Leadership in ministry is not just about guiding others; it’s about embodying a vision that inspires and equips people to grow. At its heart, it’s about creating a culture where spiritual development and disciple-making thrive. But how do we lead in a way that builds movements, not just followers?
Looking to Jesus as the ultimate model for leadership offers principles that can shape our approach to ministry and life. His methods were rooted in clear purpose, spiritual intimacy, and a deep love for people. Here’s how we can follow His example:
Leadership Equals Responsibility
True leadership carries weight. Whether you’re overseeing an entire church or guiding a small team, there’s a responsibility to steward resources, guide people, and make tough decisions. Jesus never shied away from this weight. He shouldered responsibility with humility, leading by example and empowering others to do the same.
If you’re in a leadership role, you’re not just there to direct – you’re there to serve and shepherd, ensuring every decision aligns with a mission bigger than yourself.
Embracing Change and Risk
Leadership is about movement, not maintenance. Jesus consistently led His disciples into uncharted territory, both physically and spiritually. He cast bold visions, such as the Great Commission, that required faith, creativity, and risk.
Leaders today must similarly embrace innovation and faith-filled risks. Whether it’s launching new ministries or reimagining how to serve your community, growth requires stepping out in trust. Remember, even small, faithful steps can pave the way for monumental shifts in your church or organization.
Modeling Core Values
Culture in any organization is shaped more by what leaders do than by what they say. Jesus modeled disciple-making by living it out daily. He prioritized prayer, showed compassion, and engaged in intentional relationships. His life became the template His followers sought to emulate.
Take time to reflect: does your behavior align with the values you hope to instill in your team or congregation? Leadership starts with modeling the culture you want to create.
Prioritizing Spiritual Intimacy and Dependence
At the heart of Jesus’ leadership was His connection to the Father. He emphasized the importance of abiding in God, knowing that true fruitfulness comes from spiritual dependency. As a leader, your ability to inspire others is directly tied to your personal walk with Christ. When you are growing as a leader, the people around you will do the same. If you are not creating a culture for that nurtures growth, the church won’t move.
Are you carving out time for prayer, reflection, and renewal? A leader who is deeply rooted in their walk with God will naturally inspire others to deepen theirs.
Moving Beyond Failure
Failure is not the end. Peter’s restoration after denying Jesus is a powerful reminder that our greatest contributions often lie on the other side of our biggest failures. Mistakes don’t disqualify you; they prepare you for greater impact if you’re willing to learn and grow.
As leaders, we must help our teams and ourselves move past setbacks with grace. Failure can be a stepping stone to a stronger, more faithful ministry.
A Call to Lead Like Jesus
Leadership within the church is not about titles or achievements. It’s about embodying a mission that draws others into deeper relationships. Jesus demonstrated how to lead with humility, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the Kingdom. Whether you’re a pastor, team leader, or volunteer, you are called to live out these principles.
Take time this week to reflect on how Jesus’ leadership style can shape your own. How can you better prioritize spiritual intimacy? Where might you embrace risk or model core values more intentionally? Let’s lead like Jesus – with faith, vision, and an enduring focus on making disciples who make disciples.
Discover more insights on leading like Jesus by listening to the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast: Finding Inspiration in Jesus – The Ultimate Disciple-Making Leader.
