LEADERSHIP 4

Passage: John 21:1-19

So far as we have thought about leadership we have considered the character and values of a leader, the concept that a leader is a shepherd as we looked at Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’ in John 10 and at God ‘the Shepherd’ in Psalm 23. We have seen the importance of willingness, a servant heart and the example that leaders are to set.

This week the two quotes below challenged me because I think they are important for us all as we finish this series and move to voting for elders.

“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” John C. Maxwell

“The hardest thing about leadership is the intimacy it requires.” Dallas Willard

Leaders are called to Intimacy

The Power of Intimacy

• Jesus came to Peter 
• Jesus brought Peter close to himself 
• Jesus prepared and ate with Peter
• Jesus restored Peter 
• Jesus gave Peter his calling 

How can doing these help us to be good leaders?

Why are these hard to do?

The Power of Intimacy Means: 

• We can have the difficult interactions
• We can take the difficult interactions
• Together we glorify God

‘Good leaders can only do the tough conversations from a place of intimacy’ – Do you agree with these statement and why?

The Problem

• Substituted intimacy for numerous connections – Jesus prioritised people 
• Substituted intimacy for distraction – Jesus prioritised the truth 
• Substituted intimacy for achievement  – Jesus showed the way to the kingdom
• Substituted intimacy for pleasure – Jesus served and sacrificed

How can we fight against the things we have substituted for intimacy?

Why is this important?

In Intimacy We 

• Build friendship 
• Build trust
• Build dependence
• We are open
• We are vulnerable 
• We are honest
• We receive help
• We receive encouragement 
• We receive direction
• We know love
• We know sorrow
• We know joy 
• We find fulfilment 
• We have people to walk with us
• We flourish

All of the above we see in Jesus’ ministry and leadership. Let us seek to benefit from the power of intimacy in our lives.

The two quotes below remind us of the importance of Intimacy:

We need to trust to be vulnerable, and we need to be vulnerable in order to build trust. Brene Brown ‘dare to lead’

I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential. Brene Brown ‘dare to lead’

How do these make someone a good leader?

Intimacy with other comes for a place of Intimacy with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit 

• Intimacy with God – James 4:8, 2 Timothy 3:15-17
• Intimacy with Jesus – Revelation 3:20
• Intimacy with the Holy Spirit – John 13:15-17

What steps can you take to develop your Intimacy with God and how will that help your leadership?

Intimacy is hard but it’s worth it. As you read through 1 Peter 4:7-11, note how it all works together.