Introduction

Leadership is a most valuable commodity for sports teams. With it, the team is ready to achieve at its highest and experience the best of sport. Without it, the team is doomed to failure and frustration.

Application

1. Tell us about a time when you experienced great leadership during practice or competition.
2. What was it that made his or her leadership so effective?
3. How has your faith in Jesus Christ shaped your view of leadership?

Bridge

1. Read Mark 10:42-45 for a review of Jesus’ leadership values: “Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and their men of high positions exercise power over them. But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many."
2. What does Jesus describe as the wrong way to lead?
3. What is Jesus’ standard for greatness in leadership?
4. What does Jesus say is required for one to be first among leaders?
5. How does Jesus describe the highest form of leadership?

Connection

1. How can we serve and lead our team in the way Jesus said makes one great?
2. Who among our teammates leads in the way Jesus said makes one first among his teammates?
3. How can we become leaders like the Son of Man, a leader who sacrifices to free his teammates?

Discovery

To which of Jesus’ leadership forms will you now commit yourself in leading this team?

• Worldly Leadership – power, control, and manipulation
• Great Leadership – serving your best teammates
• Elite Leadership – slave to everyone
• Christ-like Leadership – sacrificing to free others

Close

Memory verse: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45