Context:

The Gospel of Mark is believed to be the oldest of the four Gospels contained in the New Testament. This book tells the story of Jesus’ ministry and focuses on the healing powers of Jesus and the theme of discipleship.  The Gospel of Mark is comprised of a series of parables, and stories about Jesus' ministry, it concludes with a detailed account of the trial and execution of Jesus. 

Leadership Principles from the Gospel of Mark

1. Inspire and Motivate 

• The skill of inspiring followers is essential to being an effective leader.  A good leader must encourage followers and believe in what he is inspiring. In turn, the followers will be motivated by the leader’s confidence and want to act as the leader does. 
•  “Whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:24-5). 
• Application: It would behoove modern leaders to follow Jesus’ model of inspiration because this model excites followers for the leader’s plan.  When this leadership strategy is put into use, the follower has the potential to change their view, just as Jesus was able to change the ideas of some people with his preaching.

2. Lead With Honesty And Modesty

• It is important for leaders to put their skills to good use, but it is crucial not to flaunt them.  A leader must not place himself above others because of a title, but rather prove himself to be deserving of authoritative power.
• Mark portrays Jesus’ modesty when Jesus healed the daughter of the synagogue ruler.  “He strictly ordered that no one know about this, and told them to give her something to eat” (5:43).  Jesus honestly cares about others’ well-being, not about what people will think of him. 
• Application: Modesty is very important in the world today, because no one likes to feel inferior.  If leaders do not lead with modesty, followers will lose respect very quickly.

3. Be Accepting But Never Naïve 

• Acceptance and generosity are crucial traits of good leaders, but must not be accompanied by naivety.  A good leader is always aware of his followers and non-followers that can do harm.  This awareness is important so that a leader will not be taken advantage of. 
•  “Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him: ‘Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’  And he broke down and wept” (14:72). 
• Application: In the work place, a boss must accept all of the employees equally and fairly, but must never be too trusting so that their betrayal could go unnoticed.