spiritual leadership On Journey Together, J. Steven Layton, D. Min. Discipleship Minister, Brentwood Baptist Church Brentwood, Tennessee

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1 spiritual leadership Approximately 25 percent of my library and reading revolves around the subject of leadership. While others may favor history, fiction, or a great biography, second to my study and reflection on God s Word, I prefer to read and reflect on the principles and practices that will make me more effective and efficient as a kingdom leader. Those things that allow me to leverage my influence and advance God s kingdom purposes where I live, work, and play. Having studied and observed effective leaders for many years, I have discovered that successful spiritual leaders are people who understand their identity and purpose in life. They are people of character, competence, commitment, courage, call, and Christlikeness. Their walk talks louder than their talk talks. Great spiritual leaders recognize that our ministry focus is about Him and them. They are disciples of Jesus making disciples of Jesus. They value humility and service. They are others-centered and lead people to answer the important questions of life like: Who am I? (Identity); Why am I here? (Purpose); Where am I? (Location and Destination); and What are my next steps? (Significance). They help others love God, grow in Christlikeness, and live sent. As Christ followers we are all called to be spiritual leaders. God has gifted and placed us in positions of influence. Consider a parent in a home, a student in a classroom, a coach on a field, or a conversation in a workplace. All are examples of opportunities for Christ followers to let their light shine for Jesus and lead others on their journey toward Christlikeness. I am excited to see how God will use this study to equip and encourage people to assume positions of leadership in their homes, churches, workplaces, and around the world. We have spent a lifetime preparing for this moment in time and the work God has been preparing us to do throughout our experiences. Let s learn, lead, and make an eternal difference in the kingdom. On Journey Together, J. Steven Layton, D. Min. Discipleship Minister, Brentwood Baptist Church Brentwood, Tennessee

2 foundations curriculum VENTURE IN SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP Volume 7, Book 1 Teaching Plans Amy Tucker Summers Copyright 2017 EquippedChurch.es, a publishing ministry extension of Brentwood Baptist Church

3 VENTURE IN: Spiritual Leadership, Volume 7, Book 1 These teaching plans are designed to be used by adult leaders to lead learners in their individual spiritual journey to Christlikeness. PROJECT LEADERSHIP TEAM J. Steven Layton, Concept & Strategy Roger Severino, Content Design, Scope & Sequence Norma J. Goldman, Project Manager EDITORIAL STAFF Amy T. Summers, Teaching Plan Writer Curtis D. Honts, Teaching Plan Editor Dr. Jeff Iorg, Content Writer Printed in the United States of America ISBN Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright 1999, 2000, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. To view or purchase Foundation Curriculum Resources visit us at To learn more about the JourneyOn Network of Churches and/or JourneyOn Resources, us at info@journeyondiscipleship.com or visit us on the web at

4 Spiritual Leadership: What it really means Our world isn t lacking for articles, blogs, books, and videos on leadership authored by many who find themselves at the front of the parade. An untold number of resources tell us how to act like or develop as a leader; yet, we still find ourselves in a crisis of leadership. Our nation can t find good leaders, and corporations struggle to identify leaders who can move their businesses into an uncertain future. Our churches are no exception. One of the major reasons is we assume if someone is a good secular leader, he or she will be a good church leader. Nothing could be further from the truth. For one thing, churches aren t corporations. Churches are living organisms. While certain good business practices are applicable for church leadership, the church s understanding of authority, power, character, and position is very different from secular institutions. Leadership in the church is based on those who follow Christ most closely. Such leaders inspire others to become more like Christ by the daily practices of their lives. Their authority isn t demanded, it s given. People recognize the genuineness of the leaders lives, willingly listen to their counsel, and respect their decisions. Jesus teaches that if we want to be the greatest of all, we have to be the servant of all. The world s idea of power and leadership is turned upside down in the kingdom of God. This series is designed to help you think about what it means to be a leader in the church, to help you learn the leadership lessons Jesus taught, and then have the confidence to use those lessons in our very complicated cultural situation. We want to help you learn the disciplines of thinking, discerning, and following God s will. A leader in the church must be able to discern the will of God in any moment, and then, have the courage to follow His will. That courage will then inspire others to follow as well. We ll be praying that the Holy Spirit will sharpen your calling and understanding of leadership and leading, and that you ll find your place of leadership in our church s mission. These are decisive times. Our church needs leaders. Our church needs you. Michael Glenn, D. Min. Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist Church Brentwood, Tennessee 3

5 introduction to the travelogue The travelogue for Spiritual Leadership is designed to be a companion to an individual or group Bible study experience. Virtually every believer is a potential leader. These Bible studies provide insights from Scripture about what it means to lead, what the qualifications are for spiritual leadership, and what qualities God looks for in a leader. Venture In communicates biblical principles for staying connected with Jesus as we lead, discovering the source of power in ministry, the roles of courage and wisdom, and pitfalls that can be avoided. Finally, we will explore and rejoice in the rewards that come to faithful leaders. There are different types of journeys. Some are ones we take with friends or family, while others are adventures we pursue on our own. All the Foundation Curriculum travelogues were designed to be used either way. Learners may dive into these lessons by themselves, so the journal is designed to stand on its own. Others may gather a group of friends, going through the travelogue together, sharing insights each has gained during private times of engaging the material. Complementing the travelogue, we have developed teaching plans that allow these lessons to be taught in a more traditional format, such as a LIFE Group or Sunday school class. This travelogue, as were the preceding six studies, is designed to encourage practicing at least four different spiritual disciplines in each lesson. First, learners engage a text of Scripture, thus practicing Bible study. Secondly, we have included a memory verse for each lesson to encourage the habit of Bible memorization. Third, journaling will be part of the experience as learners write out their thoughts in engaging the material. Finally, prayer is an essential part of this experience as we prayerfully reflect on how God is speaking to us. We hope you will find these lessons to be a true source of joy and encouragement as you take your next steps on the journey to becoming more like Jesus. Whether you are new to a leadership role, contemplating next steps as a leader, or teaching others about godly leadership, we believe these lessons will provide you with sound biblical and practical guidance for your next step of faith. Happy travels! 4

6 table of contents VENTURE IN: Spiritual Leadership Volume 7, Book 1 Spiritual Leadership, What it Really Means - Mike Glenn 3 Introduction to the Travelogue - Roger Severino 4 What? Me, a Leader? - Norma J. Goldman 6 Vision for Spiritual Leadership - Roger Severino 7 Resources 8 About the Writing Team 9 1. Who Is a Spiritual Leader? - 1 Peter Clarifying Your Identity and Calling - Ephesians Finding Your Ministry Role - Ephesians Staying Connected with Jesus - Mark Humility Marks True Leadership - John 1:19-39; 3:22-30; 4: Qualifications for Spiritual Leaders - 1 Timothy 3: Power for Spiritual Leaders - Ephesians Disciplined Leaders - 1 Timothy Servant Leaders - Mark 10: Courage to Lead - Esther 1-4; Daniel Gaining Wisdom - Proverbs Avoiding Leadership Pitfalls - Proverbs A Leader s Rewards - 2 Timothy

7 What? Me, a leader? Norma J. Goldman Here s my worry. You ve already picked up this travelogue and after reading the title and, perhaps, looking at the Table of Contents, you re thinking, Oh, this is not for me; I m not a leader. But is that really true? The fact is that every one of us, at some point in our lives, is called to lead. It may mean leading the girls volleyball team in learning good sportsmanship. It could mean heading up a volunteer group working with flood victims. Perhaps you ll have to take the lead with your siblings at the passing of a parent, or maybe you ll need to lead a group learning how to reach people of another race. For some, it will mean serving as substitute teacher when the class leader has a death in the family, or an extended illness. You may be tapped to serve on your church s search committee. It could be that God will call you to lead a church, or to serve your denomination in a leadership position. The point is this. Part of our commitment to follow Christ involves being obedient to respond when He calls us. Before learning the assignment, our response should be an unqualified yes, followed by Lord, what is it that You want me to do? As you will learn in this study, leaders are not always born (though clearly, some are). You will see examples of how God moves His children into leadership roles. And you will learn some very valuable truths about the huge difference between God s performance standards and qualifications for leaders, and those of the world. So dive in. See what God has to say about spiritual leaders, and test your understanding of what is required to be a leader. For some, it will mean opening your heart and mind to the possibility that He just may be calling you to be a leader, or to take on greater responsibilities in the work of His kingdom. 6

8 Vision for spiritual leadership Roger Severino When I was in high school, a youth leader put J. Oswald Sanders book Spiritual Leadership in my hands. I was not a deacon at our church. I was not an official teacher. I held no publicly-recognized office. But someone believed I was a spiritual leader and, therefore, gave me this book to help me develop. That book served as a tremendous resource to instruct me on the biblical principles of spiritual leadership and launched me on a journey that continues today. You may or may not serve in an official capacity at your church. But God has given you gifts and given you influence. If you are a follower of Christ, God desires to impact other lives through you for His purposes. This is what we mean, in a broad sense, by the term spiritual leadership. Believers are called to use their influence to reach and disciple others for God s kingdom. Our prayer is that God may use these Bible studies to prepare you for spiritual leadership the way Sanders book did many years ago in my life. These lessons have been designed to include people in the pews, not just those in official leadership roles. We believe this material will challenge, encourage, and equip both those in recognized spiritual leadership roles, and those not currently serving in an acknowledged position. The only requirement is a heart that desires to be used by God. In the New Testament, you see Jesus investing in 12 very ordinary men who would later be a part of changing the world. Paul devotes his attention in his later years to raising up younger leaders, like Timothy and Titus, as evidenced by the Pastoral Epistles, likely written toward the end of Paul s life. God calls leaders for His purposes. Sometimes He uses the most unlikely of candidates. Maybe you are on that list. There is nothing more exciting than to be a part of joining God in His work in the church and in the world. I pray you will give attention and respond to God s call to serve as one of His leaders. 7

9 resources Blackaby, Henry T., and Richard Blackaby. Spiritual Leadership: The Interactive Study. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, Blanchard, Ken, and Phil Hodges. Lead like Jesus: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Clinton, J. Robert. The Making of a Leader. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, Hull, Bill, and Paul Mascarella. Lead as Jesus Led: Transformed Influence. Colorado City, CO: NavPress, Hybels, Bill. Courageous Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Iorg, Jeff. The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities That Define Great Leaders. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, Iorg, Jeff. Seasons of a Leader s Life: Learning, Leading, and Leaving Your Legacy. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, Lawrenz, Mel. Spiritual Influence: The Hidden Power Behind Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Lomenick, Brad. The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, McNeal, Reggie. A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Sanders, J. Oswald. Spiritual Leadership. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, Tripp, Paul David. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR BIBLE STUDY To view or purchase Foundations Curriculum Resources visit us at To learn more about the JourneyOn Network of Churches and/or JourneyOn Resources us at info@journeyondiscipleship.com or visit us on the web at 8

10 about the writing team Dr. Jeff Iorg, pastor, author, and teacher, wrote the 13-lesson Foundations study on Spiritual Leadership. He is president of Gateway Seminary (formerly Golden Gate), which recently relocated from Mill Valley to Ontario, California. Other campuses are in Fremont, California, Denver, Phoenix, and Vancouver, Washington. Dr. Iorg is the author of The Character of Leadership, The Painful Side of Leadership, Is God Calling Me?, The Case for Antioch, Unscripted, and Seasons of a Leader s Life. He was also the general editor and contributed chapters to Ministry in the New Marriage Culture. Previously, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention. He was founding pastor of the Greater Gresham Baptist Church, Gresham, Oregon, and also pastored in Missouri and Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hardin-Simmons University, a Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Ann live in Ontario. The couple has three adult children and three grandchildren. Amy Tucker Summers wrote the teaching plans for this Foundations study. She is an experienced and skilled writer, drawing learners into Bible truths through relevant and engaging stories, questions, and reflections. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University and the Master of Arts in Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her work includes writing adult teaching procedures and personal study guides for MasterWork, Explore the Bible, Quicksource, and Bible Studies for Life. Amy s experiences as a wife, mother to three children, and her personal commitment to discipling others as an adult Bible study teacher are reflected in her warm, yet probing writing style. She and her husband, Stephen live in Belmont, North Carolina, where they are active in Exodus Church. The couple s three children are: Aaron, an engineer working for the U.S. Navy; married daughter Rachel, a graduate student at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro; and Philip, a student at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 9

11 David T. Seay served as content editor for this seventh Foundations study, Spiritual Leadership. He has a rich and varied background as a church staff member, (pastor and minister of education), content editor for Sunday School-related materials at LifeWay Christian Resources, training conference leaders, and concluded his 24-plus years of service at LifeWay as editor in chief of Mature Living magazine. He served in the U.S. Air Force from , achieving the rank of captain. David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Texas Tech University and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Melva, reside in Franklin, Tennessee. The couple has two daughters. Laura is an assistant professor at Colby College, Waterville, Maine, and Kathryn works with Wycliffe Bible Translators in West Africa. He is active in his church, Brentwood Baptist, Brentwood, Tennessee, where he is a deacon and serves as class president and assistant teacher of an adult Bible class. David also served a 4-year term on the church s Staff Resource Team. Curtis Honts edited the teaching plans for Spiritual Leadership, bringing many years of editing and writing experience to the project. Most of his 21-year career at LifeWay Christian Resources has focused on adult Bible studies, including editing MasterWork, January Bible Study resources, and leader commentaries for Bible Study for Life adult study guides. He was on staff at College Avenue Baptist Church, Ft. Worth, Texas, during seminary studies, served as minister of education at Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas, and later as pastor, Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. Curtis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Oklahoma Baptist University, a Master of Divinity degree and Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Toni have grown twins, a son and a daughter. Curtis and Toni serve at the Springfield Baptist Church, Springfield, Tennessee, where he teaches adult Bible studies and serves as a deacon. He has participated in six medical mission trips to Haiti. 10