Week 7- Qualities of a Leader

MONDAY — Read the passage with your team.

     1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

     5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."  6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

     8 Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

     10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:1-11

What does this passage have to say about leadership?

Why is that important?

TUESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

1) What commands are given to the elders (leaders), in this passage?  Evaluate your own leadership in light of these commands.  Are you a “shepherd” of your teammates (v. 2)?  Do you lead willingly (v. 2), or do you grumble about the responsibility?  Are you eager to serve your team because you care about them (v. 2), or do you serve for self-serving motives?  Do you set an example that your teammates can follow (v. 3)?

2) What are your motives for wanting to be a team leader?  Do you want status and recognition?  Does the role of being a captain make you feel good about yourself?  What should be your motive (v. 4)?  What is this “crown of glory”?

WEDNESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

3) Young men are commanded “be submissive to those who are older” (v.5).  What applications does this have, in a team setting?  Read further in verse 5…”All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.”  What implications does this have for leaders?  Should leaders also “be submissive” to younger players?  What would that look like?

4) What is the result of pride (v. 5b)?  Have you experienced the effects of pride in your own life?  What effect could proud leadership have on your team?

THURSDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

5) Verses 8 and 9 describe the importance of self-control, alertness, and commitment.  What threat makes these qualities so important (v. 8b)?  What stressful situations are you facing, or with what temptations are you struggling?  What commitment (v. 9) can help you to remain self-controlled and alert in the midst of these things?  In order to remain “firm in the faith,” are you committing regular time to reading God’s Word and talking with Him?

6) Are you alert to potential problems brewing with your team (conflict, failure, criticism, gossip, etc)?  In what way can you most effectively bring these issues to your coaches’ and teammates’ attention?  Remember that, in order to lead effectively in this role, you need to stay calm and act wisely.

FRIDAY — Discuss sport applications of leadership, and pray together.

· Ask your athletes to briefly reflect on what they’ve learned about leadership this week, and to repeat some of those things.  (Remind them of some of the Biblical truths about leadership you’ve discussed, if necessary.)

· Ask your team, “Based on what we learned about leadership this week...What does a leader athlete do?”  Do not settle for vague answers; challenge your athletes to go beyond general qualities of leadership, and to determine what those qualities look like in action.

· Add the results to your team’s list of descriptions of the “leader athlete”, and be sure the list is displayed somewhere that is constantly visible, as a reminder to the team.

· Pray together as a team.  Encourage your athletes to pray for your team’s growth in regard to the discipline of leadership — especially in relation to some of the issues and challenges that you discussed together this week.  Challenge them to also ask for forgiveness, when applicable.  Give time for athletes to request prayer (regarding leadership or anything else), and pray together.