Dear Small Group Leaders,
As we embark on this journey of leadership development together, our focus for July is on the profound concept of leading by serving others. There is no greater example of this than Jesus Christ, who consistently demonstrated what it means to lead through service and humility.
In John 13:1-17, we find a powerful narrative that epitomizes servant leadership. Jesus, knowing that His time had come to leave this world, chose to spend His final moments with His disciples in a most extraordinary way. He took on the role of a servant, washing the feet of His disciples. This act was not only a demonstration of love and humility but also a profound lesson in leadership. By washing their feet, Jesus showed that true leadership is not about wielding authority or demanding respect but about serving others selflessly. This radical act of servanthood shattered the conventional views of leadership in His time and continues to challenge us today.
As small group leaders, we are called to emulate this example in our interactions with those we lead. Leading by serving means putting the needs of others before our own, listening actively, and offering support and encouragement. It means being willing to do the humble tasks, just as Jesus did, to show our commitment to the well-being and growth of our group members. Whether it's reaching out to someone in need, offering a listening ear, or providing practical help, our actions can profoundly impact those we lead.
In this journey of leading by serving, let us draw inspiration from Jesus' example and the Scripture reference in John 13:1-17. Reflect on how you can incorporate acts of service into your leadership style. Consider ways to uplift and support your group members, creating an environment where they feel valued and cared for. Remember, it's through these small acts of kindness and service that we truly exemplify the heart of Jesus.
3 Lessons on Servant Leadership
In John 13:1-17, Jesus washing the feet of His disciples provides profound lessons on servant leadership and challenges us to love, serve, and care for others with humility and compassion.
Humility and Servant Leadership: Jesus, the Master and Teacher, took on the role of a servant by washing the feet of His disciples, a task typically reserved for the lowest servants. This act of humility teaches that true leadership involves serving others selflessly. Jesus' example emphasizes that no task is too menial for a leader who seeks to serve others with humility.
Love and Sacrifice: Jesus’ action demonstrates His deep love for His disciples. By washing their feet, He shows that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through humble, sacrificial actions. This act prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and underscores that genuine love involves putting others' needs above one's own.
Spiritual Cleansing and Forgiveness: In washing the disciples' feet, Jesus symbolizes the spiritual cleansing and forgiveness that He offers. He tells Peter that unless He washes him, he has no part with Him, indicating that spiritual purification is essential for a relationship with Jesus.
Jesus’ action demonstrates His deep love for His disciples. By washing their feet, He shows that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through humble, sacrificial actions. This act prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and underscores that genuine love involves putting others' needs above one's own.
As we close our first month's newsletter, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own leadership journey. Ask yourself how you can better serve those you lead and how you can inspire others to do the same. Let your faith be ignited by the example of Jesus, and let His servant leadership be the guiding light in all that you do. Together, let us strive to become better versions of ourselves, leading by serving others and making a lasting impact in our communities. May this message inspire you to lead with a servant's heart and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Blessings,
Pastors Kurtis and Daisy Allen