Leadership isn’t just a position or a title; it’s a philosophy, an art. It goes beyond giving directives and weaving a narrative of influence, inspiration, and profound impact. Imagine stepping back in time, not just centuries, but millennia, and finding the most extraordinary example of leadership—a guiding light of timeless wisdom—Jesus Christ.
Leadership often conjures images of authority, power plays, and hierarchical structures. But there’s more to it. Jesus’ leadership practices and styles aren’t confined to the pages of history. His leadership style is a relentless testament to principles that echo within his time and across the annals of humanity.
Jesus is notjust a historical figure. His life and leadership demonstrate and model what it looks like to lead others well, with compassion and conviction. His methods weren’t always conventional; they were captivatingly radical. He didn’t command from a pedestal; he connected with hearts. His teachings were more than mere words; they were a fine mixture of action and belief, a collection of compassion, service, and empowerment.
Jesus’ approach stands apart in a world rife with leadership models advocating dominance and control. His leadership wasn’t about authority; it was about serving others. He didn’t just manage; he inspired. He didn’t just rule; he served. His leadership was a revolutionary tribute to humility, empathy, and empowerment—a paradigm transcending time, speaking volumes to leaders seeking to create profound impacts in today’s dynamic, fast-paced world.
Jesus wasn’t confined by the trappings of his time. His leadership principles weren’t just applicable within the walls of synagogues or in ancient marketplaces; they were universally relevant, going beyond cultural and temporal boundaries. His ability to lead was beyond the traditional norms; it was about embracing authenticity, fostering a culture of empathy, and empowering those around him.
Drawing lessons from Jesus isn’t about embracing a dogmatic approach; it’s about understanding a methodology rooted in what it looks like to love others well. His leadership took a small group of people, who were not alike in their goals, personalities or convictions and molded them into people who changed the entire world. Whether or not you are in an official leadership position, you will lead someone. The principles of his leadership will help you
Understanding Leadership through Jesus’ Eyes
Jesus did what most good leaders do. He leveraged his influence, power and position for the benefit of those around him. He had a mission, but rather than do it alone, he coached, trained and mentors others such that they were more like the people God had designed them to be than before he met them. In fact, we are told that Jesus “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:6-7) So whether at home, your job, in your church or simply in your neighborhood or where you volunteer, leading as Jesus did will help you do it more effectively. Some of the ways that Jesus did that we can learn from and leverage are examined in this book.
Less is more
Jesus flipped the script on traditional leadership norms. We live in a culture where our productivity (by which we mean busyness) is viewed as a sign of good leadership. Rather, Jesus invested a large amount of time in a few people rather than maintain shallow relationships with many. It freed him from the frantic pace that many of us face, and allowed for greater change in those he led.
Let God be God
Even though Jesus was God come to earth on our behalf, he did not try to control the outcomes of all that he did. Instead, he led others faithfully and let his heavenly Father control the results of his leadership. He rejected attempts to pigeonhole who he was or what he did but rather led faithfully and let God control what happened.
Empower others to lead
Jesus was never a lone ranger. Rather, his entire leadership method involved letting others lead. He would demonstrate something, then challenge those he led to step out of their comfort zones to do the same. He was never reluctant to put others in positions that, while they might be uncomfortable, were for their ultimate growth.
Mission over fear
Many leaders today are driven by what others think. Social media and the abundance of negative feedback can drive leaders to react rather than staying on mission. Jesus never let his ultimate mission, to live and die and rise again for our benefit, be compromised by the expectations of others. He was driven by the mission, not by what he was afraid of.
Equal value not equal attention
Jesus did not give equal time to all people. He understood that while each person has equal value, not every person is worthy of equal attention and investment. He led those who wanted to be led and did not try and convince those who wanted nothing to do with him to change. In the end, this led to a much more effective leadership style than forcing people to be different.
Conclusion: Leading the Jesus Way
Among all the leadership advice and methodologies, Jesus’s principles stand tall. Leading like Jesus isn’t just about being a boss; it’s about being a mentor, a guide, and a servant. It’s about shaping a culture of empathy, authenticity, and empowerment.
Author’s Note:
Weldon Lemke’s book, “Between The Red Letters – Living Life in the Manner of Jesus,“ beautifully captures these leadership lessons derived from Jesus’ life. Lemke’s insights provide practical guidance, highlighting how leaders today can draw inspiration from an ancient master to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
In a Nutshell:
Jesus’ leadership style isn’t confined to history; it’s a living guidebook for leaders in today’s world. Embracing humility, empowering others, leading with integrity, and fostering compassion are just a few of the timeless lessons modern leaders can glean from the pages of history. As Weldon Lemke illustrates, leaders can steer their teams towards success by embodying these principles while leaving a lasting, positive effect on the world.
