The Edge Ministry

Leaders Teach with Authority

Dec 19, 2009 Leadership Lessons of Jesus 2 Comments
Posted by Jeremy W.

They were astonished at His teaching because, unlike the scribes,
He was teaching them as one having authority.  – Mark 1:22

Where did Jesus get His authority? Without a complete, drawn-out theological discussion of the Trinity, the simple answer is from God. (Matt. 28:18)  In an earthly sense, Jesus could teach with authority because he knew the Scriptures, but the Pharisees knew every point of The Law too. So what gave Jesus the edge? “It was because Jesus was himself the Son of God that his every word was absolutely authoritative.” (p. 12)

Wait a minute, we aren’t Jesus; what authority do we have to speak/lead?

Matt. 28:18-20

In Bible College, they taught that you have to identify what the word therefore is there for. In verse 19 Matthew writes, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” So because Jesus had (and has) authority, He has appointed us as Christians to lead others in the same manor. No we are not Jesus, and we don’t have anywhere near the level of authority; but we have the authority to baptize in His name, and teach them everything He has already commanded.

This is both a huge honor and a huge challenge. We can’t live up to Jesus’ example, but we must do everything we can to get as close as possible. That is why it’s called The Great Commission.

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“As important as it is to know what you’re talking about, it is perhaps even more important to be what you’re talking about.” (p. 13) What do you think the author meant by those words?

“A leader who speaks of what he knows and lives what he speaks will attract willing followers; those unwilling to be led will be so uncomfortable that they will be very willing to get out of the way.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or Why not?

What should leading with authority do to our self-esteem?

As scary as it is to lead sometimes, we are not leading by our own authority, but authority from the Creator of the universe! That should give us a level of confidence that the ‘average Joe’ just doesn’t have. Talk about a leg up on our competition!

What are some practical applications of this lesson? In other words, in what ways can you use what was talked about to improve your leadership skills? (Can be specific or general)

A call to leadership

Dec 13, 2009 Discussion Topics, Leadership Lessons of Jesus Leave a comment
Posted by The Edge

Is there such thing as a “special calling” for those in leadership? I’ve often argued against it, believing that often those claiming a “special calling” of God upon their lives have used it inappropriately to guilt others into following them. I confess that’s a bit too cynical–I do in fact believe God can write a [...]

Who speaks for you?

Dec 6, 2009 Discussion Topics, Leadership Lessons of Jesus 3 Comments
Posted by The Edge

This lesson deals with the fact that for leaders to be leaders, there necessarily must be followers. To use a business management analogy, you can’t have “all chiefs and no Indians.” I know, this is politically incorrect, but it makes a great point.
Jesus had people following him: his disciples. His disciples, chosen by Jesus to [...]

The Leadership Lessons of Jesus

Dec 6, 2009 Discussion Topics, Leadership Lessons of Jesus 1 Comment
Posted by The Edge

The following is the chapter list of a great little book on leadership called “The Leadership Lessons of Jesus: A Timeless Model for Today’s Leaders.” I’d like to use this topic list as a study outline for discussion over the course of our Edge meetings on Sundays.
Better yet, I’d like to have each of the [...]

Relationship evangelism in the school and workplace

Nov 29, 2009 Discussion Topics Leave a comment
Posted by Kevin Harper

To often, I think evangelism is viewed as a science, or as a marketing objective. So-called “church growth experts” give us statistics on how best to reach the largest quantity of people with the least amount of resources (i.e., time and money). This search for evangelistic efficiency is great – if you’re an organization, perhaps.
But [...]

Relationship evangelism

Nov 22, 2009 Discussion Topics 6 Comments
Posted by Kevin Harper

Leading the world to Christ one relationship at a time
Sometimes I think we do more to bring the lost world to Christ by living it out in front of them than by inviting them to church or reaching them through mass media. Not that we shouldn’t invite them to church, or reach out through mass [...]

Believers need to be leaders

Nov 15, 2009 Discussion Topics 2 Comments
Posted by Kevin Harper

Leadership is a huge issue for Christians. It’s often said that when you want to get something done, ask the busiest person, and that’s often true. In any organized effort to accomplish something, whether it is moving dirt around, or providing spiritual guidance for a congregation, there will always be leaders and followers. Which are [...]

What’s on your iPod?

Nov 3, 2009 Discussion Topics 3 Comments
Posted by Kevin Harper

Here’s something to think about…what’s on your iPod? Would you feel comfortable handing it over for anyone to browse your music selection? If Jesus was sitting next to you, and you really wanted him to hear that cool new Casting Crowns song, would you quickly take the iPod back after the song was over so [...]

Welcome to the Edge (pre-launch)

Oct 28, 2009 Uncategorized 1 Comment
Posted by Kevin Harper

Welcome to the pre-launch version of the Edge Ministry blog. I envision it as a means to coordinate activities, inspire thought, encourage service, and simply provoke each other to love and to good works.