During the lesson, the information for you to know is written in regular type, and what we suggest speaking or reading aloud to children is in bold. All resources for this lesson, including the Teacher Guide and Student Page, can be downloaded in a ZIP file by clicking on the following link:
In some lessons you will find "resource articles." These are articles written by experts from around the world to help equip you for your work with children and adolescents. Share them with parents or guardians if you consider it appropriate.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1–2
Imagine you are running an Olympic race. You focus intently as you prepare to start. You can feel your heart beating in your chest, and the noise of the crowd is almost deafening. The starting gun goes off—and you run harder than you ever have in your life, and you win. To get here, you have been running every day for many years to prepare for this race. You have learned to win and lose. You have learned to overcome obstacles and handle disappointments.
Growing in leadership is much the same. You do not become a great leader by leading one time. Instead, it is a process of intentionally growing and learning as you practice your leadership skills in ways that help you to become better. What goals do you have for growing in leadership? Write a list of the things you do well. Next to it, write areas where you feel you need to improve. Then ask God to give you wisdom and perseverance to learn and grow. And, as you run the race of leadership, look to Jesus who is beside you every step of the race.
Encourage the students to ask a family member, “What are your best leadership qualities?” They can then ask their family members to help them to set goals, learn from others, learn from experience, and persevere through difficulties.
Teacher Tip: If possible, email or text the Family Connection Card to the families of your students.
As the students arrive, ask them to pair up and complete this statement: If you knew me, you would know that I ________________________. Remind them that what their partners share with them should not be shared with others. Do this until you are ready to begin class.
When you are ready to begin class, ask for 10 volunteers to help you with a game. Spread the mats, towels, or blankets out on the ground. They should be close together but not touching. Have 5 teens stand on each mat. Explain that the purpose of the activity is to work together to turn both mats over. However, none of the volunteers can touch the ground with any parts of their bodies.
Give the students 3–4 minutes to try the activity. If they cannot complete it, invite them to ask for suggestions from the teens who are watching. After the time has finished, allow 10 more students to try, or give them hints to help them figure out how to accomplish the task.
What leadership skills did you use to play this game?
Serving others, cooperation, speaking the truth, humility, and others.
What would have happened if the groups had not cooperated and used leadership skills?
They could not have accomplished the task.
These groups needed to clearly understand leadership and how to use the skills wisely and well. In order to lead wisely and well, it is helpful to practice and develop as leaders. Today we will talk about the importance of growing in leadership.
As we have learned, being a godly leader has many benefits. But even great leaders still need to grow in leadership. Listen to what the Bible says about developing these leadership skills and continuing to mature in faith and ability.
Have a student read Hebrews 12:1–2 aloud from the Bible. If that is not possible, the passage is printed here for you.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1–2
The race referred to in these verses is living a Christian life and growing in faith. But this applies to growing in leadership too.
What kinds of leadership skills can we learn from running a race?
Growing in leadership is a lot like running a race. Just as a runner needs to know where the finish line is, a leader needs to set goals to know where he is going. Working toward a goal gives us purpose and focus. It helps us to develop perseverance even when we experience setbacks and obstacles. Setting goals helps us to measure our progress. Listen to this verse about setting goals:
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty..
Proverbs 21:5
What does this verse teach us about goal setting?
This verse encourages us to make plans but to recognize that God controls the future.
What goals can you set that can help you to grow in leadership? Find a partner and share 1 goal you will set to grow in leadership.
Allow 2–3 minutes for the students to share their goals with their partners. If the students have difficulty thinking of goals, suggest some, such as serving others at least once a week, reading the Bible daily to better understand how Jesus led, or working to build trust with others in class.
Also, just as a runner prepares for a race, it is important for leaders to continue to learn. One of the best ways to learn is from experienced leaders or mentors. Other leaders can help you to discover what skills you need to improve and how you can lead and serve more successfully. Try to plan regular times to meet with these people. Be ready and willing to hear honest advice about how you can improve. Let’s listen to what the Bible says about learning from others.
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.
Proverbs 1:5
What does this verse teach us about learning from others?
Wise people continue to learn and seek advice from others.
Turn to your partner and share 1 way you can learn from others to help you to grow in leadership.
Give the students 2–3 minutes to discuss their thoughts.
As a leader, it is also important to learn from your experiences, including your mistakes. After you accomplish a task or a goal, evaluate what you learned. Think about what worked well and what did not. Think about how you can improve next time you are faced with a similar task.
Turn to your partner and share 1 way you can learn from mistakes you have made that will help you to grow in leadership.
Give the students 2–3 minutes to discuss their thoughts.
Finally, perseverance helps a leader to continue moving toward success, especially when you face obstacles. Just like running a challenging race, leading others can be difficult, especially when you are practicing servant leadership. You will face disagreement, disappointment, and discouragement. But when you focus on your goals and persevere, you can improve in your leadership skills. Listen to what the Bible says about experiencing difficulties.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
What does this verse teach us about perseverance in times of difficulty?
Everyone experiences difficulty, but we will reap the reward if we do not give up.
Turn to your partner and share 1 way you can persevere in times of difficulty that will help you to grow as a leader.
Give the students 2–3 minutes to discuss their thoughts.
In the verses we read earlier about the race to grow in Christian faith, there was one other important point to note. The runner was surrounded by “such a great cloud of witnesses.” This is true of those who are learning to lead as well. Others will see what you do. And as your leadership skills begin to grow, others will begin to notice.
How can knowing that others will see your choices help you to grow as a leader?
Allow 2–3 students to share their thoughts. Then guide them to understand that knowing that others are watching can help you to choose to lead well—with integrity, kindness, and courage.
Being a leader can be challenging, especially when you are trying to lead as Jesus did. It is difficult to be a servant leader in situations where others do not understand or appreciate this type of leadership. But when you set goals, learn from others, learn from your mistakes, and persevere in times of difficulty, you will grow as a leader. God is honoured when we lead in these ways.
Have the students line up at 1 end of your teaching space. Be sure the area is clear of obstacles. If possible, do this activity outside or in a large open space. Designate a line at the other end to serve as the finish line.
We will do a kind of a race as we think about growing as leaders. What is an area in your life where you feel you are a successful leader? Take 1 large step forward for each way you feel you lead successfully.
What is an area where you feel you struggle in leadership? Take 1 small step backward for each way you feel you need to grow in leadership.
What are some specific ways you can grow in that area? Think about setting goals, learning from others, learning from your mistakes, and persevering in times of difficulty. Could 1 of these ideas help you to improve in leadership? How? Think about your answer. When you have thought of a specific way to grow in leadership, you may run to the finish line.
After the activity, ask the students to sit down.
Optional: If you are using the Student Pages, give the teens time to complete the activity on their pages.
You may not win a race the first time, even if you are a fast runner. But as you practice, you become a faster and stronger runner. And as your skills improve, you perform better in the next race.
The same is true of your leadership. Do not be discouraged if you do not lead well the first time. Do not feel frustrated if you make mistakes. Use the ideas we learned today to help you to grow.
Perhaps the most important skill to learn as a leader is to rely on God. Listen to what the Bible says about leading with humility and following God’s direction in leadership.
If you are using the Memory Verse Poster, show it to the students.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10
Think about how being humble can help you to grow in leadership. If you would like to humble yourself before the Lord, take a moment now to do that by kneeling and asking for His help. When you trust Him with your leadership, you will be used for His plan and His glory. And that is the ultimate purpose of leadership.
Give the teens 2–3 minutes to think and pray. Then close with a blessing based on James 4:10.
Blessing: May you humble yourselves before God as you lead others. And may you see the ways He lifts you up to love and serve others as you bring glory to His name.
Lead the children in singing this quarter’s song, if possible.
Life on Life ©2020 David C Cook. Reproducible for home or classroom use only. All other uses require written permission from David C Cook [email protected]. All rights reserved.
