Taking the Lead by Marlys Taege Moberg Opening Sing "If You But Trust in God to Guide You" (LW 420, stanzas 1 & 4; LBW 454, stanzas 1 & 4; TLH 518, stanzas 1 & 7) or "Christ Be My Leader" (All God's People Sing! 81). Me-a leader? Sometimes it's difficult or scary to think of ourselves in that role. Yet women today are often called to lead, guide or teach others in their families, churches, communities and jobs. To help us do a better job as leaders, let's learn from women in Scripture-women of varied abilities and backgrounds-who, with the Lord's approval, filled diverse leadership roles. (If time is short, divide into groups, and assign one or two of these Biblical women to each group. Then have the groups share their findings with everyone.) Deborah At a time when there were men who could have been appointed as a judge over the Israelites, God designated a married woman, Deborah. What other role did she hold? Judges 4:4 What did Deborah do when Barak refused to lead? What does this story tell us about her? Judges 4:5-9, 14 How did the Lord bless her rule? Judges 5:31 Huldah When Hilkiah, the high priest, found the lost Book of the Law in the temple, King Josiah immediately sent several men to the prophetess Huldah to "inquire of the Lord for me" about what the book said. What did Huldah tell them? 2 Kings 22:15-20 What was the result? 2 Kings 23:1-3 Phoebe Obviously an active believer, Phoebe is described in the Greek language in Romans 16:1-2 as a diakonos (from which we get the words deacon and deaconess) and a prostatis (a benefactor or someone who takes the lead in ministering to others in need). Scholars believe Phoebe may have carried Paul's Letter to the Romans to the Christians in Rome. What request does Paul make of them in Romans 16:1-2? Why? What does this imply for us when our leaders have needs? When and why should a leader delegate duties and seek help? A Wise Woman Old Testament Jews depended for guidance upon priests, prophets and "the wise" (Jeremiah 18:18). Among the wise counselors was a woman in the city of Abel. When Joab's troops threatened to destroy the city because a man who had rebelled against King David was hiding there, the wise woman courageously saved her city. How? 2 Samuel 20:16-22 Under what circumstances might the Lord expect us to step forth boldly? Esther As queen, Esther acted courageously to save the Jews in Persia from extinction. What danger did Esther face in making a request to her husband, the King? Esther 4:11 How did Esther prepare? Esther 4:15-16 What usually accompanied fasting? Daniel 9:3 How much should we as leaders depend upon prayer? How can we do this? 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Priscilla In Romans 16:3, how does Paul refer to Priscilla and Aquila? In four of the six passages where Scripture mentions the couple, it places Priscilla's name ahead of her husband's, an indication of respect for her abilities. When Apollos, a powerful preacher, came to Ephesus, it was obvious that he knew only part of the story of the Messiah, so both Priscilla and Aquila instructed him (read Acts 18:24-28). Apollos then served effectively in Greece. Under what circumstances are leaders required to become teachers? Miriam What were the God-appointed roles of this sister of Moses and Aaron, according to Micah 6:4 and Exodus 15:20-21? How can we follow Miriam's example? Psalm 117 Psalm 150:6 How did her jealousy/prejudice kindle God's anger? Numbers 12:1-15 In Conclusion Briefly summarize the various leadership qualities you have observed in these Biblical women and note how the Lord blessed each woman's efforts. In what ways have you been blessed to serve the Lord? As we serve in positions of responsibility, what does the Lord require of us according to Micah 6:8? Closing Thank the Lord in prayer for the opportunities the LWML has offered women to develop and use their God-given leadership abilities in His service. Thank Him too for the blessings He has showered on the League, your society and you-and ask Him to give you wisdom as you lead, guide or teach others. Marlys Taege Moberg, Milwaukee, WI, is the author of Women in God's Service (WINGS) and Women in League with the Lord, a new LWML history available from the LWML office.