In many of our church congregations, a silent hurdle stalls the mission of God: the belief that "leadership" is a title reserved for the few. Many dedicated ministry leaders do not consider themselves leaders simply because they lack a formal role on a church council or a degree from a seminary. This creates a "bystander effect," where people witness a need or a "matter of importance" but assume someone else—someone more professional or "qualified"—is better suited to respond. It is time to dismantle this myth and embrace a more biblical reality:
Leadership is influence, and it is a process, not a position
The Thriving Essentials workshop explains that leadership is a dynamic process in which an individual uses their God-given capacity to influence others toward God’s purposes. If you have the capacity to move a person, a family, or a neighborhood toward the goodness of God, you are exercising leadership. This isn't an elective for the spiritually elite; it is the fundamental calling of every disciple.
This influence is grounded in a startling theological truth: Jesus has delegated his own authority to you. After his resurrection, Jesus didn't keep his power to himself; he shared it with his apprentices and sent them into the world to have influence in his kingdom. This "Great Commission" was not given only to a select group of clergy, but to every student of Jesus. Every disciple has the power and agency to participate in the redemption of God’s creation, a mission that encompasses every dimension of life—spiritual, social, and physical.
If you feel underqualified, you are in good company. The religious elite of the first century were "astonished" when they saw the courage of Peter and John, recognizing them as "unschooled, ordinary men" (Acts 4:13). Their only qualification was the most important one: "they had been with Jesus". Like them, your primary qualification is your union with Christ, which transforms your character and empowers your influence.
Today, we must move past the bystander mindset that waits for the "experts" to act. God has placed you in a unique context—what some call a "front-yard mission"—where you are invited to see the work of God and align yourself with it. You are an image-bearer designed to represent your Creator and carry out his work on earth.
The call to action is simple: Own your influence. Reflect on the matters God has caused you to care about. Whether it is a neighbor in need, a systemic injustice, or a broken relationship, do not assume you are a bystander. You have been delegated authority by the Head of the Church to act. Take one small step today to address the matters you are witnessing, trusting that God’s power is made perfect in your weakness.
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Contact Thrive ([email protected]) to find out more information on getting Thriving Essentials at your church to help more people empower their influence.
Comments
I wrestle with this model of leadership. I understand that people are gifted with the ability to influence. However, I question whether the type of influence described here is the type of influence that Jesus modeled. A statement from above says: "your primary qualification is your union with Christ, which transforms your character and empowers your influence." I am leery of this because I question whether the evidence of good character is mutually exclusive with being empowered with influence. There is much evidence of people who appear to have good character but are not fit to wield the power of influence.
A more profound statement from above is: "a startling theological truth: Jesus has delegated his own authority to you." Jesus models leadership that empowers us with the Holy Spirit, not influences us.
As for the Acts 4 passage and the early apostles being seen as "unschooled, ordinary men". This isn't so much about their character as their authority to empower others with understanding. Earlier in Act 4 the religious leaders asked the apostles, "By what power or what name did you do this?" In Acts 1 Jesus says to his disciples, "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."
With the Holy Spirit, Paul empowered new believers to lead their churches, he empowered them to make decisions in wisdom, he empowered them to sacrificial living in community. With the Holy Spirit, Paul empowered new believers to lead their churches, he empowered them to make decisions in wisdom, he empowered them to sacrificial living in community.
Perhaps our online culture gives the word "influence" a negative connotation. It is rife with people who are "influencers" for wealth and notoriety. However I am increasingly becoming convinced that leadership is more about empowering others than influencing them.
I appreciate your thoughtful response / reflection, Tricia, thanks for sharing! I thought about it for a bit as I had pondered this post a bit after reading it yesterday, and think the Bible gives space for "both / and" with discernment (discernment is a huge discussion on its own) recognizing that Jesus calls us to serve (servantship?).
Influence can be tricky and deceptive, so we need to always test. God warns us so many times, do not be deceived, by empty words, persuasive words, any means. Yet, Paul also tells us multiple times to follow his example (actions) and to imitate Christ. Words apart from actions are empty. We need to speak truth, and do what is right, leading by example, practice what you preach, and be open to correction.
Empowering in the Family of God (along with being empowered by Holy Spirit: Made Wholeheartedly Willing and Ready | CRC Network) gives agency to others, equipping others to maturity, giving resources and encouragement to help them discern and choose what is true and right and act accordingly. Helping others flourish and thrive in their callings and identity as part of God's family!
Character is a key part as well. Too often gifting, charisma, has been elevated over character in positions of power and influence. This can lead to harmful cults and cult-like behavior because of the charismatic influence of an individual.
Discernment is a piece that has been missing to some debatable extent, but very needed so we don't end up deceived by cults, false teachers and traditions of man that nullify God's word! Responsible stewardship encourages and is open to having whatever one says /does /writes be tested and open to correction. And that includes testing aspects of our reformed tradition.
If I'm wrong, I want to know. Iron sharpens iron. Let's keep wrestling, praying, pondering, processing!
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