Jesus: A Leadership Example - Pt. 3
This is part three of a three part series that analyzes the leadership qualities of Jesus.
The Character of Jesus
Dan Allendar notes that much of the leadership discussion focuses on an individual's competency (2006). But character is vitally important to a proper understanding of leadership. A New Testament philosophy of leadership recognizes that leaders must possess the character of Jesus in their own lives. Obviously, sinless perfection is impossible for the believer in this life. However, Christian leaders are still called to a high standard. 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-3 provide several necessary qualifications for leadership within the church. It is important to note that almost all of these qualifications focus on the character and not the competency of a leader.
A New Testament understanding of leadership does not dismiss the importance of skill and competency in the leader's life. However, it recognizes that character is vitally important as well. Character is the foundation on which long-term and effective leadership is built. A leader who does not possess the character qualities mentioned in these New Testament passages will eventually harm himself or others.
Relating Like Jesus
Effective leadership cannot be divorced from relationships. Jesus modeled the type of relationship a leader must have with those he leads in his leadership of the disciples. In Mark 1:16-20, Jesus begins to call his first disciples. The simple command to follow him was an invitation into the life of Jesus. It was an opportunity for the disciples to hear Jesus and watch him in his public ministry. It was an invitation to access and understand the purpose and ministry of the Messiah.
Paul would emulate this style of relational leadership as well. His letters contain numerous references to the fellow workers he invested in, such as Timothy, Titus, Epaphras, and Epaphroditus. Furthermore, Paul repeatedly calls his readers to imitate the example he has provided them in his life and ministry in passages such as Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1.
These examples are a reminder that a New Testament understanding of leadership must include healthy relationships in which the leader can mentor others in leadership and ministry. This mentoring must consist of the opportunity for the mentee to observe the life and ministry of the mentor. Furthermore, the mentor must allow the mentee access to the motivations, rationale for decision-making, and implementation of ideas in the leader's life. This access provides the mentee with a visual example of how leaders lead.
Multiply Like Jesus
A single leader cannot do everything on their own. Therefore, leaders must expand their influence by multiplying like Jesus. Jesus chose to invest his life into others at the beginning of his ministry, as evidenced by Mark 1:17. Jesus mentored these disciples throughout his ministry by involving them in his works, as exemplified in the feeding of the 5000 in Mark 6:30-44. Jesus would then send out the disciples to expand his ministry to local regions in Mark 6:7-13. Then Jesus eventually commissions his disciples and subsequent believers in Matthew 28:19,20 to carry out his ministry to the local area and the nations.
The apostle Paul also demonstrated his understanding of the need for leadership multiplication. Throughout his letters, Paul references several other co-laborers in gospel ministry. Paul invested and developed leaders such as Timothy and Titus, who were able to continue the gospel ministry in places such as Crete and Ephesus.
Therefore, a New Testament understanding of leadership must focus on leadership multiplication. Leaders are responsible for developing other leaders to expand their influence and ensure the long-term success and expansion of the organization. This leadership development can be patterned after the discipleship model recommended by Mike Breen in Building a Discipling Culture. Breen suggests that discipleship needs to contain the transfer of information, the opportunity for imitation, and the empowerment of the disciple to innovate (2011). A leader must give the mentee details on how to lead, an opportunity to see ideal leadership first-hand, and the chance to lead others.
Trusting Like Jesus
Leaders are not omniscient or omnipotent. Even the most outstanding leaders cannot account for every variable in life. As a result, leaders must learn to trust in God's sovereignty, like Jesus. In John 19:11, Jesus is on trial before Pontius Pilate. The Roman governor becomes frustrated with Jesus's refusal to answer his questions. As a result, Pilate informs Jesus of his authority to free or crucify Jesus. To this, Jesus responds that Pilate's authority is derived from God. Jesus recognizes that his life is ultimately in the hands of the Father. He continues to trust in God's sovereignty over his life as he draws closer to his crucifixion.
Paul also demonstrated trust in God's sovereignty throughout his ministry. His theology is best summarized in Romans 8:28, which states, "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Leaders must ultimately trust that God controls every facet of their lives. Leaders can even rest assured that God can work out every detail and action in their lives for their good.
References
Allender, D. (2006). Leading with a Limp. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press.
Breen, M. & Cockram, S. (2011). Building a Discipling Culture.
Cordeiro, W. (2009). Leading on Empty. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House.
Iorg, J. (2009). The Painful Side of Leadership. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.
Northouse, P. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0. New York, NY: Gallup Press.