Leadership Development - Jesus Explained Kingdom Values

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

Our topic for 2026 is Leadership Development, and today we want to consider how Jesus explained Kingdom values to his closest followers. As we lead leaders, it is important that we clearly communicate – and set the example – the values we hold high in Village Church Planting.

During my corporate career, I was required to complete an annual performance review, and my performance was evaluated on not only what I did, but also how I did it. My supervisor rated my accomplishments for the year, and they also assessed if my attitudes and behaviors aligned with corporate values. At the top of the company’s list of values was “Respect for People.”

As our Ultimate leader, Jesus explained God’s Kingdom values to his disciples. We read the following in Matthew 18:1-4. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.  “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

As we assist in the development of emerging leaders, we need to teach them – and show them – that humility is a prerequisite for leadership. The Apostle Paul instructed believers in Colossians 3:12, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Other translations say that we are to “put on” humility. This must be an intentional attitude and action. Two chapters later in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus had this to say in his “leadership development class” with His disciples.

But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave (Matthew 20:25-27)

Jesus’s way is sometimes referred to as the “upside-down Kingdom.” The kingdoms of this world, including too often in the Church, are hierarchical. Those at the top expect others to meet their needs, but Jesus taught and modeled servant leadership. One of my favorite verses in the Message version is Romans 15:1-2. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters and leaders.