4. Jesus is a refreshing leader

Jesus offers us an appealing invitation. Read Matthew 11:28-30, and then discuss this question:

• How does Jesus want us to feel about his leadership?

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The Bible clearly teaches how elders should do their work.

Read Isaiah 32:2 and 1 Peter 5:1-3, and then discuss these questions:

• How does it make you feel to know that, like Jesus, the elders endeavor to refresh others?

• What are some other ways in which the elders imitate Jesus?

1. Who is the head of the congregation?

“Christ is head of the congregation.” (Ephesians 5:23) From heaven, he oversees the activities of Jehovah’s people worldwide. Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave”​—a small group of mature elders also known as the Governing Body. (Read Matthew 24:45-47.) Like the first-century apostles and elders in Jerusalem, the Governing Body gives direction to the global congregation. (Acts 15:2) But these men are not the leaders of our organization. They look to Jehovah and his Word for guidance, and they submit to Jesus’ headship.