Blog

Photo by Nina Strehl on Unsplash

Do you consider yourself to be a leader? Maybe your answer is “yes!” right away. Or, maybe you think, “you know, I’m more of a behind-the-scenes person” or “I don’t have a powerful position at work or church or school.” “I don’t have a big personality.”

It’s easy for you and me to think we’re powerless to have influence in people’s lives or make a difference in the world unless we’re in charge of something. But can I tell you something? According to the Bible, being a leader is so much more than having a powerful job title, extroverted personality, and being in charge of something.

Let’s chat about how you can impact people and lead like Jesus, even if you’re not in charge.

More Than Being A Boss

There is an aspect of leadership that involves “being in charge,” for lack of a better phrase. These positions usually include having authority and oversight over a group of people, an organization or a mission of some kind. There can also be an element of vision casting, giving direction, bearing responsibility etc.

In the Church world, that would be pastors and spiritual leaders over congregations or teams/ministries within the local churches. In a household, it would be parents over the children. In the broader culture, it could look like CEOs or department heads within a business.

But for Christians especially, we have to remember that being a leader is so much more than being in charge. For one, being in charge isn’t the only way to exercise leadership. You’re not excluded from leading just because you may not be the boss of something. (We’ll unpack that idea in a second.)

And secondly, someone isn’t a leader just because they have a title or position of authority. There’s an attitude and approach to Christian leadership that God describes in His Word. If you and I don’t align ourselves with God’s standard for how His people should behave when they’re entrusted with leadership, then we’re not truly leading biblically in God’s eyes.

You may or may not lead by holding a position of authority, but each of us as Christians can lead by exercising influence. Here’s how.

Being a leader is more than just being in charge; it’s being an example.

Being a leader means living a life that can be followed.

The apostle Paul wrote the books of 1 and 2 Timothy to encourage and mentor Timothy as a young pastor. You can tell from reading these letters that Timothy was leading a congregation diverse in age. He was responsible for the spiritual care and oversight of people both older and younger than him.

Here’s Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. I bet there’s a good chance you’ve heard it before.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith,
and your purity.

(1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)

No matter what your role or position may be, we can all set an example by living a life that follows Christ wholeheartedly. We do this first and foremost as an act of worship and obedience to Jesus (Romans 12:1-2), and when people around us see that devoted lifestyle it will encourage them, teach them, and set a standard to reach for in their own lives.

I’ve been volunteering or working in ministry leadership positions since I was 15 years old. And, God has used this truth to encourage me in what the character of my leadership should be and to remind me that I can still have impact even in seasons when I don’t hold a formal position of leadership.

Are you modeling the way of Jesus in your speech, your actions, the way you love God and people, your faith, and living a pure and godly life? Jesus can use your pursuit of Him in those areas (and more) to inspire and lead others deeper in their faith too.

I can’t tell you how many times Christians in my life have taught me something about practically following Jesus or about ministry or loving family and friends well, simply by something they said in casual conversation or as I watched how they handled a situation. God can use you that way too.

Being a leader is more than just being in charge; it’s being a servant.

Being a leader means using whatever position, strength, or resource you have to invest in the best interest of others. (Philippians 2:3-11)

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

(Matthew 20:25-28 NLT)

God calls His leaders to lead from an attitude of servanthood, humility, compassion and kindness. This is different from the worldly way that lords their authority over people or tries to use their position to get others to do what’s best for them. Godly leaders use their position to serve, help and build up others. Every Christian can do this, even if you’re not in an “official” position of leadership.

You can use your knowledge of the Bible to disciple a new Christian. You can use your time to babysit or clean for a family in your neighborhood that needs extra help.

You can use your finances to give generously to someone from your church with a practical need, or even just to bless them with a gift. You can use your experience as a church volunteer, or employee, or student to mentor a new volunteer, co-worker, or classmate in their craft.

So, don’t sell yourself short. 😉  God can, and wants, to use you to have godly influence in the lives of people around you. Ask Him what that looks like for you.

Let’s Talk: How is God calling you to serve and lead by example in this season? Discuss this post in the comments below.