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September 6, 2023

Timothy learned early that leading himself came before leading others. Before he called others to follow, he had to model the way. Consider these verses:

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7, NIV).

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

¹⁵Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:15–16).

In this chapter Paul exhorted Timothy to be a role model to those he was leading, to “set an example” to others. Serving leaders acknowledge that leadership is an inside job. Before serving leaders tell others they show them what it looks like. As Timothy followed Paul’s instructions he became a model in several significant ways.

Timothy modeled discipline.

Paul instructed Timothy, “train yourself to be godly.” To lead others Timothy needed to be the right kind of person—a godly man. This would not happen without focus and discipline.   Athletes training for their sport leaders need to exercise discipline. The discipline of training can be tiresome and difficult. There are many days that any athlete would prefer to stay in bed rather than do the necessary training.  

Many leaders want to be seen as great leaders, but they aren’t willing to pay the daily price of discipline that is required to become great. They look for shortcuts to help them lead others without improving themselves. Serving leaders acknowledge that discipline is the price of becoming a role model. They are willing to pay the price before they attempt to lead.  They discipline themselves to be the right kind of person before they seek to lead others.

Timothy modeled distinction.

Paul encouraged Timothy to overcome the challenge of being a young leader by setting an example for others. Timothy could not change his age, but he could work towards becoming the most mature young person around. He would distinguish himself from the crowd of others his age by growing in “speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  Timothy modeled distinction, standing out from the crowd by rising above the crowd.

Many leaders want to be elevated because of their position and authority. Serving leaders seek to be the best version of themselves that they can be at whatever age they are. As they do so they become more mature than their peers and serve others as a model of distinction.

Timothy modeled diligence.

Paul called Timothy to diligence “so that everyone may see your progress.”  Timothy learned that growth takes diligence. While it was good to be an exemplary young leader he needed to make continual progress that was obvious to those watching his life.   

Many leaders stop growing when they think they are good enough to get the job done. But serving leaders are diligent to keep growing in ways that become a model to those around them.

For further reflection and discussion:

• What area of my life is currently not a good model to others? What do I need to change this week to start improving in that area?
• Do I model a continuous improvement in my life and leadership that is obvious to those around me? If not, what do I need to change?
• Reflect on those you lead. What can I do to encourage them to become models to those around them? In what ways can I affirm and encourage those who are currently role models?       
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following: 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; and 2 Timothy 2:16, 22. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy was called to be a role model and specific areas in which he was to show others the way.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Timothy developed good friendships.

August 23, 2023

As he developed his leadership capacity one of the areas that Timothy needed to learn was the discipline of self-control. Consider these instructions from Paul to the young leader:  

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy (2 Timothy 1:3–4, NIV).

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will (2 Timothy 2:25–26).

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly (2 Timothy 2:16).

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7).

These passages reveal three areas in which Timothy learned self-control.

Timothy learned to control his temper.  

Paul remembers Timothy’s tears and urges him to instruct “gently” when he would be tempted to lash out in anger.  Sorrow and anger are two of the many emotions that every leader faces. Paul does not rebuke Timothy for these emotions, but tenderly encourages self-control, one of the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Anger is perhaps one of the most potentially destructive emotions for leaders. No one wants to follow a leader who cannot control their temper and a lack of self-control in this area has hindered the effectiveness of many leaders.   A temper out of control is a leadership nightmare.

But serving leaders both acknowledge and control their emotions. They are not afraid to reveal their tears and they learn to keep their anger from being destructive.  They acknowledge that they can’t serve others when they lose their temper.  

Timothy learned to control his tongue.   

We have already observed Paul’s instruction for Timothy to instruct his opponents “gently”. Paul recognized that it requires great self-control to speak gently when there is direct opposition! The tongue often verbally expresses the anger in the heart and will not lead to the repentance encouraged by a gentle tongue. Paul also warns Timothy against “godless chatter….godless myths and old wives tales..” He is referring broadly to speech that is not helpful. While words spoken in anger are obviously harmful, other speech is simply not helpful and Paul cautions Timothy to control his tongue so as to avoid this kind of speech. Many leaders have tongues that are as unpredictable as the weather and are more harmful than helpful. But serving leaders seek to control what comes out of their mouths so that it is never harmful and always helpful.

Timothy learned to control his time.   

Part of Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “avoid godless chatter” and “old wives tales” is a direct challenge for him to use his time well. Here and in other places Paul urged Timothy to be diligent in focusing his time and attention to the things that matter and to avoid distractions. In some cases Paul urged Timothy to “Come quickly” while at other times not to be “hasty” (see 1 Timothy 5:22 and 2 Timothy 4:9). Timothy had to learn to manage his time well. If these instructions were given today we might hear Paul say, “Don’t waste your time on useless conversations and following the latest controversies on social media!” Many leaders allow the tyranny of the urgent to keep them from the most effective use of their time. Serving leaders learn to control their schedule so that they are doing the things that best bring value to those they serve.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Which of these three areas (temper, tongue and time) are most difficult for me to control right now? Reflect on the question below for that area:

*Temper. When have I lost my temper in leadership and how did it impact my influence with others?

*Tongue. In what way do I use my tongue in ways that are not helpful for those I lead? What do I need to do to more fully allow God to help me develop self-control in this area?

*Time. What are my greatest time wasters? What do I need to do to develop greater self-control in this area?

• Reflect on those you lead. How do I encourage them to develop control of themselves that goes far beyond obeying external instructions? Which of these three areas should I be talking about with my key leaders?        
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following: 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:4; 4:2, 9-12, 21. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy learned self-control?           

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Timothy became a role model to others.

August 9, 2023

Timothy, like all of us, became a leader with all his life experiences, memories and circumstances. While many of these were good and beneficial; others were not helpful and could have been hinderances to his ability to lead. Metaphorically we can refer to unresolved issues, disappointments, wrongs, and trauma from the past as “baggage”, a heavy load that weighs us down. Timothy had to leave some of his own baggage behind to become an effective serving leader. Consider these verses which we will examine to discover what could have been baggage for Timothy and how he left it behind:

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek (Acts 16:1, NIV).

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am (1 Corinthians 16:10).

Timothy released the baggage of family.

Timothy came from a culturally, religiously, and ethnically mixed family line, his mother was Jewish and a Christian while his father was Greek and not a believer. Timothy could have struggled with his ethnic identity and felt unworthy to work among Jews and side by side with Paul, a full-blooded Jew. At the same time the Gentiles might see him as an outsider! Yet Timothy left this behind and became an effective leader with Paul and to the Gentiles he was called to lead. Family history and heritage can become baggage for everyone, either leading to inferiority or pride. Family systems can shape the way we respond to conflict and how we deal with emotions, etc. Many leaders are unaware of the baggage they carry from their family of origin. Serving leaders learn to identify and acknowledge where they came from and work through issues that need resolution so they can lead others in a healthy way.   

Timothy released the baggage of age.  

Paul had to remind Timothy that even though he was young, he could be an example and lead well.  Timothy was young and had to overcome the mental challenge of leading people who were older than he was. They would naturally have looked down on him and if he allowed himself to dwell on his youthfulness and inexperience he would have become insecure in his leadership. Some leaders may allow their young age to keep them from growing and leading well. Others may be middle aged and look back with longing to days that they had more energy and youthfulness. Those who are older may be tempted to relax and not continue growing in their leadership capacity or to be proud of their accomplishments. No one can change their age but serving leaders release the emotional baggage of focusing on how old they are and choose to focus on serving others in the present.

Timothy released the baggage of personality.

Paul instructed those where Timothy would visit to see that he had “nothing to fear” with them or to “put him at ease” (ESV). In other places he admonishes Timothy to not have a spirit of fear. These seem to indicate that by nature Timothy had a fearful and perhaps introverted personality. His personality could have kept him from being an effective leader, but Timothy learned to move past that and to lead well. While Timothy’s personality could have led him to be more timid than he should have been, other personalities will be more naturally overbearing and stronger than helpful. Some leaders allow their personality to control their leadership but serving leaders work to develop their personality in ways that allow them to best serve the needs of those they lead.  

For further reflection and discussion:

• What is the baggage that comes with my specific family history, my age, and my personality? (Make a list of each). How do these impact my leadership? Which one is most important for me to focus on leaving behind right now?
• Reflect on those you lead. Are some of the challenges I see them facing related to baggage that they carry from their family, age, or personality? What can I do to encourage them to recognize and leave behind their own baggage? Would they consider reading this reflection and having a discussion with me about it?       
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following: 1 Timothy 5:23 and 2 Timothy 2:22. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy might have carried additional baggage in his leadership?               

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Timothy learned self-control. Note: In this series we are looking at the life of Timothy. It’s a great time to read through the two books in the Bible with his name, written to him by Paul. As you read, reflect on what Timothy did to grow as a leader and how his actions apply to your own growth.

July 19, 2023 

Timothy was a young man, eager to save the world as he joined his mentor, Paul. But along the way he learned that leadership is not all about action. Leadership certainly involves the actions leaders take as well as the heart and motives underneath the actions. But leadership also includes the mind, thinking, pondering, and reflecting. These are things that Timothy would learn on his own journey. Consider these instructions Paul gave Timothy.  

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this (2 Timothy 2:7, NIV).  

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (NIV)  

Paul calls Timothy to “reflect” and to “keep your head.” Timothy needed to learn how to think as a leader, spending time learning the importance of reflection and thought. His example teaches serving leaders to understand the power and practice of reflection.  

Reflection releases insight.    

Paul tells Timothy that reflection will produce insight. Paul could have simply told Timothy the insight, but he wanted Timothy to develop the capacity to reflect and gain his own insight! The muscle of reflection needed to be exercised for Timothy to gain insight.  Reflection takes a leader out of the immediate tasks and allows thought on the bigger picture. Reflection allows a leader to gain insight that helps them lead. This insight may be a needed change of direction or a clearer focus on current priorities. It may be a greater self-awareness as the leader reflects on their own leadership actions and how their leadership impacts others. The insight might be a new thought that helps solve a perplexing challenge.  The insights gained ultimately benefit the entire organization and in this regard reflection is one of the greatest gifts a leader can give to those they lead. 

Many leaders lead with little insight! Others seek insight from many places, perhaps good sources, but which are still shortcuts to the discipline of reflection. But serving leaders gain insight as they take time to step away and reflect. They don’t think they’re leading unless they’re thinking!  

Reflection results in stability. 

Paul calls Timothy to “keep your head in all situations.” He is urging Timothy to be a stable leader one who would not rush in many directions at the same time or change course at the slightest obstacle. He needed to keep his head straight! Reflection brings stability to leadership. Leaders who don’t stop to reflect often change course erratically with little thought to how it impacts those they are leading. They learn that leading only with action often produces a reaction! But serving leaders stop and reflect, then lead from a position of calmness and stability.  

Reflection requires time.  

Reflection has great benefits but is a discipline that requires time. Reflection requires a pause, stepping back from normal activities and thinking deeply and pondering.  Reflection cannot be rushed or squeezed into the margins of our day. This is a challenge for leaders with the many demands on their time. There are pressing tasks that need to be done, objectives that must be met, people to see and places to go! In this environment it is hard to stop and reflect. It may seem to be a waste of time. So, the discipline of reflection, like all leadership disciplines, must be intentional and planned in the calendar.    

Many leaders don’t take time to stop working to think and reflect. They press on with the work they are doing with no time to reflect on the work. But serving leaders understand that the benefits of reflection outweigh the costs and they build time for reflection in their leadership rhythms.  

For further reflection and discussion: 

• How can I develop the discipline of reflection in my own life? Do I have time in my daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual rhythms to pause and reflect? How can I improve my reflection time?  
• Reflect on those you lead. What can I do to encourage them to develop their own ability to reflect?  Do I invite them to reflect for insight as Paul did to Timothy, or do I too quickly share my own insight with them? How would they answer this question?       
• Would others describe my leadership as “stable” or “inconsistent” and what impact does that have on my leadership?   

• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following: 1 Timothy 4:2,15–16, 2 Timothy 1:13-14. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy learned to reflect on the instructions Paul gave him?   

(In this series we are looking at the life of Timothy. If you haven’t already, this is a great time to read through the two books in the Bible with his name, written to him by Paul. As you read, reflect on what Timothy did to grow as a leader and how his actions apply to your own growth.)   

Until next time, yours on the journey, 

Jon Byler 

In the next issue, we’ll look at things Timothy learned to leave behind.  

July 12, 2023

One of the many things Timothy needed to learn as a church leader was how to understand, apply and teach the scriptures. As a follower of Jesus, this was his essential textbook for life and leadership.

Consider these exhortations from Paul:

¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:15–16, NIV).

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

We might hear Paul’s words as instructions to us and rightly so. But underneath his admonitions Paul reveals what Timothy had done over a lifetime of exposure to the ancient Jewish scriptures.

Timothy learned to know the Word.  

Paul reminded Timothy that “from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures…” Paul observed a discipline that Timothy had developed for years. Without the luxury of pulling a book off the shelf at his home, Timothy invested time to learn the Word. He had to take time to go somewhere, listen, study, memorize and ponder the meaning of this book. He likely discussed with his teachers the meaning and application of the ancient texts. In the Word he observed the lives of successful and unsuccessful leaders. He learned that some leaders focus on themselves while others focus on those they lead. As he learned to know the Word his character, thinking, and leadership actions were slowly but deliberately shaped. His leadership was grounded in ultimate realities far beyond himself.  

Some leaders don’t give careful thought to what model of leadership they will follow. Instead, they seek to do whatever seems right and most likely to produce the outcomes they desire. But serving leaders recognize that what they read, study, and ponder shapes their thinking and their actions. They seek the truth of the Word as the foundation for their leadership journey.   

Timothy learned to live the Word.  

Paul also noted that the scriptures “make you wise for salvation..” and are useful for “training in righteousness.” Timothy not only learned to know the word; he learned to put into practice what he was learning. He transferred knowledge from his head to his hands, living out what he learned. He realized that before he could tell others how to lead, he had to model what he wanted them to do.

Some leaders pursue knowledge for the sake of knowing and impressing others. But serving leaders seek knowledge that shapes their actions. They show the way before they teach the way.

Timothy learned to teach the Word.  

Paul was not satisfied for Timothy to know the Word and to live it out, he wanted so see multiplication! So, he told Timothy that the Word is “useful for teaching…” Timothy was to use his own life and leadership to raise up other leaders, sharing with them the truths he had learned and practiced. While some leaders focus only on their own growth and development, serving leaders always look for others to develop. They invest their lives in passing on to the younger leaders what they have learned as Paul did with Timothy. Serving leaders shape the lives of others as they teach a different way to live. Where this is done effectively, leadership gets better with each generation!

For further reflection and discussion:

• How can I more deliberately see the Word as my primary source of leadership training? Am I taking the time to know it well? Do I ponder what the instructions, stories and examples teach me about leadership?
• Reflect on those you lead. What can I do to encourage them to use the Word as a source of their growth and development? If I am leading persons who do not share my faith, how can I point them to this source without being offensive?
• Can I say with confidence that my life is a model for others to follow? If not, what do I need to change to practice the Word?
• In what ways am I deliberately teaching younger leaders how to live and lead? How can I do this more effectively?
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following: 1 Timothy 4:12; 15–16;  2 Timothy 2:25–26; 4:2 What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy learned the Word?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Timothy learned to think and reflect.  

June 28, 2023

Timothy had a gifting and calling to the leadership roles in which he served, especially in his leadership of the church at Ephesus. But there were many years of growth and development that preceded this assignment and during that time Timothy was clarifying his calling.  Consider these instructions Paul gave to Timothy:

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you (1 Timothy 4:14, NIV).

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).  

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well (1 Timothy 1:18).

In these passages Paul encouraged Timothy to be clear about the call he had received to be a leader. There are several steps Timothy took to clarify his call which serve as a model for all serving leaders.

Timothy recognized the call to lead.

Paul reminds Timothy that there was a time that a body of elders laid hands on him and prophetically identified the calling and gifting that was in Timothy. We can’t know for certain when this happened but since Paul later reminds him to remember the call, it is likely that it was early in his leadership journey, perhaps when he first left home to travel with Paul. In any case, when this happened it was the beginning of recognition of his gifting and calling. Like most leaders Timothy did not likely see his own abilities and needed others to speak into his life to confirm his gifting. Serving leaders receive this as a part of their journey and they also seek to do the same for others around them.  

Timothy reinforced the call to lead.

Paul encouraged Timothy to “not neglect” and to “fan into flame” the gift that was within him. This is a call to nurture and develop what has been identified.  There would be many steps of learning and growth that were required before Timothy was ready to lead the church at Ephesus and we’ll look at many of these later in this series. For now, suffice it to say that the gifts in Timothy were clearly given but also needed to be reinforced. He would have to learn to lead as the prophecies foretold. He would practice and sometimes make mistakes but continued learning and growing. Timothy would also learn to acknowledge that he was not gifted in every way, he had his unique strengths but he would not be excellent at every aspect of leadership.  Serving leaders acknowledge that they are called and gifted to lead and at the same time recognize the diverse gifts that are needed around them. They “fan into flame” their own gifts as they learn to lead well.

Timothy remembered the call to lead.

Paul admonishes Timothy to “recall” the prophecies that had been spoken over him years earlier. What was the purpose of this reminder? Perhaps Timothy was going through a difficult time in his leadership journey and needed encouragement. Or maybe he was feeling so successful that he was forgetting the reason that he was serving. Timothy, like all serving leaders, needed to stop and reflect on why he was doing what he was doing. They need to remember their own call to serve others with their leadership gifts.

Paul wanted Timothy to remain in Ephesus…maybe it was difficult and Timothy felt like giving up. We need to remember the purpose behind our serving. Encouragement is needed.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Where did I first recognize that I was gifted and called to leadership? Were there others who affirmed this in me and if so, have I expressed my appreciation to them for this gift?
• Who around me has leadership gifts that I can identify and affirm? How and when will I do this?
• What are my greatest leadership strengths and what am I currently doing to develop them?
• How deeply have I accepted that I will never excel at every element of leadership but I can bring a team around me to complement my weaknesses? How does this impact my leadership?
• Reflect on those you lead. What can I do to encourage them to clarify their own calling?        
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following verses: 1 Timothy 4:15-16; 6:11-12, 20; and 2 Timothy 2:14. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy clarified his call?       

In this series we are looking at the life of Timothy. It’s a great time to read through the two books in the Bible with his name, written to him by Paul. As you read, reflect on what Timothy did to grow as a leader and how his actions apply to your own growth. 

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Timothy learned the Word.

June 14, 2023

Timothy was hungry to learn but he also recognized that growth in leadership comes at a cost. He was willing to pay the price that was required to shape him into the strong leader that he would become. Consider these scriptures about his life:

Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek (Acts 16:3, NIV).

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God (2 Timothy 1:7–8).

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

These verses, and many others, hint at the price Timothy needed to pay to be the leader we admire today.

Timothy paid the price of surrendering. 

Before he even left home, Timothy learned that leadership is not about him and his comfort but about being ready and willing to serve others. The pain of circumcision was more than physical, it meant that he was willing to surrender his own comfort for the sake of those he wanted to serve. When people would look down on him because of his youth, he would surrender his desire to fight back and declare his position. Timothy was learning an early lesson that all serving leaders eventually learn—at the heart of serving leadership is a heart attitude of surrender.

Some leaders are not willing to give up their own ambitions, dreams, and ego for the sake of those they serve. But serving leaders pay the price of surrender, not once but daily.

Timothy paid the price of stretching.  

When Timothy agreed to join Paul, it was an exciting new adventure but it was also costly. Traveling to new cities was not all exotic, especially when they were chased out of town with stones! This journey would require Timothy to stretch and grow in ways that would not be comfortable. He had to relocate and leave the comfort of his own home and place of his birth. He would need to stretch his “timid” personality to be a bold leader. He would stretch out of his comfort zone with continual new challenges and greater levels of responsibility as he matured under Paul’s guidance. He would pay the price of learning to receive the correction and counsel that Paul continued to give even as a seasoned leader. He needed to stretch his own character to be a model for others.

Some leaders want responsibility and authority without being willing to pay the price of being stretched in their own growth. But serving leaders accept that leadership is a journey of continual growth and development. Serving leaders focus on stretching themselves before directing others.

Timothy paid the price of suffering.  

Timothy paid the price of physical suffering and was likely jailed at least once. (See Hebrews 13:23). But he also suffered along with Paul as they were persecuted on many occasions. He suffered the isolation of separation from his family, the discomfort of continual moves, and the false accusations others made about him.  Apparently, he also suffered physical ailments. (See 1 Timothy 5:23).

Many leaders step back from leadership when they face suffering and decide to take a less costly path. But serving leaders accept that suffering is a price of leadership and will be used to strengthen their character and make them more effective in serving others.

For further reflection and discussion:

• What price have I already paid to lead? Are there other steps I should take as a leader that have seemed too costly for me to take? What will it take for me to be willing to pay the price?  Who can help me take this step?
• In what way(s) have I surrendered my own ambition, dreams or ego this week? How does this impact my leadership?
• In what way(s) am I currently stretching my leadership capacity? Are any changes needed?
• How do I respond to suffering in my leadership and how does this impact my growth?
• What can I do to help those I lead be willing to pay the price of leadership?      
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following verses: 2 Timothy 2:3, 3:12, and 4:5. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy paid a price for his leadership?    

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Timothy clarified his calling.

#350, May 31, 2023

In the previous series we looked at what Paul did as a serving leader to develop his leadership pipeline. Our primary focus was on what Paul did to help Timothy grow in leadership. In this series we’ll flip the focus to Timothy and look at what he did that helped develop his leadership capacity. Although we don’t have any recorded words of Timothy, his life is a model for us in learning how we can grow and develop our own capacity and how we can encourage the heart and actions of Timothy in those we lead. Consider Paul’s words to him about learning:

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14–15, NIV).

At the heart of Timothy’s leadership journey was his lifelong passion to learn and grow.  His life is an example to all serving leaders.

Timothy acknowledged the priority of learning.

Timothy was likely only a year or two old in his new faith when Paul requested him to join the team. He was young and inexperienced, and he realized that he had a lot to learn. He would spend the next season of life with Paul who was already an effective leader. But Timothy recognized that Paul’s training would only be effective if he was a willing learner.  

Some leaders are content to learn enough to get the job done, but they don’t have a hunger to learn more. They see learning as only a tool to accomplish a task or achieve a specific goal. But serving leaders see the priority of learning and begin a life-long pursuit of growth so that they can influence and serve more people. They recognize that their growth will also impact the growth of those around them.  And serving leaders know that unless they grow and develop themselves, they cannot effectively grow and develop others.

Timothy accepted the process of learning.

Timothy accepted the reality that his learning would be a process. It began by choosing the right people to learn from. “…because you know those from whom you learned it.”  Timothy watched Paul’s life carefully, but he also learned much from his mother and grandmother. (See 2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy recognized that the learning process would be continuous. “…continue in what you have learned…” Timothy was now a seasoned leader on his own. But he wanted to continue growing. He realized that this would be a lifelong process.

Some leaders try to take shortcuts in the learning process and only pursue more growth when they face an obstacle they can’t overcome. But serving leaders choose continued growth knowing that the price they pay is worth the effort.

Timothy acquired the product of learning.

As Paul observed Timothy’s life at this stage, he recognized that Timothy had acquired a deep conviction from his learning.  “…you…have become convinced…”  Timothy began his journey uncertain and inexperienced, but over time, as he learned and grew, he developed confidence. This confidence was not arrogance, but a settled conviction that he was ready and able to lead others. This confidence grew out of the continuous learning journey that he had pursued all his life.

Some leaders never acquire confidence in their gifting, calling and capacity and are unable to genuinely serve others. Without confidence they assert power and use their position for themselves. But serving leaders acquire confidence through a lifetime of learning and release power and authority to those they serve.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How hungry am I to grow as a leader? Is my hunger increasing or diminishing over time? How does this impact my leadership capacity?
• How can I develop a greater hunger to learn in my own life? What daily or weekly disciplines do I have that keep me growing? Who am I intentionally looking at as a person that helps me grow?
• Reflect on those you lead. What can I do to encourage them to develop a hunger for learning?  Am I doing my part to make learning accessible and expected for them?      
• In addition to the verses we used in this issue, consider the following verses from Timothy’s life: 1 Timothy 4:12, 15–16; 1 Timothy 6:20-21; and 2 Timothy 1:6, 13-14. What additional insights do you find from these verses about how Timothy was hungry to learn and grow?          
• In this series we are looking at the life of Timothy. It’s a great time to read through the two books in the Bible with his name, written to him by Paul. As you read, reflect on what Timothy did to grow as a leader and how his actions apply to your own growth. 

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler In the next issue, we’ll look at how Timothy paid the price of leadership.

#349, May 17, 2023

We have observed how Paul developed Timothy, one of the emerging leaders on his team. There were many deliberate acts of serving leadership that Paul took with Timothy and each is instructive. But in this final issue we’ll step back from some of the specific actions to the heart that shaped Paul’s actions: his love for those he served.

For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church (1 Corinthians 4:17, NIV).

Paul speaks of Timothy as “my son whom I love…” Love may seem like a ‘soft’ skill of leadership but love is powerful and was the foundation of all that Paul did. Paul’s love for Timothy began as he chose Timothy and was expressed in all he did to develop him. Because he loved Timothy he showed him the way, empowered him, stretched him, released him, followed him and encouraged him. Serving leaders learn from Paul what is required to have a heart of love for those they serve.

Loving other leaders requires selflessness.

Paul talks about Timothy in a way that elevates him in the eyes of those who read his message. Timothy “my son…who is faithful…he will remind you…” Paul was focused on Timothy, not on himself. He was sending Timothy to represent him on a critical mission. This selflessness is at the heart of serving leadership. Some leaders can’t get past themselves and all they say and do is directed towards making themselves look good. But serving leaders focus on those they serve. They use their leadership influence to build others up and to affirm and bless gifts in the emerging leader.  Serving leaders recognize that leadership is not all about them, it’s about those they serve. Serving leaders love because they are selfless.

Loving other leaders requires surrender.

Paul was willing to surrender some of his own power and authority as he sent this letter through Timothy to the church in Corinth. “I have sent to you Timothy…” Paul delegated his authority to this young leader and trusted him to serve well. It was a risk that placed Paul in a very vulnerable position, but he loved Timothy enough to release power to him. Some leaders are afraid to release control. But serving leaders surrender power and authority to see others raised up. Serving leaders love through surrender.

Loving other leaders requires security.  

Paul was able to love Timothy from a place of deep security in his own leadership. He was not threatened by Timothy’s gifts or abilities. He was secure enough to allow Timothy to represent him to the church. He was secure enough to elevate Timothy’s gifts and calling. Paul’s security was rooted in his “life in Christ Jesus.” His leadership was anchored in something much deeper than his role or gifting, it was in a relationship with Jesus. Some leaders fear that emerging leaders will become better than they are. They see the gifts of others as a threat to themselves. But serving leaders know who they are, they are secure in their gifts and callings. From that place of security they can bless and affirm the gifts of others, even when the emerging leader is better than they are. Serving leaders understand that focusing on others does not diminish who they. Instead serving leaders are secure enough to release and empower others. Serving leaders love because they are secure.

Serving leaders do many things to develop those around them. But at the heart of it all is a love for those they serve.

For further reflection and discussion:

• On a scale of 1 to 10 how much is my own leadership shaped by love? What is the impact that has on my leadership?
• Is my leadership primarily focused on myself or on those I lead? What actions in the past week demonstrate this? What one step can I take this week to improve? 
• How easily do I release control to others? What example can I give in my leadership of my willingness (or lack of willingness) to surrender power and authority to others? Where do I need to take more risks on releasing those I serve?
• Do my leadership actions flow out of a place of personal security, or do they reflect my own insecurities? What can I do this week to anchor my leadership on a deeper foundation?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

Special Offer: If you would like all the issues from Paul’s Leadership Pipeline in a PDF format, click here to download.

In the next issue, we’ll begin a series looking at the life of Timothy, the other side of Paul’s Leadership Pipeline.

April 19, 2023  

We have reflected on several deliberate actions that Paul took to develop his leadership pipeline strategically moving people from one level to the next in their capacity. One action that Paul continually practiced was encouraging those he wanted to develop. Consider these examples from his communication with Timothy:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel(Philippians 2:19-22).

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

Paul provided Timothy with both private words of encouragement and public affirmation of his gifts and calling. He understood that encouragement results in better leaders and his example shows serving leaders what encouragement produces.

Encouraging leaders produces growth in others.

Paul encouraged Timothy to grow and develop, to “fan into flame” the gifts that he had. Imagine the impact it had for Timothy to hear from Paul that he had a gift within him. An emerging leader often does not even imagine their leadership capacity and it takes someone else to point out their gifts. When an established leader points out the gifts of an emerging leader it is a great encouragement and provides a desire to grow. Paul also called forth what was to become a flame, likely only a tiny spark at the time. But Paul focused on what Timothy would become. What a motivation to grow and develop! Some leaders point to their own gifts but serving leaders highlight the gifts of those they lead. As they do they develop leaders who are growing.

Encouraging leaders produces confidence in others.

As Paul encouraged Timothy, he became a strong leader that “proved himself.” Paul’s public encouragement of Timothy’s strength must have inspired confidence in him. What a confidence builder to know that a mature leader believes that I can do this!

Some leaders believe that pointing out the weaknesses of others will help them become strong. Serving leaders don’t ignore weaknesses, but they encourage and affirm signs of positive growth. And as they encourage, serving leaders build confident leaders.

Encouraging leaders produces reproduction in others.

Paul encouraged Timothy and it is not surprising that Timothy would “strengthen and encourage” the believers in Thessalonica. Encouragement cascades from one leader to another.

Some leaders think they can reproduce leaders by training. But serving leaders reproduce by their example, they model the way. They recognize that leadership is more often caught than taught. So they encourage, and reproduce encouragers!

Do you want growing, confident and reproducing leaders? Lead with encouragement!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Would those who follow me describe me as an encouraging leader? Why or why not?
• Do I more easily offer private words of encouragement or public words? What step can I take to balance both?
• Which person who follows me would I like to encourage? (When you have identified that person answer the following questions about him/her.)
• What gifts do I see in that person?
• What will these gifts produce in the future?
• How can I communicate this privately?
• How can I communicate this publicly?
• When will I do this?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler In the next issue, we’ll examine how Paul developed his leadership pipeline by loving them.