Lead by Investing in People

A study of the Gospels and the book of Acts reveals the saga of Christian leadership by recounting the story of Jesus in his relationship to the disciples. 

Sustainable Leadership March 21, 2019

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Leadership is a modern-day buzzword, with ongoing discussion on leadership definitions, styles and typologies. Where does the Christian fit into all of this and what is the role of the church and school?  More importantly, what is your personal role in the leadership discussion?

A study of the Gospels and the book of Acts reveals the saga of Christian leadership by recounting the story of Jesus and his relationship with the disciples. I’d like to outline some strategy steps that Jesus followed in what I’ve termed “leadership investment-mentoring”:

  • Identify your mission. Jesus clearly outlined, repeated and described his mission. He had not come to overthrow Caesar and to install himself as a King. He had come to reveal the true nature of who God was and to save men and women.
  • Select a team. Jesus believed in and espoused team work. He selected a team of willing workers.
  • Develop the team. Jesus focused on preparing people and not programs. By working steadily with the disciples, Jesus shared by example.
  • Delegate duties. Jesus delegated several tasks to the disciples, such as the feeding of the five thousand—he did not attempt to do everything.
  • Become a servant leader. Practice transformational, inclusive servant leadership—Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and demonstrated a role reversal in the master-servant expectation of society.
  • Establish a leadership structure. Jesus had a flat structure; he was accessible to the disciples and to children. Jesus carried his office with him wherever he went.
  • Commission and empower. Jesus dedicated and empowered the disciples, sending them out to minister.
  • Reflect on mission in action. Take time to pray, meditate, discuss and reflect on what is happening, always keeping the mission in view. “Do not let your hearts be troubled…My Father’s house has many rooms…I will come back and take you to be with me” (John 14:1-3).

When people, students, church members and parents see us, do they conclude that we have been with Jesus? Are we constantly trying to make heaven our home? Does this show in how we lead?

Learn more: Leaders in Heaven

Author

Sylvan A. Lashley

E.D., J.D., Associate Pastor, South Atlantic Conference, USA. Served in pastoral districts, high school principalship & superintedent and four college presidents in three countries. www.sacsda.org

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