Day 18 |  What is Leadership?

Trying to define leadership can sometimes feel like holding onto gelatin. You know that you have got something in your hand, but you’re not exactly sure what you are holding onto. In our lesson today, we want to share a practical definition of leadership to help you better make and multiply disciples.

Definition of Leadership

The following is useful definition of leadership followed by a brief explanation of what it means.

Leadership – the process of influencing people to work together for a common purpose.

First, leadership is a process because leadership shows the need for movement. One can only lead if he or she is going somewhere and others are following. Also, leadership is a process because it is ongoing and not a one-time action. Second, leadership is influence because it is not confined by position or status. It involves daily decision making that shows attitude reflected through actions. Third, leadership involves working together because certain aspects in life cannot be done alone. Leadership is a team sport, and leaders are in the people business, meaning teams work best when people work together. Finally, leadership centers around a common purpose because people rally around a shared vision.

2 Values of Leadership

What you value determines what you do, and what you do demonstrates what you value. Therefore, as we begin understand what it means to develop leaders, it’s important to understand the two key values of leadership.

1. Servanthood

Servant leadership shows humility and puts the needs of others first. Servant leaders use their power to lift others up.

“We live in a time where holders of power are suspect and actions that stem from authority are questioned. Legitimized power has become an ethical imperative.”

Robert Greenleaf

“Multiplying disciples by teaching them to walk on an increasing path of obedience. We develop and multiply leaders by teaching them to walk on an increasing path of servanthood.”

Larry Osborne

“My hope is that someday people won’t talk about servant leadership because that will be the only type of leadership that exists.”

Patrick Lencioni

Mark 10:43-45
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

2. Transformation

Transformational leadership is not about getting people to behave differently, but about helping people become who God has called them to be. Transformational leaders are relational, intentional, and missional.

Matthew 4:19
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

2 Corinthians 3:18
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Biblical Examples of Leadership

There are many examples of leadership development in the Bible. For our purposes, here is an abbreviated list for further discussion:

• Jesus to the Disciples (Matthew 4:19; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)
• Disciples to Church Leaders(Acts 6/7; Ephesians 4:12)
• Moses to Joshua (Numbers 27)
• Elijah to Elisha (1 Kings 19)
• Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2