Humility

Ben Foust

1 Peter 5:5-7

Paul writes to Christians who are experiencing persecution, raising up the importance of humility--being willing to be "lower." He gives us 5 directions we should "clothe ourselves in humility": under God, toward those "over" us, toward those "under" us, toward one another, and toward God in the specific condition of anxiety.

Shepherd the Flock

Ben Foust

1 Peter 5:1-4

Peter instructs elders in the church on how they should lead, particularly in the midst of trials. He gives them 3 "hows" and 1 "why" to keep in mind as they lead, calling on them to shepherd the flock as the Good Shepherd, Jesus, has shepherded them. He tells them to have the mindset that leading is a privilege, offering them the chance to share in Jesus' glory, and to see it not as a way to be over people, but to under them, serving as Jesus does for them.

The Confluence of Character and Competence in Leadership

Josh Benadum

2 Timothy 2:24

Leadership and character are related but they ae not the same. This workshop dives into how Christ-like character and leadership are connected and seeks to demonstrate how pursuing Christ-like character should lead to greater effectiveness in serving God. Thesis: Growth in character ought to drive development in competency as a leader. Expanding leadership influence must be sustained by continued growth in character.

Leading through Uncertainty: Lessons from Nehemiah

Shane Coulter

Nehemiah 8:1-17

Times of crisis, fear, and uncertainty present unique challenges and opportunities for servant leaders. Nehemiah offers us an example of how we too can be bold, faithful and loving in the midst of overwhelming and uncertain times. The effective servant leader will cling to prayer, be bold in the face of opportunities, be creative in the face of setbacks, and will see opportunity in upheaval.

Bowing to God's Rule

Mike Sullivan

Psalms 2

Like the first Psalm, Psalm 2 is not a prayer but more instruction on how to pray effectively. This Psalm instructs us to bend to God's will because that is in our rational self-interest. Our attitude to God's right to rule us, our beliefs about his goodness, shapes how we pray to him. When we understand he is good, he has the right to rule us, and how desperately we need his rescue, that should affect our willingness to bow to his rule.

Biblical Leadership

Ryan Lowery

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Biblical leadership is accomplished through flawed people, willing to be servants. We are called to acknowledge the role of leaders, understanding they have a God-given role, and we should not make it difficult for them. We are also not to put them on a pedestal. Christian leaders are not called to control people, but rather to help people make decisions about their life, informed about the Biblical perspective on their choices.

Servant Leadership

James Rochford

Mark 10:32-45

In a world full of selfishness and scandals, Jesus defines leadership as sacrificial serving--putting ourselves below others, willing to give of ourselves, not looking for power.

Slaves and Masters

Ben Foust

Ephesians 6:5-9

Paul continues this section of Ephesians, applying the principles of walking God's way to concrete relationships. In this passage, he gives instructions for Slaves and Masters as they interact with one another. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not condone slavery, bu rather presents a radical message of love and equality. Practical application can be drawn for anyone in a relationship of authority.

Husbands & Wives

Ben Foust

1 Peter 3:1-9

Peter speaks to the relationship between Christian husbands and wives. Today this passage is often controversial, when ideas like submission and obedience are taken out of their literary and historical context. However, when we interpret Peter's writing in light of context we see God's beautiful plan for a healthy marriage relationship, one in which the husband lays down his life as a servant leader and a wife supports and respects her husband. Such marriages can be lights in the darkness in a society that largely fails in the area of marriage.