Disciplines of a Serving Team Leader

Focused on their mission and team, serving team leaders practice several disciplines:

1. They PRAY: In Luke 9:28, Jesus had his “inner circle” witness an intimate connection with his Father during his transfiguration. Their big takeaway regarded discernment. Through whose lens would they perceive reality and from whom would they gain ultimate direction? Jesus or the law (Moses)? Jesus or the prophets (Elijah)? Furthermore, when teaching his disciples to pray (Luke 11:1-13), Jesus emphasized the priority of God’s Kingdom over personal desires. Once we are aligned with our heavenly Father (note how the Lord’s prayer begins) )we can make our petitions. Persistence is key to receiving: ask, seek, and knock. Whatever we receive is a good gift from God; he knows what is best. On that note, team leaders must learn to do what is best for the ultimate mission and their team!

2. They UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURE: In Luke 24:13-27, Jesus explained to the disciples traveling to Emmaus the deeper truths in the law and prophets that spoke of his ultimate purpose. Study and application of scripture are vitally important for a healthy leadership vision. We need God’s guidance and direction through His word to effectively guide our teams and mission.

3. They TAKE TIME FOR SOLITUDE: In Mark 6:30-32, Jesus called his disciples away to a solitary place for quietness and rest to recharge their emotional, mental, and physical “batteries.” Evaluation of ministry, consideration of major decisions, and realignment with both team members and the mission can all occur when one has time and space to think.

4. They EXPERIENCE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: Jesus modeled unconditional love to his disciples despite their failures when he left them for a short time over his crucifixion and resurrection. His love for them was expressed by preparing them for his crucifixion (see also his instructions on unconditional love in John 13:34-35). Team leaders allow their team members to fail forward in the context of this type of love and commitment toward their success.

5. They STAY CONNECTED IN SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS: In Matthew 26:38, even Jesus needed the support of his disciples during his greatest moment of temptation in the garden of Gethsemane. Isolation and elevation above followers are dangerous for all leaders.

[Next week’s post will move us into the second aspect of our leadership framework—the KNOWING of the serving team leader.]