BECOMING A HEALTHY LEADER: Leading Like Jesus In Ministry

If there is anyone whom every spiritual leader must model and pattern their leadership after, it is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The four Gospels bear undeniable witness that Jesus is the perfect example of godly leadership. No man has ever influenced the world as much as He has.

He began His earthly ministry all alone, handpicked twelve disciples, trained and discipled them, and then empowered them to carry on the work of the Kingdom. Through their obedience, His ministry multiplied across generations. Over 2,000 years later, millions have died for His sake, and billions are still following Him daily, living by His teachings and advancing His Kingdom.

Though He never authored a book or founded a Bible school, His legacy lives on eternally. His method was simple but powerful: raising and releasing men for ministry. Who else can teach us leadership more than the Chief Shepherd Himself?

A. THE LEADERSHIP BLUEPRINT OF JESUS

When we study the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can clearly see His divine pattern and principles of leadership. Here’s how He defined godly leadership:

1. Lead by your life – Luke 7:22-23; John 14:11; Acts 1:1. Before leading others, live a life worth following. Your personal walk with God is the foundation for your spiritual leadership.
2. Leadership is servanthood – Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 8:35. If you’re not ready to serve the people with humility and compassion, then you’re not ready to lead them. Kingdom leadership is about laying down your life for others, not using people for your gain.
3. Leadership is influence – John 21:1-3. If people will not willingly and joyfully follow you, then you’re not yet functioning as a true leader. Influence, not position, is leadership.
4. Relationship is the bridge to leadership – Luke 9:6; John 4:5-30. Without close connection and intentional discipleship, there can be no lasting spiritual impact. Leadership is relational before it is positional.
5. Live for divine purpose – Matthew 6:33; Luke 19:10; John 17:4. Purpose-driven leaders are focused and intentional. Your life and schedule must align with Heaven’s assignment for you.
6. Leaders solve problems – Matthew 15:29-39. The credibility of leadership increases as we identify and provide spiritual, emotional, and practical solutions to people’s real-life challenges.
7. Leaders raise people higher – Matthew 4:19. Just as Jesus called fishermen to become fishers of men, leaders draw out people’s God-given potential and equip them for Kingdom assignments.
8. Leaders initiate godly change. They confront outdated traditions, bring spiritual renewal, and align systems with God’s current move.
9. Leaders bring healing and wholeness. Christ’s leadership brought healing—spirit, soul, and body. As godly leaders, we are instruments of healing and restoration in homes, churches, and communities.
10. Leaders raise and train others – Mark 3:14; Luke 10:1. Equipping the saints is not optional. Every leader must disciple, train, and release others to do the work of ministry.
11. Leaders model commitment. Spiritual leaders lead by example. Don’t demand from your followers what you’re not practicing.
12. Leadership is not successful without successors – Matthew 28:20; Acts 1:8. Raising future leaders is not a choice; it is a mandate. It requires intentional sacrifice, but without it, there is no lasting legacy.

All spiritual leaders must embrace and apply these timeless Kingdom principles. They work in every level of church, ministry, and life leadership.

B. LEADING LIKE JESUS IN MINISTRY

Sadly, many church leaders, though aware of these truths, choose to imitate worldly or cultural leadership styles, ignoring the example of Christ. This is why many ministries today experience stagnation, strife, and spiritual decline.

So how can we lead like Jesus in practical ministry?

1. Build authentic relationships – John 13:23. Jesus was so close to His disciples that His enemies had to pay one of them to identify Him. (Matthew 26:48). Leaders who distance themselves from their people will leave them vulnerable and unprepared.
2. Encourage open communication – Matthew 16:22-23. Let your church members, workers, and ministers express their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment or attack. Openness fosters growth and maturity.
3. Discipline with love – John 21:15-17. Correct in the spirit of love and restoration, not intimidation. Establish clear disciplinary guidelines and ensure discipline aims at repentance, not punishment.
4. Delegate responsibility. Don’t give people tasks without authority. Trust the leaders you raise. Jesus sent His disciples on errands and assignments because He believed in them.
5. Expose people to success tools. Jesus trained His disciples thoroughly and gave them opportunities to minister. Leaders should create an environment where others are trained, empowered, and released.
6. Celebrate others’ successes. Jesus rejoiced when the disciples returned with testimonies. Kingdom leaders must never feel threatened by the growth or gifts of others.
7. Show practical care. Jesus not only promised eternal rewards, He provided for His disciples while on earth. Church leaders must show genuine concern for the welfare of their co-laborers.
8. Practice justice and fairness. Don’t manipulate rules to oppress others. Be transparent, just, and impartial in your dealings. Avoid using “church policy” to cheat or withhold what is due.
9. Avoid using the pulpit to fight battles. Don’t turn the altar into a battleground. Defend yourself through prayer, character, and God’s vindication, not through sermons.
10. Provide earthly incentives. While eternal rewards are guaranteed, there’s nothing wrong with appreciating and rewarding faithful service here on earth. Jesus did it. We must do the same.

Recommended Reading
Spiritual Leadership And Godly Communication
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Rachel
How To Build A Good Prayer Life

C. 10 CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP THAT LASTS

If you desire to lead effectively and make lasting generational impact like Jesus, then you must possess these godly leadership traits:

1. Begin with the end in mind. Stay committed to finishing well. Set boundaries to protect your integrity, and pursue continuous growth in character and calling.
2. Have a God-sized vision. Your vision must be bigger than yourself and rooted in God’s Kingdom agenda. Flee from anything that can kill the vision.
3. Guard your spiritual life. Your prayer altar, worship life, and personal fellowship with God must remain strong. Lead from your overflow in Christ, not from a dry place.
4. Maintain physical health. Rest well, eat right, and exercise. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and you need it to fulfill your assignment.
5. Prioritize your family. Great leaders are also great spouses and parents. Don’t sacrifice your home on the altar of ministry.
6. Treat people with honor. Christ-like eaders are known for kindness, humility, and emotional intelligence. Don’t be rude or domineering. Be a reflection of Christ’s gentleness.
7. Share the burden. Ministry is teamwork. Empower and delegate. Recognize the gifts and grace upon others and allow them to serve in their areas of strength.
8. Have genuine friendships. Not just ministry contacts, but spirit-filled friends who will encourage you, correct you, and stand with you in tough seasons.
9. Conquer discouragement. Don’t let bitterness, betrayal, or burnout take root. Surround yourself with accountability partners and intercessors.
10. Learn to laugh and enjoy the journey. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Joy is strength, and laughter is healing for the soul.

FINAL WORD

To truly lead like Jesus, you must love people deeply and invest in them sacrificially. Be a generous leader—generous with your time, talents, and treasures. Your investment in people, when bathed in prayer and led by the Holy Spirit, will bring forth fruit that remains and eternal rewards that never fade.