How to Lead like Jesus

And Jesus said unto them, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17, 18 KJV)

Such a simple statement, but such profound results. This was how Jesus built his inner core leadership team. This is how the disciples came together.

Jesus said ‘come follow me’. With just a few words Jesus let his disciples know two things: he was leading, and that he wanted them to follow. It is not often that people will randomly start following you. We need to be intentional when we lead to let others know that we are in fact leading, where we are headed (your vision) and also that we want them to follow (or we want and need them to join us.)

“and I will make you fishers of men”

This is the ‘why’. Jesus didn’t just say he wanted the disciples to follow, he told them why. There was a purpose. Jesus didn’t give all the little details, but he did let them know what would happen if they followed him. When we are leading, we need to let our new team prospects know why you want them on your team. Give them a reason to join your team and follow you. As leaders we need to be clear with the direction we are heading and clear with expectations (responsibilities, vision, goals, etc.) The more we can communicate our vision and goals the more likely people will be excited to come along side of us to help us accomplish that vision and goals.

It is interesting to note that just prior to Jesus calling Simon and Andrew he was in the wilderness for 40 days, praying and fasting (and being tempted). As a leader, this is the greatest thing we can do. Pray, seek, and follow Jesus. The greatest leader is one who can be led himself. How are you following Him?

How does leadership look to you? How can you take Jesus’ example and apply it to your life or ministry? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Are you looking for more great family devotion resources? Check out an Amazon #1 best selling children’s ministry book: Got Fruit: a guide to family devotions based on the fruit of the spirit.

Your child’s relationship with God must extend beyond Sunday morning. Parents have to take a leading role in the discipleship of their kids. Based on the Fruit of the Spirit, Got Fruit? is an effective tool to help parents disciple their children. If you are looking for help with your family devotion time, Got Fruit? is for you! Through this devotional you will be guided through discussions that build on each of the 9 fruits of the spirit. Each of the 9 devotionals include bible passages that highlight the highlighted fruit as well as a few related thoughts. Also included is a series of discussion questions that will help you guide your children in a conversation to bring truth and understanding. This short devotional is a perfect tool to guide you as you disciple your children into a deeper relationship and understanding with God.