On Ordination Sunday we slow down and look at the kind of leadership Jesus calls great. In John 13 the Lord takes a towel and shows elders and churches what real greatness looks like. This message walks through three “towels” for everyday ministry: the towel of smallness from John 3:30, the towel of spikenard from John 12:3, and the towel of service from John 13:14. We also hear Paul’s warning to shepherds in Acts 20, Ezekiel’s rebuke of failed shepherds, and Peter’s call to humble oversight in 1 Peter 5. It is practical, church focused, and ready for leadership training or elder appointments.

Scriptures: John 13:1-15; John 3:30; John 12:1-8; Acts 20:28-31; Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Mark 10:42-45; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; Hebrews 13:17-18.