Video Transcript: Becoming a Leader

Henry:
Welcome back. Today, Pam and I are diving into the topic of becoming a leader—but not just any leader. We're talking about the kind of leader that emerges from the heart of Christian faith: the biblical leader. Last time, we explored what it means to become a Christian and how we might rededicate ourselves to Christ. Now, we’ll build on that foundation and talk about how a Christian becomes a leader—one who follows the example of Jesus.

So let’s jump right in: What does the Bible say about being a leader?

The Servant Leader

Pam:
A leader in the biblical sense is first and foremost a servant. Leaders sense a calling to influence others through both example and communication. As Jesus said in Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you must be your servant.”

Henry:
That Matthew passage is such a rich moment. It’s where the mother of James and John—believed by many to be Jesus’ aunt—asks Jesus to elevate her sons in His kingdom. Some see her request as selfish, but I admire her bold faith. She believes in Jesus’ mission so deeply that she wants her sons fully committed to His movement.

Jesus responds, not by dismissing her, but by teaching a profound lesson on leadership. It's in that moment that He redefines greatness—not as power or control, but as servanthood.

Pam:
Exactly. And Jesus models this so clearly in Matthew 20:26–28:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Henry:
That word “servant” is translated from the Greek word diakonos—which is where we get the word minister. This word has become the root of our ministry division at Christian Leaders. At its core, ministry is servanthood.

The Leader as a Steward

Pam:
Let’s go back to Exodus 18:21, where leadership wisdom was given to Moses:

“Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials.”

Henry:
That's the story where Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, sees Moses burning out and offers a solution: delegate leadership to trustworthy, capable people.

Pam:
Right. It’s a clear lesson that leadership is about stewarding well, not doing everything yourself.

Henry:
And that idea has shaped our vision at Christian Leaders. We talk about building an orchard—an organization that bears fruit not only now but for the generations to come. That means equipping others to lead, to serve, and to pass the mission along.

Jesus: The Ultimate Leadership Model

Pam:
Philippians 2:5–7 tells us:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”

Henry:
This is revolutionary. Jesus, fully God, humbled Himself and became a servant. Compare that with modern leadership stories—like Elon Musk, for example. We recently listened to his biography, and while he is brilliant and visionary, his model is built on control and dominance. People who don’t fit his vision are let go quickly.

Pam:
It’s a stark contrast.

Henry:
It is. Jesus had all authority, but He chose humility. He led with grace, truth, and sacrifice. That’s the kind of leader we’re called to be.

The Wise and Teachable Leader

Pam:
Proverbs 3:13–14 says,

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”

Henry:
Leaders must be lifelong learners. Even Plato, the pagan philosopher, believed that only those with a hunger for wisdom should lead. How much more for us, as image-bearers of God?

When we study at Christian Leaders, or wherever God places us to grow, our attitude should be one of teachability and spiritual hunger. We should be asking, “Holy Spirit, what do you want me to learn?”

Pam:
Yes, and leadership in marriage or ministry—wherever—requires that humble posture.

Faithful with Little, Entrusted with More

Pam:
Jesus said in Matthew 25:21,

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

Henry:
That’s so encouraging. When you give yourself fully to serving God, leadership often grows naturally. And remember, our worth isn't measured by results alone. Even when we’re effective, Jesus reminds us in Luke 10 not to rejoice over outcomes but that our names are written in heaven.

Leading by Example

Pam:
1 Peter 5:2–3 instructs us:

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Henry:
This is a convicting word. It’s easy to slip into “lording it over” when we’re passionate. But servant leadership means influence through presence, love, and truth—not control.

Pam:
That’s where worldly leadership often misses the mark—thinking leadership is dominance. But Christian leadership is partnership—with God and others.

Clothed in Compassion

Pam:
Colossians 3:12 calls us to:

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Henry:
That verse cuts to the heart. As leaders, we must see people as God sees them—each one bearing divine value. Leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about shared humanity and loving stewardship.

The Heart of Love and Forgiveness

Pam:
1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says,

“Love is patient, love is kind… it is not self-seeking… it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Henry:
Even on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” That’s the ultimate model of love and leadership.

If you’re feeling called to ministry, you may carry a record of wrongs—past hurts, betrayals, setbacks. But to lead in God’s Kingdom is to forgive, to let go, and to move forward in love.

A Prayer for Biblical Leadership

Henry:
As we close this chapter, we want to invite you to pray with us—a prayer of submission to God’s call to leadership. This is for anyone sensing that God is drawing you to serve and influence others in Christ's name.

Pam (Prayer):
Heavenly Father, in Your sovereign wisdom, You’ve called Your people to lead…

(Prayer continues as above—see full transcript for complete text.)

Henry:
That was powerful. As I prayed, I felt renewed and ready to take the next step. Leadership begins with prayer—it’s how revivals begin, how transformation happens, and how our hearts are shaped for God’s work.

Pam:
Yes—and as you keep growing in Christ, keep asking: “Lord, make me a biblical leader.” That is the calling of a lifetime.