Leadership

Introduction

In the Junior School CBC (KICD), Christian Religious Education explores leadership so that learners can serve well at school, church and in the community. (IRE and HRE teach similar values.)

What is leadership?

Leadership is guiding, inspiring and serving a group to reach a common goal.

Qualities of a good leader

• Honesty and integrity.
• Humility and willingness to serve.
• Courage and faith.
• Fairness and justice.
• Good communication and listening.
• Responsibility and example-setting.

Biblical examples

1. Moses: called by God to free Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3). He was patient and prayerful, though he doubted at first.
2. Joshua: courageous successor who led Israel into Canaan (Joshua 1:9).
3. Nehemiah: organised the people to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, prayed, planned and shared work (Nehemiah 1-6).
4. Jesus: the servant leader who washed his disciples' feet (John 13:1-17).

Servant leadership

Jesus taught that the greatest among you is the servant (Matthew 23:11). True leaders put others' needs first.

Leadership in school and community

Class prefects, club officials and team captains can practise these qualities by being fair, setting a good example, and listening.

Challenges leaders face

Criticism, temptation to misuse power, conflicts and pressure from peers. Prayer, advice and accountability help leaders stay faithful.

Worked example

A class monitor sees friends talking during silent study. A good leader remains fair: reminds them politely, does not favour friends and records names honestly, like Nehemiah organising work without partiality.

Try it

• List four qualities of a good leader and a Bible example for each.
• Describe how you can serve your class this week.
• Read John 13:1-17 and write what it teaches about leadership.