Leadership Established on the Gospel
Leaders are Coaches Not All-Stars
“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” ”
Growing up as the oldest of five kids, I spent a lot of time at my siblings’ sports games. Watching those early matches was often stressful. It’s exhausting to see kindergarteners chase a soccer ball, struggling to understand the rules and occasionally needing reminders of which direction to run. Still, no matter how chaotic things got, I never saw a coach storm the field to take over. As entertaining as that might’ve been, it would’ve been absurd—a coach playing in a kindergarten soccer match just doesn’t make sense.
Most of us aren’t coaching sports teams, but we are leading in our own arenas—at home, in church, at work, and in our communities. And in these roles, it’s tempting to act more like all-stars than coaches. All-stars get the glory. Coaches don’t. Society tends to celebrate individual achievement and charisma far more than quiet guidance or sacrificial support.
But gospel-centered leadership flips that idea on its head. Leadership rooted in the gospel is about serving, supporting, and loving those we lead. It’s about humility, not hierarchy. Jesus made this clear when His disciples began arguing about who among them was the greatest:
“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.’” – Luke 22:24–27
Jesus used this moment to teach them about true greatness, emphasizing that leadership in His kingdom is not about status or power but about humble service. He reminded them that the greatest among them must become like the youngest, and the one who leads should act as one who serves. This passage highlights that gospel-centered leadership is about putting others first, reflecting a commitment to serve rather than seeking personal glory.
So, what does leadership built on the gospel actually look like? It means understanding that leadership is not about self-promotion but about serving those around us. Leadership grounded in the gospel prioritizes others and leads with humility. Here are a few ways leaders can do that.
A Leader’s Job Is Not to Be the Best
Much like a coach, a leader’s role is not to be the best but to help others become their best. In sports, a coach doesn’t need to be the star player; their primary responsibility is to develop their players to reach their full potential. This doesn’t mean leaders can’t excel in their own right, but it does imply that we shouldn’t feel threatened or insecure if others surpass us in certain areas.
We aren’t in competition with those we lead. Our focus should be on guiding and empowering them, not on showcasing our own skills. Embracing this perspective allows us to celebrate the achievements of those around us rather than feeling diminished by them. By prioritizing the growth and development of others over our own competitive edge, we foster a more collaborative and supportive environment.
A Leader’s Success Is Not Their Own Accomplishments
Just like a coach, a leader’s success is not defined by their own personal achievements but by the accomplishments of their team. A coach doesn’t assess their success based on their own skills or accolades but rather on how effectively their team performs and grows. Similarly, while it’s essential for leaders to lead by example and continually develop their own skills, the true measure of leadership lies in the success and progress of the people they guide.
It’s easy to gauge success by personal milestones or improvements, but true leadership is about focusing on and celebrating the achievements of the team. Leaders should shift their perspective from seeking individual accolades to valuing the collective growth and accomplishments of those they serve. In doing so, they embody the essence of effective leadership, which is rooted in empowering and uplifting others to reach their fullest potential.
A Leader’s Job Is Not to Do It All
Just like a coach, a leader’s role is not to do it all. When a team starts to slack, a coach should not (and cannot) take over every task. It’s tempting to step in and "save the day" when others aren't pulling their weight; it’s often easier and more gratifying to pick up the slack ourselves. This approach can make us feel needed and even like a hero. However, frequently stepping in to handle tasks can create an expectation that we will always take over, which undermines team accountability.
As leaders, our job is not to be the hero who swoops in at every turn. Instead, our responsibility is to train, motivate, and hold our team accountable. By focusing on these key aspects, we empower our team to take ownership and contribute effectively, fostering a more sustainable and collaborative environment.
A Leader’s Job Is Not to Be the Star of the Show
And finally, just like a coach, a leader's role is not to be the star of the show. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of leadership because it requires significant humility. In sports, spectators come to watch the team, not the coach. Similarly, as leaders, we might have a natural desire to be in the spotlight, and if our efforts aren't recognized, we can feel insecure and undervalued. However, true leadership involves prioritizing the visibility and success of the team over personal recognition.
Our mission as leaders is to elevate and platform our team, not ourselves. By focusing on showcasing and supporting the achievements of those we lead, we foster an environment where their talents and contributions are celebrated, ultimately driving collective success and strengthening the overall team dynamic.
Leadership is not about personal achievement. It’s about coaching, which demands hard work, personal sacrifice, discipline, planning, and, above all, humility. When we act like all-stars rather than coaches, we miss the essence of true leadership. Gospel-centered leadership isn’t about showcasing our skills or making a name for ourselves; it’s about leading others with a humble heart and prioritizing their growth over our own glory. Leadership is not about what you can do but what your team can do together.