LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PLAN

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Liberty University *

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510

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Philosophy

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Apr 3, 2024

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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Leadership Development Plan Submitted to Dr. Daniel Austin in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of LEAD 510-D09 Biblical Foundations of Leadership by Elisha Jennings May 1, 2022

Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………1 Theology of Leadership……….………..………………...……………………………...2 Philosophy of Leadership….……………………………………………………………..4 Methods and Models of Leadership….…………………………………………………..7 Leadership Culture……………………………………………….………………………8 Leadership Development Plan..…………………………………………………..………9 Conclusion…………………………………………………………….…………….……10 Bibliography………………………………………………………………….….……….11 ii

1 Introduction Follow the Leader is a children’s game in which one child is deemed “the leader” and all the other children follow and imitate him or her. Children are called “out” of the game when they fail to follow or imitate the leader. When only the leader and one other child are left, that child becomes the new leader. The game has benefits beyond fun. It helps children learn through observation and encourages them to see their parents as leaders and imitate them. Christian leadership is similar, but not that simple. In the children’s game, children jump at the chance to both be the leader and be a participant in hopes of becoming the new leader. It is always fun! Those who are called out just excitedly wait for the new game to begin so they can take another shot at being the leader. The children’s game leader does not have to be skilled, and the children must follow in order to play. In adult Christian life, leadership is filled with responsibility and can be stressful at times. Followers can be very critical of the leader’s movements and interactions. In fact, there are many who refuse to follow the leader for various reasons. The leader is always being watched, scrutinized, or judged, even when they are well- liked and appreciated. It looks bad on the adult leader if followers get “out”. In fact, the goal of Christian leadership is to keep everyone “in the game” while constantly getting more to join in. Christian leadership is hard work, as leaders cannot be idle and keep followers in the game. Paul points this out in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9: “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” In the children’s game, the first leader is simply picked by peers or teachers and subsequent leaders assume leadership by winning the games. Christian leaders are developed.

2 In order for the body of Christ to succeed in meeting its goal of multiplying disciples of Christ, there must be strong, healthy leadership. Churches and ministries must strategically develop leaders that will serve, influence and build God’s kingdom. Theology of Leadership Philippians 2:3-4 says to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” This is foundational to Christian leadership and crucial to developing good leaders. Malphurs proclaims that “A Christian leader is a servant.” and suggests that servanthood is the core of a “leader’s heart”. 1 Jesus is probably the most pointed to example of servant leadership, and He should be. After all, He demonstrated the most selfless act known to the current world. Malphurs points to Matt. 20:25-28, Mark 10:41-45, and John 13:1-17 as prominent theological references of Jesus’ servanthood, and mentions that “Servant leaders display at least four characteristics: humility, service, focus on others and love.” 2 Each one of these characteristics can be taught to and developed in others using the life of Christ as the study guide. Having a strong theological foundation is paramount to a good leadership development plan. Jesus’ motivation to serve was love. This is clearly documented in John 13:1-17 when Jesus washed his disciple’s feet. He made it clear that a leader is not greater than his followers and set an example of true servanthood. Jesus’ point that a leader is a servant is also mentioned in Mark 10:35-45 when Jesus explains to his disciples James and John that whoever seeks to be 1 Aubrey Malphurs. Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership . Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Books, 2003, 31. 2 Ibid, 34.

3 great must first be a slave, and that even He Himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” A good leadership development plan must build other attributes of leadership on top of the foundation of servanthood. Credibility, capability and influence are also critical to effective Christian leadership. People only follow those they trust. Christians follow Christ because they trust that God’s Word is true. It is almost easier to trust someone you can’t see than it is to trust someone you can. When you can see, you can see it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. Leaders are always on display. It is important that followers see leaders as credible and trustworthy, as they will be tested: Revelation 2:2 says “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.” Malphurs mentions that “Relying on or placing our confidence in human leaders is based on sight-we watch what leaders do 24/7/365” 3 No one wants to follow someone who doesn’t seem to know what they are doing or where they are going. Christian leaders must be capable. Malphurs poses the question: “Are leaders born or made?” 4 Some leaders have natural gifts and abilities, while others have to work at their craft. Just as some athletes are naturally great at what they do, and others must spend inordinate amounts of time perfecting their skills. Those who are born with skills and those who work to get them are equally important to winning the game. The bottom line is that capability is important. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro made this point in Exodus 18:21: “ But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” A good leadership 3 Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership , 51. 4 Ibid, 74

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