The Paradigm and Purpose of Leadership

All too frequently Christian leaders who have started well fail to endure in ministry because they have, wittingly or unwittingly, adopted a false model of leadership that reflects more the pattern of the world than that of the Lord Jesus. Such leadership can end in serious public scandal that discredits the gospel. This temptation can be immensely subtle. We therefore need to understand the true biblical pattern for leadership. This talk lays the foundations for faithful and enduring leadership by contrasting the self-centred behaviour of the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law with the servant leadership of the Lord Jesus. Only when we follow Jesus’ example will we have a lasting ministry that can truly bless the church and glorify him.