Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-born Founding Father of the United States. An inventor and philosopher, he authored Common Sense, a pamphlet that was influential at the start of the American Revolution.

As Jesus began teaching on earth, His words about leadership and leading were shocking. In fact, they were so at odds with religious leaders of the time, they believed Jesus could not possibly be the Savior they were hoping and waiting for.

There are a number of avenues to go deeper and explore a bible topic for leadership that might be specific to your table group. Is it okay for a table leader to deviate from what is provided? Yes, of course!

Aristotle (384-322 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher. His writings cover a broad range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology, and the arts.

A hack is a clever trick or shortcut for accomplishing something. There are hacks for smartphones and cooking and driving. What about in your leadership? Is being a good leader something that has hacks?

The key facet of leadership development—that is, investing in others for the purpose of seeing them exhibit excellence through their own lives and leadership—is “baked in” to New Testament teaching.

Here are some common questions we receive from table leaders, and some suggestions for how to maintain best practices and grow in life and leadership.

American politics is getting more intense and divisive by the day. The democratic tradition of debate and discourse, leading to compromise and unity, is all but gone in the US. Instead, we gather into tribes based on deeply held political beliefs, we deride the opposition.

Jesus and His disciples traveled and ministered together, day and night, for three years. We don’t know of all the meals they had together, the conversations as the walked from town to town, or what Jesus said when they fished, and started campfires, and woke up in the mornings.

William Whiting Borden (1887-1913) was an American philanthropist, millionaire and Christian missionary. Borden surrendered his life to Christ as a child as a result of the witness of his mother. Borden wrote three phrases in his Bible that defined his life: “No reserves. No retreats. No regrets.”

Dietrick Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident. He was opposed to Hitler’s genocide of the Jews, and ran “underground seminaries” during the war. In 1943 he was imprisoned by the Gestapo. Bonhoeffer was executed in the spring of 1945.

The table is an amazing leadership development platform. Our time at a Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship table is designed around three key words and actions that will help you grow in relational leadership.

As a leader, you’re not over a what, but a who. To lead is to influence others in a way that helps them grow personally, professionally and spiritually. Leadership is fundamentally about influencing people.

When performance trumps people, an eclipse of leadership occurs. The leader himself overshadows the team. His priorities, ideas, thoughts, decisions, become the elements of first importance.

Charlemagne (747-814) united the majority of Western and Central Europe during the Middle Ages. People call him the “Father of Europe,” and the Pope made him the first Holy Roman Emperor.

When a C-suite staff member moves on or retires, it takes an average of four months, and can cost thousands of dollars, to find a replacement. Yet, 50-70% of all executive searches fail. They end with the new hire being unsuccessful and leaving the position.

Salvation through Christ is a gift of grace. Christ Himself is described as “full of grace” (John 1:14). A common definition of grace as used throughout the Bible is undeserved favor.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834 – 1892) was an English pastor of the New Park Street Chapel (later renamed Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London for 38 years. He became known as the “Prince of Preachers” for his spellbinding sermons, which sometimes ran two hours or more.

What if you could know what God Himself was thinking? What if you were able to discern the very thoughts of God? How would that skill and divine knowledge benefit your life and leadership?

James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. (1924 - ) is an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th President of the United States. Though many believe his presidency a failure, his post-Oval Office years have been nothing short of phenomenal.

Saint Nicholas of Myra (270-373) was an early Christian bishop from the city of Myra in Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire. That he loved children and was tremendously generous is widely accepted, and gave rise to the modern day tales of Santa Claus.

For clarity, consider each message in light of the question, “Is what I am about to say of benefit to the listener?” Even difficult statements are beneficial if they truly help the receiver, and are delivered with proper tone and context.

The Bible tells faith-centered leaders to live as optimists. This confidence is a spiritual character trait based on our trust in God. Joshua 1:9 promises, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed...”

We must measure to lead. Self-examination is integral to leadership. A leader who is not looking inward to see progress and pitfalls will not grow outwardly in decisions, relationships and vision.

Some leaders see themselves as a steward of their position. Others want to claim a top position in business. Still others want to accomplish something specific. None of these purposes, however, outlast the leader himself.

In leadership we might go out on a limb, try something new, give an idea a season. But when the result isn’t what we wanted or hoped for, our minds turn to the idea that we “need to get back”. Back the basics. Back to reality. Back to normal.

There are aspects of the Father that go above our heads. Though we can’t possibly know all the ways of God, we can know, in a broad sense, how God’s ways are higher our ways.

Once a person surrenders their life to Christ, faith and leadership cannot be separated. It is “baked in”. The difference in Christian leadership is that faith takes point for the leader.

Elvis Aaron Presley (1935 – 1977) was known as the “King of Rock and Roll”. He began his music career in 1954, and over the next 30 years would sell 300 million albums, make 33 movies, and become one of the most well-known and celebrated artists in history.

Positive leadership is a product of a leader’s relationships, for it is in knowing, helping and serving people that he can elicit a compelling and uplifting emotional response.

God tells us about Himself through His names. The Bible records some 900 names and titles of God in total, There are about 30 names that are specific to Him alone.

Jesus and His disciples traveled and ministered together, day and night, for three years. We don’t know of all the meals they had together, the conversations as the walked from town to town, or what Jesus said when they fished, and started campfires, and woke up in the mornings.

“Character is who you are when no one else is looking.” It’s only when nobody else is watching—when you are alone, or when the social media cameras aren’t pointing at you—that you reveal who you are deep down.

Scripture tells us “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). A peacemaker is one who helps reconcile parties who disagree. Spiritually a peacemaker is one who leads others to reconcile with God and with one another.

On Memorial Day we remember and honor the sacrifices of those who gave their last full measure of devotion to their country. Consider the people-centered lesson we can learn as leaders from those who serve (or have served) in a branch of the armed forces.

Patience is the recognition that things of value take time. One doesn’t become successful, or paint a masterpiece, or build a close-knit family, overnight. The response to the need for patience is persistence.

Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Daniel, Isaiah, John, Paul, Timothy, Jesus… does the Bible, through its primary characters and events, give us examples of leaders, or does it actually teach leadership skills and principles?

Undoubtedly we are more connected than ever before through electronic means. Yet our collective ability to navigate difficult conversations, especially conflict, is terrible. Perhaps our connections have become echo-chambers for groupthink.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs was one of the pioneers in the personal computer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s and the smart phone revolution of the 2000s.

Live and lead long enough and you realize that some people are a few nuts short of a fruit cake. So how exactly do you deal with person who drives you and everyone else a little crazy?

Fred McFeely Rogers (1928 – 2003) was an American television host, author, producer and Presbyterian minister. He was the creator, showrunner, and host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which ran from 1968 to 2001.

As a leader, mastering forgiveness is a powerful tool for teambuilding. Can you forgive mistakes and continue to engage without judgment, despite offense or negative outcomes?

Your values characterize who you are individually. They shape how you set goals, make decisions, plan for today and the future, and respond to circumstances.

The Bible is the world’s best-selling book. It contains history, poetry, prophecy, woven in a profound narrative of the world from creation to present. And it is the foundational book on leadership.

On the surface the story of Job may seem a cruel game. A faithful man, he suffers greatly, questions God, and receives God’s pointed response. How should we lead when faced with trials and difficulty?

We must measure to lead. Self-examination is integral to leadership. A leader who is not looking inward to see progress and pitfalls will not grow outwardly in decisions, relationships and vision.

In a nation formed specifically to provide freedom of religion to its citizens, something interesting has happened. Religious involvement in the US is at an all-time low. Replacing religion in their lives is political and social activism.

Fulfillment is the happiness or satisfaction that comes from developing one’s own abilities or character. A leader who knows his talents and skills are being put to good use and that he is growing personally and professionally has the mindset that he is stewarding his life well.

The idea of learning from someone more experienced than you, and then living that out by passing it on to the next generation, is the crux of mentoring. Having a mentor will greatly enhance your life and leadership.

In some locations around the world, it would be dangerous, even deadly, to acknowledge that you are a Christ-follower. Faith-centered leadership has become increasingly risky.

God’s faithfulness is His reliability in doing what He has promised. In other words, we can count on God. In life and work filled with anxiety, disappointment, temptation, crisis, frustrations, hate, failure and adversity, we serve a God that we can rely on.