to pride or even complacency.

Giving journeymen more responsibilities and challenges is key to helping them move forward.

As you listen to today’s message, think about the journeymen with whom you’ve bee entrusted. Are you challenging and empowering them enough?

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. What’s unique about the way you lead journeymen under your leadership?

2. How do you keep journeymen motivated and engaged in their work?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Consider mentoring as a way to pour your wisdom and experience into your journeymen. Set aside one day for mentoring.

2. Pray for your journeymen and ask for wisdom in leading them.

Today, we’ll like to look at The Way of The Carpenter model and its final stage: the Master Teacher.

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

As we journeyed with Jesus and His disciples, we watched Him call unskilled and unlikely men in order to carry out His work. We saw how Jesus took a group of ordinary men and helped them grow from novices all the way to skilled master teachers, who, after His death, were fully equipped and released to carry out His work.

Reaching the stage of a master teacher does not mean the end of the journey. It does not mean retirement, not at all! It simply means focusing on empowering, mentoring and being ready to help those you have released, with full confidence, to do the work.

As you listen to today’s message, think about those you lead. Is there someone you can release to be a master teacher? Someone you can confidently send out on your behalf as you stay close by ready to help, if asked?

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. Who can you think of, among those you lead, that’s ready to become a master teacher? If no one comes to mind, what would it take for you to move one of your journeymen to the level of a master teacher?

2. How would your role, as a leader, change if you released one of your journeymen to be a master teacher?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Read Joshua chapter 1 and reflect on Joshua’s journey to become a master teacher.

2. Pray and ask God to help you lead with “open hands” not holding on to position or power, but to release and pass it on to others.

Today, let’s go back to the definition of leadership presented to you during the Encounter.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

OUR DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP:

“Any time you seek to influence the thinking, behavior or development of others, you are taking on the role of a leader.” Lead Like Jesus

Many of us don’t consider ourselves as leaders, yet on a daily basis we interact with and influence others. Our influence is leadership, regardless of our title or position. As you listen to today’s message think about how you can have a positive influence on everyone with whom you come in contact.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. Do you consider yourself a leader? Why or why not?

2. Whose leadership model are you following?

3. What is one thing you could change, starting today, that would have a more positive impact on others?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Commit the above definition of leadership to memory.

2. Help at least one individual to accomplish his or her goal today, no matter how small.

Today, let’s focus on Edging God Out or EGO.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Would you agree that “self” is often our biggest barrier to becoming an effective leader?

Selfish motives, the victim mentality, focusing on other people and “stuff” as the primary object of our security- are all barriers that we create on the road to becoming an effective leader.

As you listen to today’s message on Edging God Out, think about all the ways you may Edge God Out and how, through God’s Spirit, you can change that.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. In what ways do you Edge God Out?

2. Can you think of a leader whose influence was diminished by Edging God Out?

3. What is one thing you could do, starting today, to stop Edging God Out?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Share the Edging God Out message with at least one person this week.

2. Commit to recognizing Jesus as the source of your worship, security, and as your ultimate authority.

Today we’ll look at pride.

“This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches…” Jeremiah 9:23 

Most of us are familiar with the Proverb that says: “Pride goes before destruction…” Proverbs 16:18.

Pride is one of the most dangerous attitudes for a leader, yet so many of us ignore or excuse it. When another leader displays pride, we are quick to call them out, yet when we fall prey to our own pride, we look the other way.

As you listen to today’s message on Edging God Out and pride, think about how you can grow as a leader if you embrace humility and say NO to pride.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. What situations cause your pride to flare up?

2. Can you think of a time when pride cost you a loss of relationship?

3. Are power, position and recognition important to you? Why?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Focus more attention on others rather than yourself.

2. Give credit to someone for a job well done.

Today, let’s look FEAR in the eye.

God’s Word tells us that “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Fear can have a paralyzing effect on the way we lead others. It can stop us from moving forward. It can prevent us from growing and from being a positive influence in the lives of our family members, co-workers or employees.

As you listen to today’s message on Edging God Out and fear, reflect on the impact that fear has had on you as a leader.

Listen to today’s audio message:

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. In what ways do you lead out of fear rather than confidence in Jesus?
2. How does your fear of other’s judgment impact your leadership?

3. In what ways do you hoard control and information because of fear?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Memorize Proverbs 29:25 and use it every time fear creeps in.

2. Respond to criticism with grace and open mind.

Today, let’s review the EGO’s Anonymous 12 Steps

As we already talked about, change takes time. Growth is a process that requires our commitment to persevere through the growing pains brought about by change.

Our 12-Step Process was designed to help you press forward on your leadership journey and gives you a step-by-step approach to overcoming pride, fear and EGO-related leadership issues.

You will find the complete 12-Step Process document here. Use it as your constant help in becoming a better leader!

Something to Think About

Here are a few items we’d like you to ponder on this post Encounter journey of leading like Jesus:

1. How can Jesus transform your motives, thoughts and actions so you can lead like Jesus?

2. Since you are a recipient of God’s grace on daily basis, how can you extend the same grace to others?

3. How can community help you live out the Lead Like Jesus model in real life?

Something to Do

We can be very knowledgeable yet very unchanged by that knowledge. Only application of knowledge and wisdom will transform us.

1. Make prayer a constant part of your leadership journey.

2. Set aside time on weekly basis to experience solitude.

3. Share Jesus as your leader role model with others.