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12 Tips On How To Be An Empowering Christian Leader

In this article, we will explore what it means to be an empowering Christian leader and how it impacts those around us…

If you have been around leadership training or reading books on the topic, you will be familiar with the word “empowering.” It’s easily thrown around in church circles and is encouraged to be practiced by those who are leading.

The thing is, it can be easy to say, “I’m empowering others” or “I know how to empower.”

But are you really empowering?

It’s one of those things that it’s easy to talk the talk, but it’s a lot harder to walk the walk.

Key Takeaways

-Lead with love, not force

-Don’t let insecurity hold you back

-Remember, it’s not about you

-Give people a platform to use gifts

-Allow for failure and growth

-Let people move on when the time comes

Empowering Christian Leader

To truly empower others, it takes a LOT of personal strength and security in the Lord.

When you empower, you have to give something of yours. There can be no room for insecurities or the fear of man. If you have anything going on within yourself like that, you will not be able to truly empower others.

Did You Know?

According to eythomogy the word, empower “to give power or authority to,” was coined around the 1650s, also impower, from assimilated form of en- (1) + power (n.). Used by Milton, Beaumont, Pope, Jefferson, Macaulay, but the modern popularity dates from 1986. Related: Empoweredempowering.

Hands down, the greatest model of leadership is Jesus. He led out of a place of love, power, and strength. When He walked on this earth He was secure in His knowledge of who He was and His relationship with the Father.

Jesus lived out empowerment. He empowered His disciples with authority and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 10)

Oddly enough, one of my favorite quotes comes from Napoléon Bonaparte.

I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of people would die for Him.

Napoléon Bonaparte

That quote gets me every time! There is so much I can say from that statement. But what I want to point out is that Jesus understood how to lead His people.

Not with force, micromanage, or shame…. but out of LOVE!

Let make this clear before we move on. Not earthly ideals of love, but the type of love that stems from God.

The type of love that is willing to be beaten, mocked, betrayed, and hung to die for you.

That is the kind of leadership quality we need to follow.

See love doesn’t deal with insecurities or fear of man. Perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) The very foundation of being an empowering Christian Leader is to love.

You can learn a lot of good leadership methods and tips, but without love, you will just be that loud clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13).

So, as we look at these key points of empowerment, always keep in mind that these keys need to take place out of love.

12 Keys to Becoming an Empowering Christian Leader

These are not in any specific order.

  1. Remembering It’s not about you –  Thinking too much about yourself will wreck havoc in most areas of your life, especially in leadership roles. Make sure that when you lead it’s about them not you.

  2. Being ok if someone is better or more gifted than you – It’s easy to feel threatened when someone under you is better qualified, gifted, or favored. Don’t give into fear or insecurities.

  3. You stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit – It’s important to stay soft towards the Holy Spirit as He speaks to you and tugs at your heart.

  4. You stay grounded in the Word – The Bible speaks truth to us, grounds us, gives us wisdom, and a whole lot more. As leaders, we should be getting into the word consistently!

  5. You serve those who are under you – Being a leader is not about how people under you serve you and your vision. It’s about how you serve others.

  6. You believe in others – You believe that people have the potential and ability to achieve what God has called them too.

  7. You give others a platform – When you see someone who is ready to move forward in their gifts or abilities, you provide for them a place for them to shine.

  8. You communicate clearly – Hiding details or making yourself unclear about tasks, opportunities, or activities can really cause people to feel unsure and confused under your leadership. Nothing sucks up empowerment like not knowing what your leader wants from you.

  9. You don’t control situations or people – Control is one of those things that will destroy any team. If you feel like you need to control someone or a situation, it’s a good time to ask yourself why and if you are feeling fearful.

  10. You give room for failure and learning – Everyone makes mistakes, including yourself. Give room for others to make a mistake and help them grow from them. When babies learn to walk, we don’t punish them when they stumble and fall.

  11. You don’t micromanage – This is another form of control.

  12. You give your people wings so they can fly away from the nest – There will be a time when those you lead need to leave the nest. Some people are only meant to be with us for a season(s). When God has called them to go, give them wings. Bless them and help them to transition well.

I hope these keys help you look at empowerment in a whole different way and realize how powerful love plays a role in it. From my first-hand experience, when leaders empower they change the course of people’s lives.

Drop me a comment below and share your thoughts with me! I would love to know how being empowered has impacted your life and those around you.

For other articles on Leadership visit here: Leadership Articles 

Let’s Pray

Lord, thank you for the example of empowering leadership that Jesus modeled for us. Help us lead like Jesus – out of love, not force or control. Guard our hearts against insecurity. Remind us it’s not about us, but serving others.

Give us wisdom to empower those around us. Help us give others a platform to use their gifts, allow room for failure and growth, and let go when it’s time for them to move on.

Lord, make us leaders who build others up. Root us deeply in your love. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and wisdom. Keep our eyes fixed on you.

Give us the courage to lead in a way that transforms lives for your glory.
In the Jesus’ name, Amen.

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ELSHAM AMBALE

Saturday 7th of August 2021

Thank you so much Sister Melissa for your article on empowering Christian leader which has blessed me and I have used part in my sermon to my congregation. May the Lord bless you and continue to use you as a noble vessel

Lynn

Monday 12th of August 2019

Also, I neglected to mention the first principle, the vital one - a leader must be motivated by love. This is the first time I am aware of reading your quote from Napoleon! So good!

Lynn

Monday 12th of August 2019

Melissa, this was a very helpful blog. You encorporated clear, vital principles that are easily understood and empowering for leaders to recognize and employ. Very concise and complete. Thank you.

Praticksha

Thursday 21st of March 2019

It's helpful πŸ˜‡πŸ™Œ... Yeah, love is the main key while we come to talk regarding leadership.I believe that a good leader should be a good servent first.he must be humble.unless being humble he won't be able to play his role perfectly. #jesus the perfect inspiration πŸ’•πŸ˜‡.

Melissa Tumino

Tuesday 9th of April 2019

Love ❀️ "Jesus the perfect inspiration." If we follow His ways leadership is easy....

Erin Ollila

Saturday 12th of August 2017

A good man has integrity and the courage of his convictions. He is his own man, but he also stands up for what is right and admits when he is wrong. He always provides for his children. He places his family first, even before his church. We don’t get to choose what God chooses for us.