The Leader

Though he never started an organization he left a legacy far beyond the effect of his ministry to a few thousand people in ancient Palestine.  His ministry to the deformed, diseased, demonised and dying was beautiful.  He attacked everything contrary to the kingdom of God in the lives of those he was led to by the Spirit. Jesus was an exemplary minister, but he was also a model leader.

He led His disciples by example in devotion and lifestyle, but He also cast vision, planned, set goals, mentored, delegated and built a team. He was a minister and a leader.    Teaching and training of the disciples became more important than ministry, as the time of entrusting the message to the twelve, becomes closer.  For instance, there are only six instances of miracles after Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, compared with at least thirty, in His early Galilean ministry.

Jesus understood that the world would not be changed by ministry alone, or by what He alone could accomplish.  It would take direct leadership of the 12 and the 70 to achieve His purpose.  Ministry is whatever we do to help and bless people in need.  Leadership is whatever we do to facilitate other people doing ministry or leading. Ministry is about meeting needs that you see whereas leadership comes from a belief in something yet unseen and moving toward it.

Friend, lead and lead well.  Leadership maximizes your life. Ministry builds individuals, but leadership builds the Church.  Through ministry you can build a reputation but only by leadership can we leave a legacy.