Every organization rises or falls on the strength of its teams. When leaders intentionally build teams with synergy, people flourish and remarkable outcomes are achieved. Jesus understood this principle well and carefully and prayerfully built a team that would eventually change the world.       

 ¹³ Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴ He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵ and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶ These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), ¹⁷ James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him (Mark 3:13-19, NIV).

After calling this unlikely group of twelve Jesus spent three years to shape them into a team with remarkable synergy that would literally change the world.  Notice how He did it.

Team synergy brings flourishing by building relationships. 

Jesus “appointed twelve that they might be with him….” The first concern of Jesus was that the disciples would be in relationship—first with Him and then with each other. He understood that the only way they would be able to change the world was if they learned to know, trust, and love each other. Relationships can be difficult, messy and challenging and Jesus’ team experienced all of this. But over the course of three years, they became a strongly united team.  People are designed for relationships and effective leaders find ways to build healthy relationships with their team. They recognize that each person on the team has their own dreams, hopes and challenges. They are not simply machines to do tasks.

Some leaders build teams around tasks expecting that the common goal will result in synergy. They don’t spend time or energy building relationships. But serving leaders first build teams around shared relationships that build trust and respect. 

Team synergy brings flourishing by uniting around a mission.

“He appointed twelve…that he might send them out to preach…and drive out demons.” Jesus had a mission to be accomplished with the team that He chose—they were to go out and preach. Strong relationships were the foundation that launched them into mission. All teams exist for a purpose and Jesus made it clear from the beginning what their task would be.

Some leaders build teams that relate well together but don’t accomplish the mission! Serving leaders hold teams accountable to accomplish the mission.

Team synergy brings flourishing by encouraging diversity.

“These are the twelve he appointed.” It is hard to imagine a more diverse group of 12 than this group. Some were uneducated fisherman or tradesmen; at least one was a professional. Some were outspoken; others didn’t say anything that was recorded! Some were working with the Romans; others were committed to resist their rule. Jesus deliberately brought together a diverse team. He understood that when relationships are built and a common mission is shared, diversity strengthens the team and maximizes impact.  

Some leaders try to build diverse teams without relationships.  The result is explosive! But serving leaders deliberately build diverse teams with a foundation of healthy relationships and a clear mission focus. 

For further reflection and discussion:

Reflect on your own leadership journey in relation to the synergy of the team(s) you lead. On a scale of 1-10 (10 is perfect) how would you rate your own leadership?   Do I tend to focus on relationships or mission on my team?  What is the result in my leadership?

• How healthy are relationships on my team(s)? What is something I can do this week to strengthen relationships between myself and the team and between team members?
• How do I keep my team accountable to outcomes that advance our mission?

Is my team diverse enough in strengths, personalities, and perspectives to accomplish all they can do?   If not, what changes can I make?

In addition to the scripture used in this issue, reflect on the following verses from the life of Jesus: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 6:12-13, 9:46-48, 9:51-55, 10:1, 22:24-31; John 1:35-51; Romans 12:3-8; and 1 Corinthians 12. What additional insights do you find?         

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at the final element of a flourishing culture: Growing Leaders

*Note: This series is based on The LeadersServe Culture which is designed to help people flourish and organizations thrive. This happens when leaders serve. The LeadersServe Culture training provides an in depth look at each of these elements with practical exercises to clarify, communicate, and cultivate each one into the life of your organization. For more information about this model and other training resources visit www.LeadersServe.com

Organizations flourish when the mission is clear and everyone understands what is most critical to accomplish. The mission of an organization describes the activities that bring the greatest value to those being served.

Jesus had absolute clarity about His mission. This was perhaps most clearly stated at the beginning of His ministry when He read the words of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth.

¹⁸“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, ¹⁹to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19, NIV).

With these words Jesus identified the focus of His work on earth and the things that would characterize His ministry. In doing so, He shows serving leaders how a mission focus produces a flourishing culture*.

Mission focus brings flourishing by defining what is most important.

Jesus could have done many things that would have been good and beneficial, but He chose to define the actions that were most important to achieve His mission. The verbal declaration of His mission established where He would focus His energy and shaped His ministry. His mission would be defined by proclamation and acts that set people free.  

Organizations that define what is most important are able to flourish when everyone understands the things that are mission critical. They do not try to imitate what others are doing, but stay laser focused on their own mission.

Some leaders aren’t willing to do the hard work of deciding what actions are critical to fulfilling the mission. But serving leaders define the actions that will bring the greatest return to the organization.

Mission focus brings flourishing by determining what brings greatest value.

The mission of Jesus was focused on meeting the felt and deeper needs of the people He came to serve. Had a survey been taken of the people in the area asking them what their greatest needs were, I’m sure that they would have mentioned most of the things that Jesus listed as His mission. Organizations flourish when they determine ways that they can serve that bring the most value to their members, clients, or customers.

Some leaders determine what products or services they will offer based on their own estimation of what their customers want. But serving leaders proactively ask questions to find out what things bring the greatest value to those they serve.  Then, they clarify to the entire team the actions that bring the greatest value to their customers. They share stories of ways that people value the service or product provided by the organization.

Mission focus brings flourishing by disclosing what is not mission critical.

Jesus’ mission statement did not list things which He would avoid in His work. But the act of naming the mission critical items identified many other actions that would be a waste of time and energy for His calling.

Some leaders assume that all activity is important. But serving leaders continually watch what is being done in the organization and call out any activity that is a wasted effort. They understand that the “not to do” list is often as critical as the “to do” list. They remove obstacles from their team that detract from the activities that are critical. As they do, they build an organization that flourishes.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on your own leadership journey in relation to mission clarity. On a scale of 1-10 (10 is perfect) how would you rate your own mission clarity?
• Have I talked to those I serve (our members, customers or clients) to ask what things they most value that we do for them? In what ways does this shape my understanding of what is central to our mission?
• How clearly have I articulated to my team the actions which are most central to our mission as an organization?
• Is my team clear on what activities we should not be doing? How well does our culture eliminate waste from our actions?
• In addition to the scripture used in this issue, reflect on the following verses from the life of Jesus: Matthew 10:8, 28:18-20; Mark 10:45; Luke 4:18-29, 43, 19:10; John 10:20, 12:46, 18:37; Acts 1:8.  What additional insights do you find?     

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine the next element of a flourishing culture: Team Synergy

*Note: This series is based on The LeadersServe Culture which is designed to help people flourish and organizations thrive. This happens when leaders serve. The LeadersServe Culture training provides an in-depth look at each of these elements with practical exercises to clarify, communicate and cultivate each one into the life of your organization. For more information about this model and other training resources visit LeadersServe.com.

Successful leaders maintain a laser focus on the organization’s success and ensure everyone is aligned with accomplishing the mission. This is the third action of the Serving Leader Model®, Blaze the Trail (*see note). This action reflects what organizations do—their mission. Faith leaders, like Paul, see their organization as a part of God’s plan to make the world a better place so they have added reason to carry out the mission. Consider these verses reflecting Paul’s leadership:

¹⁵ Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶ so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory (2 Corinthians 10:15-16, NIV).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (Hebrews 12:1. **see note).

Paul helped his team focus on the factors that were critical to the success of the mission.   

Paul clarified key success factors.

Paul’s mission was clear: to preach the gospel, especially in “the regions beyond” where there was no church. He defined both his objective and the geographical area in which he would focus. This was his unique contribution to the growth of the church. Every leader and every organization has a unique contribution to make to the world, a “special sauce” that makes their organization distinctive. Some leaders, especially founders, understand this intuitively but don’t know how to clarify this for their team. But serving leaders make these factors clear to everyone on their team. They are able to state with confidence, “These are the things that make us unique.”

Paul taught for success.

Paul calls his followers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”  The markers along the way show the runners where to focus. Paul devoted his life to training others how to achieve the mission. Leaders who Blaze the Trail mark the path of success so that others can follow along behind them. They establish standard patterns of operation that can be taught to new team members.

Some leaders expect team members to figure out on their own how to succeed but serving leaders take time to teach what is needed. They are able to say with conviction, “These are the actions we take to succeed and this is how we do it.”

Paul removed obstacles to success.

Paul does not want anything to hinder the focus on the mission. He urges, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”  Great leaders name the obstacles to success and do whatever it takes to remove them. They work hard to eliminate wasted time and energy. These obstacles may include lack of training, missing information or necessary equipment, distractions, unnecessary paperwork, wasted time and energy, etc. Some of these activities may be good things, but when they keep people from success, they need to be removed.  Some leaders press workers for success but do little to help them remove obstacles. But serving leaders aggressively look for and remove obstacles from their teams.  They are able to say with courage, “These things will keep us from success.”

 The world needs leaders who “blaze the trail” by showing their teams the way to success.

For further reflection and discussion:

-Do I clearly understand what makes my organization (department, team, etc.) uniquely special? If not, what will I do to clarify what brings us success? Who do I need to talk to? What questions will I ask them?

-How well does my team understand our mission? What can I do this week to remind them of the activities on which we need to focus? 

-How well do I teach my team what actions bring us success? How has this impacted my leadership capacity? In what ways can I strengthen the training processes with those I lead?  

-Take 10 minutes to reflect on waste in the organization you lead. What are the 3 main areas of waste? (See the short list of suggestions above for ideas). What will I do to remove them?  

-In addition to the scriptures used in this issue, read and reflect on how the following passages also illustrate how Paul acted to Blaze the Trail:   Acts 20:20-24; 26:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:2, 22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-11; Philippians 1:27, 3:7-14; 17; 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, 11:1, 15:58; Colossians 1:28-29, 3:2; Galatians 2:7-8; and Ephesians 5:8.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Paul build teams based on strengths. 

*Note: The Five Actions of Serving Leadership were recognized by Dr. John Stahl-Wert and illustrated in the book The Serving Leader. These actions have been applied by many organizations to integrate serving leadership into everyday leadership practices. See www.CenterforServingLeadership.com for more information.

**Note: It is not known if Paul was the writer of Hebrews although it was traditionally attributed to him. However, even if Paul was not the author, it was almost certainly written by a close disciple or associate of Paul and was in alignment with Paul’s leadership and teaching.

We have reflected on two actions that serving leaders take which produce a thriving world—they shape the vision and set the values. A third action serving leaders take to produce thriving is to share the mission. Again, consider Paul’s vision of the church body.

¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead of speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:11-16). 

Paul describes a thriving world in which each part is doing its part and the body is growing to healthy maturity. In this issue, we focus on how serving leaders share the mission of the organization. The Serving Leader Model® calls this “Blaze the Trail”.  Mission addresses the question, “What do we do that brings value to those we serve?” 

Serving leaders share the mission by clarifying priorities.

Paul reveals the mission of the body in this passage. There are “works of service” and an acknowledgment that “each part does its work.” There is work to be done and clients, customers, or members to serve. Each member has a part to play in fulfilling the mission and every organization has a unique way in which they add value to the world. Many leaders focus on making sure everyone is busy. But serving leaders share the mission with everyone by clarifying priorities so that everyone is busy doing the right things. They make it abundantly clear to everyone what work serves the customer/client/member in ways that ensure the mission is accomplished. 

Serving leaders share the mission by teaching.

Paul encourages the leaders to “equip his [God’s] people for works of service.” He understood that thriving required the leaders to teach others how to do their work. Many leaders, especially founders of organizations, intuitively understand the special value that they bring and what special “flavor” of service they bring to the world. And they assume that in time others will learn it from them. But serving leaders realize that mission critical work must be taught. They are quick to say, “Let me show you how we do this in this organization and why doing it this way helps us accomplish our mission.” They teach, train, observe, correct and instruct until the work is done in the right way.

Serving leaders share the mission by removing obstacles.

Paul talks about the “waves” and “winds” that will distract people from the real work of the church. He recognizes that it will be easy to lose focus and start doing things that don’t really produce maturity. Over time many leaders slowly allow excessive reporting, unnecessary meetings, redundant tasks, and inefficient workflows to develop. But serving leaders work continually to remove obstacles to the mission.

Where the mission is clear and everyone knows how to do their part to accomplish the mission people thrive!

For further reflection and discussion:

-Reflect on your own leadership in this area. How effectively does my leadership share the mission of our organization? How does my leadership in this area impact the thriving of our team?

-How clear is our mission? What do I need to do as a leader to clarify what activities are mission-critical in our organization?

-What percent of my time is invested in teaching others how to do their work? What should it be? What do I need to do to move in the right direction?

-What areas of waste exist in my organization? (Consider inefficient movements, wasted time, meetings that are not focused, paperwork, time spent on email and other areas.) Which one of these will I do something about today?

-Read again the scripture above (Ephesians 4:11-16) considering your organization in the area of your mission. What is one step you can take this week to improve?        

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how serving leaders create thriving by synchronizing their teams.

Click here for a resource from Center for Serving Leadership to help you in this area: BTT Success Factors Discovery Tool A4 v.17

#384  Serving Leaders
Produce a Thriving World: They Share the Mission October 16, 2024Snippet:  Reflections for Serving Leaders, latest issueWe have reflected on two actions that
serving leaders take which produce a thriving world—they shape the vision and
set the values. A third action serving leaders take to produce thriving is to
share the mission. Again, consider Paul’s vision of the church body. ¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles,
the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to
equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built
up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the
knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure
of the fullness of Christ. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be
infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every
wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful
scheming. ¹⁵ Instead of speaking the truth in love, we will
grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, Christ.
¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every
supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its
work (Ephesians 4:11-16).  Paul describes a thriving world in
which each part is doing its part and the body is growing to healthy maturity.
In this issue, we focus on how serving leaders share the mission of the
organization. The Serving Leader Model® calls this “Blaze the Trail”.  Mission addresses the question, “What do we
do that brings value to those we serve?” 
Serving leaders share the mission by
clarifying priorities. Paul reveals the mission of the body
in this passage. There are “works of service” and an acknowledgment that “each
part does its work.” There is work to be done and clients, customers, or
members to serve. Each member has a part to play in fulfilling the mission and
every organization has a unique way in which they add value to the world. Many
leaders focus on making sure everyone is busy. But serving leaders share the
mission with everyone by clarifying priorities so that everyone is busy doing
the right things. They make it abundantly clear to everyone what work serves
the customer/client/member in ways that ensure the mission is
accomplished.  Serving leaders share the mission by
teaching. Paul encourages the leaders to “equip
his [God’s] people for works of service.” He understood that thriving required
the leaders to teach others how to do their work. Many leaders, especially
founders of organizations, intuitively understand the special value that they
bring and what special “flavor” of service they bring to the world. And they
assume that in time others will learn it from them. But serving leaders realize
that mission critical work must be taught. They are quick to say, “Let me show
you how we do this in this organization and why doing it this way helps us
accomplish our mission.” They teach, train, observe, correct and instruct until
the work is done in the right way. Serving leaders share the mission by
removing obstacles. Paul talks about the “waves” and
“winds” that will distract people from the real work of the church. He
recognizes that it will be easy to lose focus and start doing things that don’t
really produce maturity. Over time many leaders slowly allow excessive
reporting, unnecessary meetings, redundant tasks, and inefficient workflows to
develop. But serving leaders work continually to remove obstacles to the
mission. Where the mission is clear and
everyone knows how to do their part to accomplish the mission people thrive!   For
further reflection and discussion:Reflect on your own leadership in this
area. How effectively does my leadership share the mission of our organization?
How does my leadership in this area impact the thriving of our team? How clear is our mission? What do I
need to do as a leader to clarify what activities are mission-critical in our
organization? What percent of my time is invested in
teaching others how to do their work? What should it be? What do I need to do
to move in the right direction? What areas of waste exist in my
organization? (Consider inefficient movements, wasted time, meetings that are
not focused, paperwork, time spent on email and other areas.) Which one of
these will I do something about today? Read again the scripture above
(Ephesians 4:11-16) considering your organization in the area of your mission.
What is one step you can take this week to improve?           Until next time, yours on the journey, Jon Byler In the next issue, we’ll look at how
serving leaders create thriving by synchronizing their teams.   Click here for a resource from Center
for Serving Leadership to help you in this area: Success Factors Discovery Tool
 

Serving leaders surrender their business* or organization and see their role as stewards. They shape the organization by focusing on the value they bring to the world, by developing people and creating a culture of excellence. They also serve the organization by taking time to work on the business. Many leaders spend nearly all of their time working in the business, doing the daily tasks that need to be done. But serving leaders find ways to step back and focus on strategic planning, building leaders and long-term development of the business.  They consider scriptures like these:

“Where there is no revelation [KJV “vision”] people cast off restraint (Proverbs 29:18a, NIV).

²⁸ “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? ²⁹ For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, ³⁰ saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish’ (Luke 14:28-30).

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

¹⁷ Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸ You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. ²¹ But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. ²³ If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied” (Exodus 18:17, 18, 21, 23, NIV).

Serving leaders serve the organization by clarifying direction.

Effective organizations have clarity on vision, mission and values. Without clarity on vision people will “cast off restraint” or live carelessly. Leaders who spend all their time in the daily tasks that need to be done fail to provide the direction the organization needs to thrive. Serving leaders take time to work on the organization by clarifying vision, mission and values. They often spend time reminding people of these core elements that bring meaning and purpose to the daily tasks. This clarity results in purpose and meaning in the work and increases the engagement of the hearts of people in what they are doing. Only leaders can clarify direction.

Serving leaders serve the organization by careful planning.

Some leaders are so busy doing the work that they don’t take time to plan for the work. They are too busy to “sit down and estimate the cost.” But serving leaders recognize that part of their role as a leader is to ensure that plans are properly made and carried out. They look down the road and anticipate future challenges and make plans to prepare the organization for long-term success. Only leaders can ensure that adequate planning takes place in an organization.

Serving leaders serve the organization by creating leaders.

Moses was a classic leader trying to do all the work himself when his father-in-law gave him great leadership advice to develop leaders from the people. Some leaders focus on getting the work done through people. But serving leaders focus on developing the people that they have. They understand that they will never have too many leaders in the organization and that only leaders can ensure that the organization is producing leaders.

Remember, it’s not your business! Serving leaders serve the organization by working on it.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How clear in my organization is our vision (why we exist)? Our mission (what we do that benefits the world)? Our values (How we relate to each other and those we serve)? What do I need to do to make these directional pillars an integral part of our daily work?
• Do I naturally focus on planning or execution? What does this indicate about who I need to work closely with on my team? Do we take enough time for strategic planning in our organization? If so, reach out to your team and thank them for their work in effective planning and point out how it benefits the organization. If not, when will I schedule time for this?
• How effectively do I focus on developing leaders in my organization? What is my plan to keep developing leaders? What steps can I take to create an organization that focuses on developing leaders?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

*Note: In this series we use “business” to apply to any type of organization whether for profit or non-profit. The principles of this series apply to for-profit enterprises, non-profits (such as churches or NGO’s) and any other domain of work and service. 

If you would like a PDF of this series in one document, click here to download.

Beginning with the next issue we will update our branding for this newsletter. The content will remain the same but we will have a new look!”

Nehemiah served the people of Jerusalem by clarifying the vision and calling the people to live by their values. He also demonstrated the third action of serving leaders, Blaze the Trail,  by keeping everyone focused on the mission. Serving leaders clarify for their team what activities bring the success that will accomplish the mission. They ensure that these activities are consistently practiced, and they work to remove any obstacles that would hinder progress toward the mission. One obstacle for Nehemiah was the enemies who wanted to stop the work and distract the workers.    

¹When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates—²Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; ³so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” ⁴Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer (Nehemiah 6:1-4, NIV).  

Nehemiah’s response models how serving leaders Blaze the Trail for those they lead.  

Serving Leaders Blaze the Trail by mentioning what matters  

Nehemiah responded to the message by stating “I am carrying on a great project.” He wanted it to be clear to those on the wall and those far away that what was critical was not meetings but putting stones on top of one another!  It was hard, sweaty work but Nehemiah understood exactly what would bring success, consistent focus on laying one stone on top of another! This was all that mattered for the mission to be accomplished. And he gave meaning and purpose to the task by calling it a “great project.”  

Some leaders are not crystal clear on what activities will bring success to their organization. Others understand but have not communicated them clearly to everyone on their team. But serving leaders clarify what brings success and make sure that everyone understands.  Serving leaders mention what matters.  

Serving Leaders Blaze the Trail by minimizing distractions  

The invitation for a meeting came under the guise of finding a peaceful resolution to the nagging opposition. Nehemiah recognized that going to a meeting in a nearby village would be a distraction that would take him away from the work for several days. The distraction may have been an attempt to take his life, or to attack the workers while he was not present. In any case, Nehemiah refused to be distracted. “I…cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”  

Some leaders allow themselves and those around them to focus on things that are not actually important to the mission of the organization. But serving leaders work hard to ensure that everything they are doing is mission critical and that those working with them are doing the same. They remove obstacles and minimize distractions.  

Serving Leaders Blaze the Trail by maintaining consistency     

Nehemiah’s challenge was repeated four times and “each time I gave them the same answer.” He remained consistent and kept his focus on putting one stone on top of the next.  

Some leaders hold true to their mission for a time, but when there are repeated distractions, they lose their focus. But serving leaders keep themselves and everyone else focused on what really matters to the organization. They don’t stifle innovation, but they insist on doing the right things again and again. They serve with consistency.   

For further reflection and discussion: 

• How clearly do I understand our mission? Do I know what activities bring success to us and what activities are a waste of time? How well do those serving with me understand our success factors? (Use the free tool below to help you with this process.)  
• What things am I tempted to do often that are not essential to our mission? What do I need to do to eliminate them? For those on my team, what distractions do they face and what can I do to remove them?  
• How consistently do I focus on activities that bring success to our organization? How does this impact my leadership?  

• Read the story of Nehemiah and reflect on other ways that he demonstrated this action, Blaze the Trail. (Focus especially on chapters 4 and 6). What do you observe from his life and in what way can you follow his example?     

Until next time, yours on the journey, 

Jon Byler 

In the next issue, we’ll look at ways that Nehemiah built teams by focusing on strengths.   

Finally, as a free gift to you, click here to download one tool to help you put this action into practice in your organization.  

For more information about The Five Actions of Serving Leadership read the book, The Serving Leader, or visit www.CenterforServingLeadership.com.  

John the Baptist’s life has challenged us in many ways. His commitment, sacrifice, humility boldness and suffering all serve as examples to servant leaders. We would expect a glorious ending to a leader like this but John’s life ends differently. “The king was greatly distressed, but …he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter….On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb” (Mark 6:26-29, portions). Is this the way for the greatest man born before Jesus to end his life? But it was not the end. John did not leave behind great sums of money or earthly possessions, but he lived in a way that his impact far outlasted his grave. John the Baptist left a powerful legacy.

His legacy prepared leaders for Jesus.

We would naturally want to know what happened to John’s disciples. What organization did they found after his untimely death? There seems to be nothing. Yet, many of John’s disciples became disciples of Jesus. He invested in their lives and then passed them on to Jesus. The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus (John 1:35-37). One of these was Andrew and we might dismiss him as a person of little influence. But Andrew brought Peter to Jesus and Peter became a pillar of the early church. Peter would not have come to Jesus without John preparing Andrew for Jesus. John raised up leaders for another leader, the ultimate act of service. He realized he was not foolish to lay down his own ambitions for a greater cause. John’s legacy teaches us that it is more important to prepare leaders for God’s kingdom than to build our own kingdom.

His legacy persuaded followers for Jesus.

Not only did John prepare leaders for Jesus to use, but his life and teachings influenced many others to follow Jesus. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus (John 10: 40-42). John’s success is not measured by the number miracles he performed or the number of followers who were with him at his funeral. His life made it easier for many people to follow Jesus. John’s legacy teaches us that it is more important to persuade people to follow Jesus than to follow us.

His legacy positioned the nations for Jesus.

The Apostle Paul was a great missionary and church planter. But interestingly when Paul first visits Ephesus, over 20 years after John’s death, he finds that one of John’s disciples was already there! Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John (Acts 18:24-25). John, as far as we know, never traveled outside Israel. But Apollos carried the message he received from John to modern day Turkey! The message was not complete, but shows the remarkable legacy John left behind. John the Baptist impacted the early church and long after his death he was instrumental in preparing other nations to receive the good news of Jesus. What will your followers be doing 20 years after you are gone? John’s legacy teaches us that it is more important to prepare leaders for the nations than to keep them in our organization.

Was John’s impact finished at his grave? Not at all! And beyond the early church, his legacy continues into the 21st century as he still impacts our lives and shows us how to lead as servant leaders. Let’s lead like John and leave a legacy that far outlasts our funeral!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on John’s life. What made his legacy so powerful and what does it mean for me? Am I looking primarily at what I can accomplish in my lifetime, or am I leading in a way that will leave a legacy to impact future generations? In what ways can I change to make a longer term impact?
• How is my leadership preparing others to follow Jesus? Am I willing to raise leaders for “export” to other organizations or places if that is where God leads them?
• Is my leadership primarily to persuade others to follow me or to follow Jesus? What can I do to focus more on preparing people to respond to the call of Jesus?
• In what way does my leadership impact the nations for Jesus? Are there ways God can use my business, my church or group to extend the message of the Kingdom to nations where it has not yet reached?

John the Baptist did a great job of calling and empowering a team around him. But his true greatness as a servant leader is found in the way he released leaders. Many leaders are able to raise teams; few are willing to release them! But John released his team. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus (John 1:29-37). John released his disciples! John saw three things that freed him to release leaders and shows all servant leaders how to let go!

John saw his mission with precision.

“the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” John knew why he was a leader. It was not about his gifting and calling; it was far greater than that. He was called to reveal Jesus to others. Part of that calling was to build a team around him, and he did it well. But he understood that his mission was a part of a greater purpose. So, he could release his disciples. His mission was crystal-clear. It is easy along the way to lose the focus of our mission. We might begin with a call to exalt Christ in our church, our business, or our profession. But with time, we begin to focus on the tasks and outcomes more than the central mission. When we focus more on our own team than the overall mission we will not release leaders to go elsewhere. Servant leaders are passionate about their vision but recognize that it is only significant as a part of a bigger mission. They understand that the Great Commission will not be fulfilled until leaders release leaders.

John saw his men with perspective.

John was there with “two of his disciples.” Every leader loves to stand with “their team.” It feels good to see the way they have developed and the maturity in their lives. We all like to introduce “our” team. But John saw his leaders in a different light. He saw them as men who were given to him for a time to shape and mold. He invested heavily in their lives and they were precious to him. But he knew that they were not ‘his’ disciples. Ultimately they belonged to Jesus. As the team leader, John was only a steward of these men for a time. There was also a time to release them. This perspective allowed John to let them go, and they joined Jesus’ leadership team. He considered it an honor to release to Jesus’ team men that he had been able to shape and prepare for that role. Servant leaders love their leaders dearly, but hold them loosely. Servant leaders see their team, not as ‘theirs’ but as ‘His.’

John saw his master with passion.

John saw Jesus and said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” He recognized that although Jesus was younger, He was present as someone greater. John was great, but Jesus was the master. John’s passion for Jesus enabled him to release his disciples. One glimpse of Jesus is enough to change our perspective about “our” team and our desire to be in charge. Leaders love to lead, but when servant leaders fully see who Jesus is, they humbly acknowledge that He is in charge.

Servant leaders build teams with confidence and skill but, like John, freely release them when Jesus needs them on someone else’s team.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How does my mission fit into the larger picture of God’s mission in the world? In what way has God positioned me to reveal Jesus to others? How well do I keep this in perspective when I think about my team?
• Do I obtain a sense of significance by having a team I call my own? What does this say about my heart? What difference would it make for me to see my team as really belonging to Jesus and available for His purposes?
• Do I see Jesus or myself as the master of my team? In what ways does this impact how I lead?
• How do I know when Jesus is calling one of ‘my’ team to another work? Am I open to hearing or seeing the signs of His call? Is there someone now that needs to be released?
• In the past, when team members have left my team, how did I release them? After reflecting on John’s willingness to release leaders, are there steps I should take to strengthen any of these relationships?

New Years is a time leaders reflect, recalibrate, and refocus for the year ahead. Servant leaders do the same but as they do so they also ask, “What are God’s goals for my life and what do I need to do this year to accomplish them?” We may need to remind ourselves of His overall goal for each of us that He gave 2000 years ago: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus gave this commission to His disciples and to us today. His goal or mission for us is clear: to make disciples. We should ensure that we include two elements of His mission in our plan for this year.

Be disciples.

Before going and making disciples Jesus calls us to be disciples. A disciple is simply one who is following and learning. What does this imply for servant leaders? “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). His intent is clear; we are to follow Jesus in ways that result in bringing others to Him. Following should lead to fishing! Servant leaders desire to follow more each year so that they can influence more each year. They identify areas of disobedience and set goals that lead to obedience. They also continue to learn as disciples. They recognize that they never graduate from the school of discipleship. They have a passion to grow and set goals to move them in the direction of becoming more like Jesus. Where is God inviting you to learn this year? What will you do to be a growing disciple? What will you do to make it happen? Servant leaders set goals to be disciples.

Make disciples.

Christ’s mission for each of us is to make disciples. He expects us to make progress this year in making disciples! Every believer, and especially leaders, should be influencing those who are not yet disciples to come to Jesus. With so many good leadership activities and goals, it is easy to forget that this is our core calling. Many leaders focus on increasing their income or attendance as they make plans for the year. Jesus calls servant leaders to focus on making disciples. We need to do this in at least two arenas: locally and globally. Jesus made it clear that the disciple making process begins at home, our “Jerusalem.” (See Acts 1:8). Servant leaders look around at those near them to see who they can influence in discipleship. They see family at home, associates at work, relationships at school, and partners in business all as potential disciples. As they make goals for the year, they prayerfully focus on key relationships and find time to invest in influencing these persons to become disciples. Servant leaders make disciples at home but also acknowledge that Jesus’ goal is for disciples of “all nations” and they have a part to play globally. Leaders create change, and there is no greater cause for servant leaders than the current global realities 2,000 years after Jesus’ command. Our world has more than 7.3 Billion people. Of these, over 2 Billion have never even heard Jesus’ call to follow Him! Servant leaders do not accept this situation and take active steps to make a difference. They accept the challenge to pray daily for God to send workers to the harvest (Matthew 9:37). They give finances to see disciples made in the unreached areas of our world (Matthew 6:21). And they are willing to go in obedience to Jesus’ command, unless God calls them to stay and support those who go!

Servant leaders make goals to ensure that this will be a year of being a disciple and making disciples. They lead on His Mission as partners in the Great Commission!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on last year. In what ways did you learn and grow as a disciple? In what ways did this increase your influence in the lives of others?
• In what specific area of your life does God desire for you to learn and grow this year? What specific actions can you take to develop as a disciple in this area? (Write down your goals and share them with someone who can hold you accountable.)
• How is God inviting me this year to make disciples at home? In my vocation? In my community? What specific goals should I make to obey?
• Who do I know personally who is not currently a follower of Jesus in whom God wants me to invest time and effort this year to bring to Him? What is my current level of relationship with this person? What steps can I take to increase my influence in their life? What needs to change in my schedule to allow this to happen?
• What is God’s goal for me this year in response to the 2 Billion who have never heard? In what specific ways will this impact my praying? My giving? My going?

The fulfillment of the Great Commission rests squarely on the shoulders of leaders. Jesus commissioned His leaders with these words, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20). 2000 years later the task is not complete and the harvest is ripe as never before. Jesus’ call is more urgent than ever and requires servant leaders to rise up, see the need for workers, equip workers and release them into the nations. In this issue, we’ll explore the role servant leaders fulfill in releasing workers for the harvest.

Servant leaders are willing to be workers in the harvest.

Servant leaders first of all recognize that God can use them in any location He chooses. They do not determine for themselves where they will serve. As they cry out to God in prayer for workers, and as they do all they can to identify and equip the workers under their care, they are also ready to be the workers they pray for. In some cases, this simply means greater levels of obedience in their current roles and areas of influence. In other cases, they will hear God’s call to move to another location and accept a different assignment. Servant leaders listen to the Lord of the harvest and say like Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

Servant leaders are willing to release workers for the harvest.

Those who see their role as identifying and equipping workers for the harvest must also be willing to release workers if and when God calls them to move. A parent may be called to bless a child to live far away for the sake of the Great Commission. Pastors may need to release their best elder to a new location. Business owners may be called to release an excellent manager from their company to serve in another place where the light of Jesus is needed. It is not easy for any leader who has invested time and energy in the life of someone to see them move on. It requires the heart of a servant who is intent not on building his own kingdom, but that of the Father. Servant leaders find joy in knowing that God used them to help prepare and equip this person for the next assignment.

Servant leaders are willing to support workers in the harvest.

The work of the Great Commission requires resources. This may include training harvest workers to be self-supporting or it may include providing financial support for their work. Paul demonstrates both models of support in his church planting efforts. Leaders who focus all their energy on their own organization will not be willing to give resources to an ‘outside’ cause. But servant leaders are happy to support the work that God is doing in and through His workers. They freely and cheerfully give to support local initiatives in which God’s kingdom is extended and also eagerly give to workers who are reaching the 2 billion who have not yet heard. They do not see this giving as a drain on their own resources; instead they eagerly ask God to give them ideas and ways to increase their own ability to give. Pastors look for ways that they can increase the percentage of their budget to areas directly related to the Great Commission. Business leaders give generously as God blesses their work and sometimes begin a business with the sole intent of using the profit for the Great Commission. Professionals are careful to invest portions of their income into Great Commission work. In all these areas, a heart of service is reflected for those who have not yet known the love of Jesus.

Servant leaders do not live for their own dreams; they live to see the dream of Jesus fulfilled in their lifetime, to see disciples in every nation and among every people. May it be so!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Have you ever considered that God may call you to move to another location, another position, or a very different assignment from where you are currently? How would you know He is calling you and how would you respond?
• How would you feel if one of your key leaders told you they believed God is leading them to another place? What does this indicate about your level of passion for God’s work?
• In what ways do you already support the work of the Great Commission? Take a moment to ask God if there are additional ways you can reflect His heart for the nations?