Leadership, in its truest form, is more than just guiding others—it’s about embodying the principles that uplift, inspire, and cause those around you to be more like Jesus. As leaders of His church, there is no greater example of leadership than that of Jesus Christ. His life and ministry offer profound insights into what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and integrity. In this article, we will delve into the top ten leadership principles of Jesus, exploring each one with greater depth and practical applications for today’s church leaders.

1. Leadership is Servanthood

Servanthood begins with security. Jesus, though God in the flesh, embraced humility and servanthood with unwavering confidence. He knew His position as the Son of God, yet He chose to serve rather than flaunt His authority. This deep sense of security allowed Him to wash the feet of His disciples, a task considered the lowest of duties. As leaders, we must recognize our worth in God’s eyes, which frees us to serve others selflessly. True leadership is not about exerting power or authority but about empowering others through service.

Application: Reflect on your sense of security in Christ. Are you leading from a place of humility and service, or are you driven by a need to prove your worth? Embrace the servant-leader model by prioritizing the needs of others above your own.

2. Align Your Life with Your God-Given Mission

Jesus was purpose-driven, and this focus allowed Him to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resolve. By aligning His priorities with His Holy mission, He was able to:

• Deal with distractions: Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to spend time in prayer, ensuring that He remained focused on His Father’s will.

• Respond wisely to rejection: When rejected by His own people, Jesus did not retaliate but continued His ministry with grace.

• Endure suffering: Jesus willingly embraced the cross, understanding that His pain served a greater purpose.

Application: Identify your God-given purpose and let it guide your decisions. Prioritize your time and energy around fulfilling this purpose, trusting that God will handle the distractions and challenges that come your way.

3. Lead by Example Through Your Own Life

Jesus’ leadership was grounded in authenticity and integrity. He never sought to prove His worth or defend Himself against critics. Instead, He focused on living out His mission, knowing that His actions spoke louder than words. Integrity, as Jesus demonstrated, is not something you can force others to see; it must be lived out consistently and discerned by those around you.

Application: Lead by example. Let your life reflect the values and principles you preach. Understand that leadership is not about convincing others but about living a life worthy of emulation.

4. Take Time to Connect with People Personally

Leadership is not about holding a position of authority; it’s about building authentic relationships. Jesus demonstrated this by taking time to connect with individuals personally, whether it was the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-30) or the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). His ability to relate to people on a personal level made His ministry impactful.

Application: Slow down and take the time to truly connect with those you lead. Relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. Seek to understand and serve the people around you, recognizing that your influence is built on these connections.

5. Take Care Of You

Life, ministry, and leadership are demanding. Jesus understood the importance of self-care and regularly withdrew to solitary places to pray and rejuvenate (Mark 1:35). He knew that to effectively lead others, He needed to be spiritually and physically refreshed.

Application: Make self-care a priority. Regularly spend time with God, rest, and engage in activities that renew your energy. Remember, you cannot pour into others if you are running on empty.

6. Inspire Deep Dedication

Jesus presented the most significant offer humanity could ever receive—salvation and a relationship with God. Yet, He did not shy away from calling for great commitment from His followers. He spoke of the cost of discipleship and the rewards of following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Jesus understood that true leadership involves calling others to a higher standard.

Application: Challenge those you lead to commit fully to their walk with God. Don’t be afraid to set high expectations, knowing that commitment leads to transformation and growth.

7. Exhibit Confidence and Resolve in Challenging Situations

Jesus was a master of time and circumstance. He rose early to pray and remained calm during difficult times, even when facing adversaries or confronting wrongdoing. His ability to stay composed and focused on His mission is a testament to His inner strength and security in God’s plan.

Application: When faced with challenges, remain calm and composed. Trust in God’s timing and wisdom. Address issues directly and confidently, knowing that your strength comes from your relationship with God.

8. Lead From a Elevated Vision

Jesus exemplified leadership on a higher level—one that transcended the limitations of the world. He lived and loved on a higher level, focusing not on where people had been but on where they could go with God’s help. He never allowed past failures to define His or others’ futures.

Application: Elevate your leadership by focusing on God’s higher calling for your life and the lives of those you lead. Encourage others to look beyond their past and strive for the future God has in store for them.

9. Select Your Core Team Wisely

Jesus was intentional about selecting His disciples, understanding the importance of surrounding Himself with a core group of committed individuals. He invested in them, trained them, and prepared them for leadership.

Application: Be deliberate in choosing those who will walk closely with you in ministry. Invest time in mentoring and developing them, recognizing that they will play a crucial role in the success of your mission.

10. Ensure Success by Preparing a Successor.

Jesus knew that His earthly ministry was temporary, so He focused on preparing His disciples to carry on His work. He empowered them, gave them authority, and sent them out to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). His success was not in what He accomplished alone but in what His followers would continue to do after His ascension.

Application: As a leader, your legacy is measured by the leaders you raise up. Focus on mentoring and equipping others to continue the work long after you are gone. Ensure that your ministry has a lasting impact by investing in the next generation of leaders.

These leadership principles of Jesus offer timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion. By embodying these principles in your own ministry, you can create a lasting impact that reflects the heart of Jesus. Remember, true leadership is not about being in charge—it’s about serving others and guiding them toward God’s greater purpose.

About Pastor James Smith

Pastor James Smith, Valparaiso, Indiana – Founder of PreachIt.org, OpportunityHope.org, and PastoralHelps.com.

He equips pastors worldwide with sermons, leadership tools, and encouragement, while also caring for orphaned and at-risk children in West Bengal, India through OpportunityHope. Beyond the orphanage and school, OpportunityHope provides clean water wells, livestock, and other humanitarian helps to families and villages in need. Additional books, leadership training, and mentoring resources are available through PastoralHelps.com.