True Biblical spiritual leadership doesn’t look like the world’s leadership. And when a spiritual leader fails, it’s because they’ve traded Jesus’ way of leading for a worldly way.
Sometimes, that’s replacing spiritual goals with material ones (such as the land-grabbing Crusades or many examples of financial abuse). Other times, it’s falling in love with the power and privilege of being a leader, exploiting others for their own gratification.
Of course, it’s not just about not being a bad spiritual leader. God holds us to an infinitely higher standard. So, why do I start here? Because Jesus’ way of leadership is totally opposite: It is anti-hierarchical and shuns ambitions for worldly advancement.
Jesus flipped leadership on its head to give us a better way.
How did Jesus model spiritual leadership?
For Jesus, leadership was not leading by control. He didn’t make everyone follow him by providing some display of power, like Satan tempted Him to. He wasn’t a brash commander, ordering his disciples around. He was a gentle, humble teacher who served his followers—putting their needs while perfectly holding them accountable.
Back in his day, social classes were much stricter than today. But Jesus lowered himself to associate with the vulnerable and marginalized, reaching out to children, the sick, and the socially ostracized. He defended the woman from the stoning crowd. He met people, like the Samaritan woman at the well, where they were, offering compassion without judgment. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—an act reserved for the lowest servant. And he assumed the status of a criminal on a cross to save humanity from their sins.
At the same time, leadership is about guiding and directing people, too. Jesus held people accountable to the truth. He challenged the hypocrisy and legalism of the Pharisees. He corrected Peter for misunderstanding their spiritual mission.
Jesus didn’t do all this to lead us during His time on earth. He did it to provide a model for us to follow.
But how can we flawed humans ever hope to meet this standard? We can’t! God doesn’t expect perfection from us. But He will transform us into the spiritual leaders we were meant to be if we receive everything from him.
Receive your authentic style of spiritual leadership
Jesus came to rescue us and reconnect us with our perfect Heavenly Father. When we embrace this truth, we no longer have to be defined by our failures, struggles, or circumstances. Whether we face rejection, criticism, or setbacks, our identity remains secure because it is anchored in God’s love and acceptance.
Receiving this authentic self, provided and sustained by God, makes it possible to change: to focus on relationships (not ourselves), ttreat others better, make wise decisions and navigate life’s challenges, all while staying humble. Because we know it wasn’t us. It was all Him.
That way, you’re never putting on airs or acting how you think a spiritual leader should act.
Inspiring others through your walk with God
Inspiration is a huge part of being a strong leader. Think of the rush of belief a team has when the QB or linebacker stands in the middle of a huddle and delivers a motivational speech.
But too many people want to skip straight to this step. They want to appear as a leader and enjoy all the recognition of being a leader. But too few want to put in the work these leaders do. On the football team, it’s the time and effort and focus in the film room and the weight room that lead to success. And it’s also the willingness to take responsibility when things go wrong.
Leading by example in faith
Just like Jesus modeled, serving and leading by example is the basis for leadership. Otherwise, we could never guide or instruct from a place of experience. At worst, it could become hypocrisy.
In what ways can we lead by example?
- Loving God by loving others: Show others God’s perfect love by serving them sacrificially with kindness, empathy and compassion.
- Developing leadership through prayer: Listen to God through prayer and scripture, then have the trust and courage to apply it to everything, from big decisions to daily life.
- Worshiping God: Through your actions, help cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and understanding of God.
On top of leading by example, spiritual leadership often starts with things that can seem rather regular: checking in with your friends regularly, being intentional about bringing people together, organizing events and trips, being there for others when they need help. You can relate to others to help them—in many ways, lowering yourself by sharing your own mistakes and how you learned from them can be the most transformative way a spiritual leader can support and inspire those God has put in his life to be led.
Want to start a Men’s Huddle to bring guys together for spiritual growth? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship now.
