In recent times, we have seen disturbing trends where Christian conferences meant for business people are headlined by pastors and church leaders. Sadly, this is no longer rare—it has become a growing pattern. Ministers of the gospel who have been called to provide spiritual leadership and shepherd God’s flock are now turning aside to chase after worldly influence and secular relevance.
Church leaders are now importing secular methods, business fads, corporate strategies, modern leadership terminologies, and worldly ways of managing people into the Church of Jesus Christ. Words such as “Bible,” “Jesus,” “faith,” “God,” “born again,” and “salvation” are gradually disappearing from their teachings. These have been replaced with corporate words designed to sound appealing and attract a crowd. But while the crowd may increase, the power and presence of God decrease.
What we are witnessing today is the worldly secularization of the Church. And unless there is a mighty move of God’s Spirit—a spiritual awakening and revival among church leaders—this trend will only lead the Church into deeper error and possibly destruction.
A. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP?
(Read: Matthew 20:25–28; 1 Peter 5:1–4)
Spiritual leadership cannot be easily defined in human terms, but you can discern when it is present. It carries a heavenly fragrance, like the fragrance of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15). It shifts spiritual atmospheres. It draws people toward the presence of God and makes Jesus Christ real and tangible to them.
Spiritual leadership brings about conviction, transformation, and a deep awareness of eternal things. This is not something one can force or fake. It flows naturally from a man or woman who has been called, sanctified, empowered, and commissioned by God.
Therefore, spiritual leadership in ministry is:
- Moving people toward God’s divine purpose and kingdom agenda
- Modeling the leadership style of our Lord Jesus Christ
- A calling and appointment by God—not man
- A life lived in obedience to God’s instructions
- Pursuing God’s heart, will, and priorities
- Living and leading selflessly, with sacrifice and service
- Seeking and submitting to God’s will in all things
This kind of leadership can only come from leaders who are truly born again, spiritually transformed, and walking in holiness, purity, sound doctrine, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and Christlike character. Such leaders know God intimately and are fully devoted to the Lord’s work.
B. SECULAR AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP CONTRASTED
In recent years, many Christian leadership teachers have blurred the line between secular leadership and spiritual leadership, but to the spiritually discerning, the difference remains very clear.
Let’s examine the contrast:
| Spiritual Leadership | Secular Leadership |
| 1. Models a godly lifestyle | 1. Focuses on authority and appearance |
| 2. Promotes God’s vision and divine mandate | 2. Pursues personal ambition and human goals |
| 3. Led by the Holy Spirit and deep prayer | 3. Led by natural instincts and human logic |
| 4. Centers on scriptural truth | 4. Centers on intellectual knowledge, degrees, and training |
| 5. Seeks to serve people humbly | 5. Seeks to control and dominate people |
| 6. Operates by spiritual gifts, not skills alone | 6. Driven by entrepreneurial mindset |
| 7. Grows in grace and character | 7. Grows in money and status |
| 8. Focuses on blessing others | 8. Focuses on self-enrichment |
| 9. Encourages others to discover their purpose | 9. Suppresses other voices and initiatives |
| 10. Obeys God’s divine instructions | 10. Follows man’s methods and systems |
| 11. Emphasizes spiritual discipline | 11. Emphasizes meetings, brainstorming, and strategy |
| 12. Seeks heart transformation | 12. Seeks only surface reformation |
| 13. Aims for eternal rewards and spiritual victories | 13. Aims for financial profit and public popularity |
Sadly, many modern-day churches—especially Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Faith-based ministries—have shifted more toward the secular model of leadership, ignoring the biblical pattern laid down by Jesus and the apostles. Management principles, administrative tactics, branding, and motivational speaking have replaced the preaching of the cross and holiness.
C. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SECULAR LEADERSHIP ON THE CHURCH
Today, to become a pastor in many circles, all you need is a university degree, business experience, sharp intelligence, charisma, and political or social connections. Spiritual criteria are hardly considered. As a result, the following negative effects are being seen in the Body of Christ:
- Churches full of nominal Christians with little or no spiritual depth
- Unholy lifestyles and ungodly conduct from ministers
- Worldliness creeping into the pulpit and pew
- Money-driven messages and financial scandals
- Loss of respect and honour for the Church
- Twisting of Scriptures to support false doctrines
- Spiritual abuse, manipulation, and injustice
- Quenching the Holy Spirit and blocking His move
- Increased carnality and demonic infiltration in churches
- Rising biblical illiteracy and lack of hunger for God’s Word
- Weak Christian witness and poor example to the world
Despite having more celebrity Christians—from kings to athletes, journalists to governors—many of them lack spiritual depth and Christian conviction. Their faith is not visible in their lifestyle, dressing, speech, conduct, or choices. This is the fruit of secularizing the Church.
Recommended Reading
Leading Like Jesus In Ministry
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Lot
DIVINE STRATEGIES – JOYFULNESS
D. 12 PILLARS OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY
If we are going to raise true spiritual leaders, then the following twelve pillars must be emphasized in training and leadership development:
- A Transformed Leader
True spiritual leadership begins with a genuine encounter with the Lord. A man who has not met Jesus deeply cannot lead God’s people spiritually. - Spirit-Filled and Spirit-Controlled
Without the infilling and guidance of the Holy Ghost, there is no true spiritual authority. - Holiness and Purity of Heart
Godly leaders must live what they preach. Holiness gives weight to our ministry. - Deep Communion with the Lord
Only those who dwell in God’s presence can bring down His fire and stir revival. - Balanced and Sound Teaching of Scripture
Preachers must teach the whole counsel of God, not motivational fluff. - Fervent Prayer Life
Prayer is the channel through which God’s presence and power are ushered into the Church. - Pursuing God’s Vision and Purpose
Every ministry must align with God’s kingdom agenda, not personal ambition. - Obedience to Divine Direction
The more we obey God, the more He entrusts us with influence. - Personal Spiritual Growth
You cannot take people deeper than you have gone with God. - Willingness to Make Necessary Changes
Leaders must be willing to adjust or discard ineffective methods. - Prioritizing Eternal Essentials
Focus must be on what matters most in the kingdom—souls, holiness, truth, and love. - A Teachable and Malleable Spirit
God needs leaders He can mold, rebuke, correct, and refine for His purpose.
CONCLUSION
The Church must return to the pattern set by Jesus and the apostles. We must raise spiritual leaders who are Christlike, Spirit-filled, and eternally focused, not secular CEOs or motivational personalities. The hope of the Church lies not in new strategies but in a fresh move of the Holy Ghost and the restoration of true spiritual leadership.