Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
Week 16: Chapter 15 — Discipline of Leadership
Read Chapter 15 of Disciplines of a Godly Man. Primary Scripture: Mark 10:42–45; Nehemiah 1–2; 1 Timothy 3:1–7.
Previewing Week 16 of Disciplines of a Godly Man
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 20-week guide when you’re ready.
Hughes calls men to embrace servant leadership — not the passive abdication that masquerades as humility, and not the domineering control that masquerades as strength, but the Christlike combination of decisive vision and self-giving service. Approach this session with both aspiration and honest self-assessment.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Jesus redefines greatness as servanthood in Mark 10:42–45 — "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant." Hughes argues this is not the absence of leadership but a transformed kind of leadership. What is the difference between servant leadership and simply refusing to lead?
2.Hughes uses Nehemiah as a model of godly leadership — a man who combined prayer and planning, courage and compassion, vision and practicality. What quality of Nehemiah's leadership do you most want to develop, and which of his characteristics is most foreign to your current style?
3.Hughes argues that leadership begins at home before it can be exercised effectively anywhere else — hence Paul's qualifications for church leadership in 1 Timothy 3 include "managing his own household well." How would you assess your leadership at home — not just as provider but as spiritual initiator and servant?