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I constantly look for the next big leadership idea. It seems like every day there is a new book, article, blog, or post on how to be a better leader.
As a Christian, though, I find myself asking where Jesus aligns with ideas of leadership. He set a firm foundation on how to lead others through love, grace, and toward a better version of themselves. He did this in five ways.
1. He saw potential instead of perfection.Every single one of Jesus' disciples were works in progress. He called simple laborers, corrupt tax collectors, tag-alongs, politicians, and even a thief. It would make sense that the Savior of the world would select perfect men to be the future leaders of his church. Yet, instead of looking at the outside, he looked at their hearts. He developed their potential. He didn't seek perfection, he sought potential.
2. He forgave even before he was forsaken.Judas eventually gave Jesus up for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus knew this would happen, yet in Matthew 26 and John 13 he still washed the feet of Judas and fed him at the last supper. Jesus still cared for Judas despite his evil intentions. He cared for the hearts of every person he served, including Judas.
3. Jesus asked questions. Often Jesus was challenged by the religious leaders of his time. At other times his followers questioned him as they sought the truth of God. However, Jesus often responded by asking questions. He was teaching both his disciples and the Jewish leaders to seek answers and problem-solve on their own. When he did respond directly, he often used stories that required reflection. Jesus asked more questions than he answered.
4. He served others rather than expecting to be served. Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45, NIV). In John 13 Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. This task, although seemingly simple, was culturally unheard of in his time. Leaders did not wash the feet of those they led. This task was servant work; it was dirty, it was lowly, it definitely wasn't something that was expected of a leader. He showed his followers that the true mission of a leader is to serve others.
5. Jesus led with grace and accountability.In many of his interactions, Jesus commanded people to go and sin no more. However, he often met them with unexpected grace first. In John 7 we read of a woman that had sinned and, by law, should have been put to death. His response was that all people sin, and that only the innocent can condemn. He led with grace and forgiveness and changed this woman's life, then he sent her out to sin no more. He led with grace but sent out with accountability.
My natural tendency is to always meet others with the expectation of following rules. I often struggle to extend grace when mistakes are made. We can always lead others to be better, but we must remember people make mistakes and deserve grace.
Leadership is challenging. It isn't always easy to make decisions and lead someone else to the best version of themselves. Jesus set an example of what it means to truly care for others, to lead them to a better tomorrow, and to encourage growth.
We can be encouraged that Christ will not only shape our hearts and minds as individuals, but he will also guide our hearts and minds as leaders.
 | Sean Lord is a pastor, husband, and father. He enjoys writing about leadership, theology, and ministry. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and currently pastors at one of the largest churches in the U.S. He spends much of his time mentoring and coaching pastors as well as leaders outside of the church. Learn More » |
This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.
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