Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “Leadership posture”

01 Dec 2025

Greatness and the Servant Leader

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 ESV

The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 ESV

Note the context of both of these teachings about greatness in the Kingdom.

In Matthew 20 the two Zebedee brothers, James and John, made a preemptive power move involving their mother’s request to sit on Jesus’ right and left when He takes the throne of His Kingdom. Assuming this would be soon, these two positions would be numbers 2 and 3 in authority and power in the new Kingdom. This self-promotion at the expense of the other 10 apostles did not sit well. They became indignant with this ‘all for me, none for thee’ attitude of the two brothers. Not a good way to build trust with your comrades.

Jesus did not rebuke the brothers for their request. Rather, He simply said that those seats were designated for others.

The second context was in a rebuke of the Jewish religious leaders who loved the trappings of their leadership but were not applying what they taught personally. Position, title, and influence were what they desired rather than serving others.

Both lessons contain the same teaching – greatness in the Kingdom of God is found through becoming a servant. Note that Jesus does not say, “Greatness is found in serving.” Rather, greatness is found in becoming a servant. The issue is one of primary identity. Servant leaders have found their identity is being (becoming) a servant who expresses that identity as a leader who serves others. It is identity first, then the actions/behavior of serving flows from that primary identity.

So, don’t pursue greatness. Pursue becoming a servant and that humility will lead to greatness with leadership influence in the Kingdom.

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , ,
08 Sep 2025

Entangled

And they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. … So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mark 11:28-29, 33 ESV

The opposition was trying to trap Jesus with this question about His authority to act as He was doing. Note how Jesus answered their question with a question. He told them that if they answered His question first, exposing their unbelief and duplicity, then He would answer their question. They discussed it and refused to give Him an answer. He, being true to His word, also refused to answer their question.

Leaders sometimes are asked questions, often in a public setting, which can be difficult to answer succinctly or without a longer explanation for clarity. Knowing your answer will be quoted by others, sometimes it is best not to answer. A simple, “I’m not sure I have an answer for that,” or “I’ll need to think about that some more” can be sufficient for the moment. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you also must have an answer because you are the leader.

Prudence and discernment can help in determining the motive behind the question and whether it is worthy of a response. Some Kingdom leaders get baited into public opinions they really don’t want to be quoted on. Questions related to politics, social justice, opinions and actions of others, or current news items that have little bearing on the Kingdom or your personal mission are best avoided. An answer like, “I don’t have a public opinion about that,” can silence the curious.

Social media or email is easily forwarded or edited by those who would do harm to the advance of the gospel or tarnish your reputation for evil purposes. Think before you hit the send button. Respond, don’t react. Let emotions settle before you reply. You don’t have to always give an answer. Don’t get baited into a side-issue confrontation that takes you away from your God-given mission. History is replete with many Kingdom leaders who became entangled in other issues.

Remember Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him.” NASB20

Posted in #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , , ,
14 May 2018

How’s Your Leadership Posture?

Posture  –  a particular way of dealing with or considering something; an approach or attitude

As you lead into a particular context you will want to be self-aware of your leadership posture in the context – how you will act in this situation.

There are two general types of leadership postures that you can adopt – directive or supportive.  Both are appropriate with neither being better or more valuable.  The context you are leading in will determine which of the two general postures is most appropriate for the situation.

The directive posture is often the one seen as the ‘typical’ leadership style.  It is where the leader is giving direction, making decisions, and assigning responsibilities.  They are out in front, setting the pace, and visibly rallying the people towards the goal.

The directive posture is needed when one is leading an inexperienced team who are unclear on what to do or how to do it.  This leadership posture is also necessary in a crisis environment.  You don’t want the ER doctor leading a brainstorm session with his staff when the patient is bleeding out from gunshot wounds!

The supportive posture is fitting when leading in a context where the team is more experienced.  They know what to do and how to do it; now they need to know specifically from you what their contribution will be to the whole team effort.  After delegating responsibilities, you then come alongside and help them solve problems, motivate and encourage them, all the time letting them bear the weight of their responsibility.

If a leader assumes a directive posture with a highly experienced team he or she will stifle initiative, for they soon realize that there is little room for independent action.  Instead of feeling empowered, they will feel controlled and micro-managed.  If leading a team of volunteers, they will choose to ‘vote with their feet’ and leave your leadership.  Leaders want to be empowered, not controlled.

The key is knowing which posture to adopt when.  We all have a natural, default posture.  But, if we only do what comes naturally or easy for us, we will miss bringing our best to those we lead.  Pray for discernment and self-awareness on which posture you need to assume and how to deliver it well.

How’s your posture?

Posted in #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , , ,

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