EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP: THE JESUS APPROACH AND EXAMPLE
Leadership is a great responsibility. Effective leadership requires preparation, vision, sacrifice, humility, wisdom and the ability to develop others. Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of effective leadership. His life and ministry demonstrate principles that every leader can learn from and apply.
Leadership is a great responsibility. Effective leadership requires preparation, vision, sacrifice, humility, wisdom and the ability to develop others. Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of effective leadership. His life and ministry demonstrate principles that every leader can learn from and apply.
1. A PREPARED LEADER
Jesus Christ spent approximately thirty years in preparation before beginning His public ministry. He chose to grow into ministry rather than merely grow in ministry. His preparation was not wasted time; it was an essential part of His leadership development.
Many leaders today are ineffective because they enter leadership without adequate training or preparation. Some have little or no knowledge of what their positions or responsibilities entail. As a result, they resort to a “trial and error” approach.
Luke 2:40 (NIV) says:
“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”
This verse describes Jesus’ development as a child and highlights several important areas of growth:
Physical Growth
Jesus grew in stature and strength like any other human being, demonstrating His humanity.
Growth in Wisdom
Jesus grew in wisdom and understanding. His wisdom was evident in His knowledge of God’s Word and His understanding of spiritual matters.
Spiritual Growth and the Grace of God
The verse also emphasises that the grace of God was upon Him. His life was marked by God’s favour and presence.
These areas of growth remind us that effective leadership requires continuous development. Leaders must give themselves to:
Prayer
Diligent study of the Word of God
Waiting upon God
Learning and acquiring knowledge
Training and personal development
A leader who refuses to prepare may eventually struggle to perform effectively.
2. A SPECIAL LEADER
Jesus Christ was a Leader of leaders. He did not merely gather followers; He deliberately developed people who would continue His mission after His departure.
He said to Peter and Andrew:
“Follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”
— Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
Jesus called His disciples, trained them, empowered them and eventually entrusted them with responsibility.
A leader may have many followers, but an effective leader goes further by raising other leaders with purpose and vision.
John C. Maxwell puts it this way:
“To add growth, lead followers; to multiply growth, lead leaders.”
The responsibility of a leader is therefore not simply to lead people but to develop people.
3. A VISIONARY LEADER
Jesus Christ was a visionary leader. Because He understood His mission, He remained focused and did not allow distractions to divert Him from His purpose.
When Jesus was tempted by the devil three times, He remained steadfast and overcame every temptation (Matthew 4:1–10).
At another time, the people wanted to take Him by force and make Him king, but Jesus withdrew because He knew that earthly political power was not His mission (John 6:14–15).
Even when Peter tried to discourage Him from going to the cross, Jesus remained focused on His assignment. He rebuked Peter and continued towards Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21–23).
Jesus understood His purpose. He knew why He had come, and He remained committed to accomplishing His Father’s will.
Questions for Every Leader
●What is your vision?
●What is your mission?
●What are your core values?
●What do you want to accomplish through your leadership?
Assignment
1. Write down everything you plan to accomplish as a leader in the group or organisation you are leading.
2. Why are you in the group or organisation?
3. What are some of your core values in life?
4. How will your vision benefit the people you lead?
4. A SERVANT LEADER
Jesus demonstrated servant leadership through His willingness to serve others.
In John 13:1–15, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Although He was their Lord and Master, He humbled Himself and performed a task that was normally associated with servants.
Two important characteristics of servant leadership are love and humility.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, yet He humbled Himself and demonstrated love towards humanity. Therefore, every good leader must learn to lead with humility and love.
A leader should not insult, belittle or disrespect those he or she leads. Leadership is not about intimidating people; it is about serving, guiding, developing and inspiring them.
When leaders treat people with dignity and respect, they create an environment in which people can flourish.
5. A SACRIFICIAL OR SELFLESS LEADER
Jesus paid the ultimate price for humanity. His leadership involved sacrifice.
Effective leadership requires a willingness to sacrifice what may be good for oneself in order to pursue what is best for the people and the mission.
Sacrifice is a constant part of leadership. It is not a one-time payment but an ongoing commitment.
The greater the calling, the greater the sacrifice and, ultimately, the greater the impact.
As John C. Maxwell says:
“A leader must give up to go up.”
A leader may have to sacrifice:
1. Time
2. Money and resources
3. Effort
4. Personal rights and privileges
5. Comfort
6. Personal interests
7. Sometimes, even life itself
True leadership is costly because effective leaders are willing to put the interests of others and the success of the mission ahead of their own comfort.
6. A DELEGATING LEADER
Jesus did not attempt to do everything Himself. He trained, empowered and entrusted His disciples with responsibility.
After His resurrection, He commissioned them:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”— Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Jesus gave His disciples authority and sent them out to continue the work.
Only secure leaders are willing to empower others.
A leader who refuses to delegate may eventually become overwhelmed and limit the growth of the organisation.
There is a saying:
“I would rather hire two thousand men than do the work of two thousand men.”
The lesson is simple: Do not try to do everything yourself. Develop people, trust them, empower them and give them opportunities to contribute.
Delegation is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of effective leadership.
7. A GOOD FINISHER
Jesus was a good finisher. He completed the assignment His Father gave Him.
On the cross, Jesus declared:
“It is finished.”
— John 19:30
Leadership is not complete simply because a person starts well. True leadership is demonstrated by the ability to finish well.
A leader must understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment. Being busy does not always mean being productive.
The mark of a good leader is not only what he or she achieves personally but also the legacy left behind.
A leader’s lasting value is often measured by succession: Who have you prepared to continue the work after you are gone?
Paul instructed Timothy to pass on what he had learned to faithful people who would also be able to teach others:
“And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
Effective leaders therefore deposit their legacy in people.
CONCLUSION
There is no magical formula that can transform someone into an effective leader overnight. Leadership is a process of learning, experience, success, failure, correction and continuous improvement.
Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Never stop developing others.
The future requires leaders who will keep their eyes, ears and minds open. We must be willing to listen, learn and become actively involved in whatever we do. We must coach and develop others, enrich and motivate them, take appropriate risks, give credit to others and genuinely care about the people we lead.
Leadership is not about occupying a position; it is about making a difference.
FINISH WELL AND PASS IT ON
Beloved, I urge you: finish well and pass it on to the next generation.
Learn from the example of Jesus Christ. Prepare yourself. Develop others. Remain focused on your vision. Serve with humility. Sacrifice for the greater good. Delegate responsibility. Build people. And, above all, finish the assignment God has entrusted to you.
A. WORK JOYFULLY
Work with joy, knowing that God is the ultimate source of our approval and reward.
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart…”
— Ecclesiastes 9:7–9
B. WORK ENERGETICALLY
Whatever responsibility God has given you, give it your best effort while you have the opportunity.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”
— Ecclesiastes 9:10
C. WORK WISELY
Leadership requires wisdom. Learn from experience, listen to counsel and seek God’s perspective in every decision.
“I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom…”
— Ecclesiastes 9:13–18
May God raise leaders who are prepared, visionary, servant-hearted, sacrificial, empowering and committed to finishing well.
God bless you.
Rev. Sylvanus Kpodonu
Facilitator
EPCG
