Leaders move people from one perspective to another by skilled and passionate communication that stirs the hearts and challenges the minds; their words mobilise masses to change direction and exert effort for a common cause.
In this short video Kobus Meyer (pastor at Shofar Christian Church in Durbanville, South Africa) gives practical advice on how leaders can communicate with compelling passion and clarity, moving people into action.
Scripture
John 1:6-8, 29-34
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
Observations and reflection
Context: In these two portions of text the evangelist introduces the ministry of John the Baptist, and records how he pointed out Jesus as the Messiah.
- Verses 29-34 describes what is introduced in verses 6-8. Can you identify the phrases in verses 29-34 that correlate and explain the following phrase about the ministry of John the Baptist from verses 6-8?
- “sent from God”
- “to bear witness”
- “that all might believe”
- “not the light”
- John the Baptist was a powerful transformational leader who had a tremendous impact in Israel, bringing the nation as whole to repentance (Matthew 3:5-6). Carefully look at verses 6-8 to understand his ministry attitude; how should this impact your attitude towards leadership?
- “sent from God”
- “to bear witness”
- “that all might believe”
- “not the light”
Personal reflection and application
John the Baptist was a powerful transformational leader who had a tremendous impact in Israel during his day, leading the whole nation to God in repentance (Matthew 3:5-6). His words cut to the heart because he preached to move people to faith and action – his goal in preaching was “that all might believe” (John 1:7).
- Consider your aim in communicating to the group you are leading. Would you say that you normally speak as though
- to give your opinion?
- to give direction?
- to persuade others?
- to move people to action?
- What is the difference between the above four approaches to communication in terms of (i) content (what you say) and (ii) style (how you say it)?
- Construct the simple sentence “there is a God” in such a way
- to give your opinion.
- to give direction.
- to persuade others.
- to move people to action.
Prayer
Consider the life and ministry of John the Baptist who preached a hard message in the dessert, and people from all of Israel came to hear and changed their ways to fear God again. Pray for that grace from God to speak fearlessly and in such a compelling way that people will respond in faith and obey God when you lead and speak and his behalf.
Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies 