28/08/2026
DISCIPLE'S LIFESTYLE (NBC)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026: WEEK 5
JESUS' LEADERSHIP STYLE
Hymn: (BH 417) Lead On, O King Eternal
Scriptures: Psalm 23; John 15:1-14
Teaching Method: Lecture
Primary and Learning Outcome: Members will understand Jesus' style of leadership and indicate their knowledge by:
(i) Mentioning the leadership styles discussed from the first week;
(ii) Describing Jesus' leadership style and its benefits;
(iii) Resolving to emulate Jesus' leadership style as a disciple of Christ.
ICE BREAKING PERIOD
I am a good leader when I can develop others to be good and responsible leaders. Discuss.
Facilitator's Opening Remark
Leadership is an integral part of every sector, including the church, since it has to do with the management or headship of a group of people. Having good leadership is pertinent to the growth and development of the church financially, numerically, spiritually and otherwise. The assertion is true because the kind of leadership in a place goes a long way to determine the success story of that place and the church. Christians should know that not all leadership styles are suitable for the church because of its nature. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a good leader. He led with integrity by helping, loving, and caring through forgiveness and humility. Therefore, His leadership style has become a true model to Christians for a successful ministry. The focus of today's lesson is Jesus' leadership style.
EDUCATION/ INTERACTION PERIOD
A. JESUS AS THE PERFECT LEADER
Jesus is the perfect leader and our model as believers. His leadership style is exceptional by all standards. He did not see leadership as just occupying a highly respected position to oppress others like the worldly people do, neither did He lord it over His followers. Rather, He saw and practiced leadership as a ministry and a way to impact lives. He completely let go of His rights (Philippians 2:6-7) and depended completely on God to fulfil His ministry on earth. Jesus led in the following ways:
He spoke the truth: Speaking the truth in love is one of the hallmarks of a good leader. This was exhibited by Jesus throughout His earthly ministry (Matthew 12:34). A good leader should be ready to speak the truth without compromise, even when there is pressure to do otherwise (John 8:32).
He had integrity: Jesus lived a life of integrity. There was no single dishonesty found in Him. He lived what He taught and preached. He passionately preached the gospel's message and obediently discharged His duty as the Son of God. He was committed to His vision until His death. Christian leaders are encouraged to imitate Jesus' leadership style so that they will fulfil their ministry. John Maxwell said, "Image is what people think we are. Integrity is what we actually are."
He was humble: Jesus is the epitome of humility. Throughout His ministry on earth, He exemplified humility, a state of being modest or meek. He did not seek His glory but that of the Father (John 8:50; 54). He demonstrated humility when He washed His disciple's feet.
He forgave His offenders: Jesus' compassionate and loving nature made Him forgive His offenders. He taught His disciples to forgive those who have offended them, including their enemies, even when He was on the cross. This encourages Christian leaders to forgive others their sins no matter how much it hurts (Matthew 18:21-22) for acceptable relationship and service.
He led with love and compassion: Jesus led by showing love and compassion to people. He healed the sick, delivered the oppressed and met the needs of others at different occasions. He showed love to the rich, poor, the tax collectors and even the outcasts. Any leader who wants to make remarkable impact on the people should be ready to love and show compassion to their followers without discrimination like Jesus did.
Jesus trained His disciples: Jesus deliberately trained His disciples and entrusted the Gospel to them (1 Thessalonians 2:4); thus, they were able to continue after His ascension. Someone said, “I am a leader when I can develop others to be leaders.” Christian leaders should endeavour to train more people to be leaders for the sake of continuity in the ministry as of old.
He was confident and had authority: Jesus led with authority. He believes in God’s power without any intention to please human beings. He exercised authority over principalities and powers. Believers need to be confident of whom they believe in. They should believe in God and His power to fulfill ministry without arrogance.
Jesus had self-control: Jesus was not covetous, power seeker or looked for cheap popularity. He exercised self-control and resisted the Devil when He was tempted. Many Christian leaders have lost their vision due to their urge to make it quick. Jesus has shown us a good example to follow at our various levels of leadership (James 4:7).
Jesus was committed: Jesus was committed to His divine assignment. He asked his parents, “Why were you searching for me...? Didn’t you know I had to be in my father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). He also said I must do the work of my Father who sent me. Jesus has shown us some ways to be good Christian leaders therefore, we should be committed to our assignments and not take it lightly.
Sharing Time: Discuss how a leader can be supported in exhibiting Jesus' leadership style in their ministerial assignment.
B. JESUS' LEADERSHIP STYLE, A CHALLENGE FOR CONTEMPORARY LEADERS
Jesus' servant leadership is the best leadership style for the church and other Christian establishments. The ways believers can live Jesus' leadership style are as follows:
Love the people: Someone said, "You cannot effectively lead the people you do not love." Jesus loved His disciples, tax collectors, the outcasts, the sick and even little children. One of the criteria for identifying a good leader is the ability to love their followers genuinely.
Be prayerful: Jesus was prayerful. He regularly communed with God in prayer; hence, He was successful in the ministry. Likewise, Christian leaders must be prayerful to lead successfully. They should pray for their followers, new vision, projects and everything they intend to do. A prayerful leader is a successful leader.
Be humble: Jesus' ministry is associated with humility. Scripture says, "He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant..." (Philippians 2:7). This is a model for every Christian leader as they discharge their duties at whatever level.
Produce leaders: Christian leaders who are ready to lead like Jesus should care about the future of the ministry and the people they lead. They should be deliberate in training their followers for the good of the ministry (Mark 3:13-15). A leader who is not intentionally reproducing leaders would find it difficult to transform a church that will exalt Christ.
Communication: Leaders must understand that effective communication is crucial to making exceptional changes in the ministry. This is essential to modelling Christ's leadership style. They should communicate their vision, expectations, and strategies as well as results.
Every believer is uniquely endowed by God, and no one should be idle in the body of Christ. When leaders have created room of purpose in ministry with their vision, everyone will actively participate in bringing it to reality. Jesus told His disciples, "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).
Identify individual's gifts: A good Christian leader should recognize and maximize the potential of his followers, whether they are children, aged, literate or illiterates. They can add value to the body of Christ using their gifts. They are equipped for a successful ministry.
Sharing Time: Describe the nature of a church or ministry that is intentionally reproducing leaders.
C. BENEFITS OF LEADING LIKE JESUS
There are numerous benefits to a leader who is leading like Jesus. They are:
▪️︎ It shows the leader is truly a child of God.
▪️︎ It is a sign of obedience to God.
▪️︎ It confirms the genuineness of one's salvation.
▪️︎ More dedicated leaders will emerge.
▪️︎ The leader becomes a role model to others.
▪️︎ The ministry will grow.
▪️︎ There will be love and unity among God's people.
Everyone will be fulfilled using their gifts for the good of the ministry.
The ministry will not suffer.
Facilitator's Closing Remark:
Jesus' style of leadership is the best in human history. He intentionally told His disciples that following Him disqualifies them from certain leadership styles (Matthew 20:25–28). By implication, disciples of Christ must intentionally reject any leadership style that would diminish God, damage lives, and destroy the church, even if such style will lead to fame, popularity, or success
and bring riches. Jesus did not only live for others but also called, trained and commissioned them to fulfill their ministries. He, indeed, is a servant-leader. Therefore, to succeed as a Christian leader, we need the power of God to influence, develop, and enable people to fulfil their purpose. The desire of every believer and the church should be to experience Christ-centered, servant-hearted leadership for the growth of the church and the glory of God. Therefore, Christian leaders at all levels should strive to emulate Jesus’ leadership style by taking care of the sick, displaced person and the vulnerable in society, as well as seek ways to empower them.
Prayer: Pray that God will give you grace to exhibit Jesus’ leadership style at whatever level you may serve as a leader.
Post-Group Activity
Identify someone who has constantly demonstrated good leadership style in your church and continue to pray for him or her.
ROAD MAP FOR DISCIPLES
From all that we have discussed this month, it is obvious that leadership is a vital aspect of human life, and it is needed at all levels. Christian leadership is all about exercising influence, guidance, service to others and shepherding God’s people towards fulfilling the church’s goals. However, we should know that not all leadership styles, like autocratic and bureaucratic, are needed in the church. Leaders are models to those that they lead. This is true because the type of leadership in any organisation will significantly affect almost everything. Therefore, leadership is not about occupying a position of greatness, rather; it is an opportunity to make impact/influence and empower others. As a result, leadership cannot be said to be effective in a Christian circle if the leaders fail to emulate Christ-like leadership.
Believers should live in a way that will add value to the lives of others. This can be done through a life of discipline, honesty, humility, prayerfulness, respect for others, and obedience to law and order.