For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
The purpose of this podcast is to foster a Christian leadership culture. This is an important study for anyone in leadership, or considering it. Please listen to this podcast (18 minutes) and share it with others whom you may be able to influence.
Key Greek verb: katakurieuein (to lord it over, dominate, domineer, wield authority, etc).
Scriptures including the Greek word katakurieuein:
- Acts 19:16
- 1 Peter 5:1-3
- Mark 10:42-45 (Matthew 20:25-28)
- Genesis 1:28 (Greek O.T. only)
Applications
- Bullying (not being pushy, forceful, or a poor listener)
- Personal example
- Input & feedback (welcoming it)
- Humility
- "Ministry" language (implying non-staff are not in the ministry)
- Local leadership (local decision making)
- The danger with hierarchies (misunderstanding, abuse, stunted growth)
- The need for vigilance--otherwise the ways of the Gentiles will take over
Questions for leaders (especially):
- Is my leadership style overpowering?
- Do I call others to go where I have not gone?
- Am I fond of position, prestige, perquisites, or priority?
- Do I see the danger of authority, hierarchy, and mandate?
- Am I known for welcoming diversity of opinion, or do I feel threatened by those who may question my judgment?
- Do I expect others to submit to the authority of God and his Word, or to me and my word?
Great quotes:
- "The very first thing which needs to be said about Christian ministers of all kinds is that they are 'under' people (as their servants) rather than 'over' them (as their leaders, let alone their lords). Jesus made this absolutely plain. The chief characteristic of Christian leaders, he insisted, is humility not authority, and gentleness not power." -- John Stott, The Gospel and the End of Time
- For the opposite view, the words of Nietzsche are apropos: “A man who strives after great things, looks upon every one whom he encounters on his way either as a means of advance, or a delay and hindrance—or as a temporary resting-place. His peculiar lofty BOUNTY to his fellow-men is only possible when he attains his elevation and dominates..." (Beyond Good and Evil, 273). Notice the philosopher feels he is doing a favor to others by dominating them.
- One more quote, back on the believing side: "We would do well not to be enamored by the kind of leadership that is so prized by politicians and CEOs, the kind that is conspicuous and, as we say, 'effective.' Forget about charisma, go for character." -- Eugene Peterson, The Unnecessary Pastor