John Sweetman has just finished presenting a four-part series at Malyon College chapel about Barnabas as a model leader. The different areas looked at were:
- character
- people
- mentoring, teamwork
- heart of humility
Some initial observations
- Over the course of Acts, Paul and Barnabas actually switched roles as leaders depending on the context, based who was the most appropriate person to lead in that context:
- Barnabas: Acts 4:36-37; Acts 9:26-29; Acts 11:22-29; Acts 12:25; Acts 13:1-7; Acts 14:8-18; Acts 15:12; Acts 15:23-29
- Saul/Paul: Acts 13:8-14:7; Acts 14:19-15:11; Acts 15:22; Acts 15:30-41; basically all the rest of Acts
- Many Christian leaders, due to their lack of humility, have pushed away people who are able leaders
Notes from Q & A session with Peter Sweetman from Bridgeman Baptist
- Humility is the foundation of spiritual authority.
- Even Jesus could do nothing on his own.
- In leadership and ministry, it's all about God and other people, not you.
- The battle with self is a constant battle throughout ministry, it is hard problem
- Q: How can i know i'm a humble leader? A: You probably can't! :-) Signs that you probably aren't: "My church", guarding turf, guarding image, putting other people down.
- Humility at critical moments where decisions are made is an important indicator.
- Humility is a core value; when you get it right, other things fall nto place; implication: when we are doing God's work, you must pray.
- You must make decisions based on their benefit to the body, not on how good it makes you look.
- Our goal with humility is to get to the point where our reputation is not constraining us.
- Tip: keep in mind the times where God has pulled you through.
- When you get a warning from God, be afraid - touch not the Lord's annointed.
- Competition is the heart of pride.
- Generosity is an important indicator of humility.