What Makes a Good Leader?
What does a good leader look like?
What makes someone a good leader? Are they kind? helpful? brave? fair? Do they listen?
In the Bible, leaders are sometimes called shepherds. A good shepherd does not just look after the biggest sheep or the loudest sheep. A good shepherd notices the little sheep, the tired sheep, the sick sheep, and the sheep at the back.
Matthew 9.35-38
Jesus went to lots of towns and villages teaching people the good news that they were close to God’s heart. But when Jesus saw people in need, he worried that they were tired, stressed, and not properly cared for. They were like sheep without a shepherd to keep them safe. So Jesus said to his friends, “There are so many people who need help and love, but there are not many helpers. I’m sending you to help however you can.”
When Jesus saw that the people were not being cared for by their leaders, he was worried. Some were sick, some were hungry, some did not have safe places to live. So he sent his friends to let those people know they were important to God - by caring for them, helping them be safe and healthy.
We can help too — in the playground, at home, in our class, with younger children, with someone who is left out. We can be good leaders when we say, “Come and play with us.” Or when we notice someone is sad. Or when we tell a safe adult when someone is hurt. Or when we remind people how loved and appreciated they are.
Jesus shows us that good leadership means making sure everyone is taken care of - no exceptions.
I wonder: How might you be a good leader in your family or community?
We pray:
God who remembers everyone,
help us also to remember those who are tired, sad, lonely, or left out.
Help us to be kind leaders.
Help us to notice when people need care.
Help us to use our words and actions to help, not hurt.
Amen.
> Children’s Worksheet