Becoming a Godly Leader

By Katie Pearson

There are few things more thrilling as a follower of Jesus than discipling others. Being on the front line of God’s movement in another person’s life is a privilege. Over the course of my ministry life, I’ve witnessed many women find themselves in Christ through a spiritual friendship with a mentor. I’ve also seen many women hurt and confused through such relationships.

So, what qualifies a mentor to make a healthy difference in another’s walk with Jesus?

What Does it Mean to Have Spiritual Authority?

In ministry-speak, spiritual authority is another term for leaders who have done the work to become mature followers of Jesus in every area of their lives. This gift from God isn’t a result of effort, or even desire. Spiritual authority is only given to leaders whose first priority is knowing God rather than becoming powerful influencers.

One of the most important roles a mentor plays is continuously pointing back to Jesus for answers. She not only loves to listen between the lines for how and where God is working in another person’s life, but isn’t afraid to say, “I don’t know the answer to that. Let’s open God’s Word and seek His answers together.”

That said, her motivation to receive Spiritual authority matters. Neither age nor ministry experience is nearly as important as a commitment to being a follower of Jesus, versus a fan.

What’s the difference between being a Jesus follower and a being fan of Jesus?

A follower is willing to become more like Jesus in every area of life, while a fan of Jesus simply admires or respects His message. In other words, just because someone promotes Jesus doesn’t give her the godly wisdom and attributes to lead others. Without concern for reaching spiritual maturity, we can unknowingly have a negative influence on those we disciple. Without awareness, an immature woman can communicate competition, criticism and control. None of these traits encourage life in Christ.

How to Disciple Women: Be a Source of Knowledge

Those who walk in true spiritual authority are surrendered to God’s will, way, heart, mind, soul and strength. Discipling means entering into a teaching relationship with others who are at a different stage in their faith to show them what it looks like to follow Jesus. This requires imitating Christ in all they do, and becoming love as the foundation of who they are. Why?

We can’t teach what we don’t know.

How we lead by example speaks louder than words.

To teach and relate well, we need to first “grow up” ourselves. Here’s what Paul says about biblical maturity:

“No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for imposters. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16, The Message)

Do Your Daily Workout

Maturity resulting in spiritual authority follows a radically different path than the one the world promotes. God has designed you with gifts, abilities and talents that He wants to use to grow others, but first He wants your commitment to become more like Him, every day for the rest of your life. This, the Bible says, is what qualifies you to lead.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”(Philippians 2:12-13)

Paul isn’t saying that the road to maturity involves being afraid of God; instead, it requires reverence. Unless you respect God and seek to serve Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, you can’t experience the inside-out kind of transformation required of His disciples. To know Him intimately is to love Him—and, in turn, to love others! When your energy is spent getting to know God, you are blessed with all the benefits of becoming more like Jesus. Just watch how others sit up and take notice!

Who is God calling you to become as a leader? Keep following Jesus and soon you will find yourself impacting others around you for the greatest cause in all the Kingdom … Christ!

Start Here

Knowing that God would love nothing more than to give you spiritual authority, what can you do today to become the kingdom leader God desires?

Start with a name: first, think of the women who have influenced your life for Christ. What makes them stand out? Consider their character as well as their accomplishments and make a list of all the ways they have inspired you in your faith. This inventory will offer clues to the woman God designed you to become as you mature in your life and leadership.

Personal transformation: once you have a vision for who God is calling you to become, focus on your personal transformation. There are numerous disciplines and practices that encourage spiritual growth and character development, but start with spending regular time with Jesus through His Word, in prayer and with Christ-centered community. In Ephesians, Paul spells out several key attributes of mature followers:

Key Attributes of Mature Followers

• Kingdom criteria: In addition to putting on the character of Christ, those who receive spiritual authority meet the following kingdom criteria:
• Die to Self: They seek God’s Truth above their own.
• Know their true identity: Stop trying to prove themselves—they know they are daughters of the King!
• Stay humble: Keep growing!
• Practice integrity: Always try to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
• Embrace community: Mature women rely on each other for accountability and support. They practice vulnerability above perfection, and have FUN together, while taking their faith seriously.
• Empower others: Helps those they lead by equipping, encouraging, and educating them with God’s Truth and their own experiences.
• Leaders develop disciples to become leaders: They know that God wants them to be authentically themselves. They don’t have to role play or pretend to have exceptional knowledge or expertise to inspire others to become their highest self in Christ.

You’ve Got This

Continue placing Christ at the center of all you do and you will foster spiritual growth in others, naturally. When you bring your authentic self into each interaction, you will have more energy to serve the people God brings into your life and your relationship with Him will transform in life giving ways too! You’ve got this!