When You Think You’re Not a Leader But You Are | Leading Well

I will raise my hand and admit that I am a reluctant leader. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of ideas, and I am happy to share them. But when I look back at the trajectory of my leadership journey, one word describes my response to the calling on my life. I tend to be reluctant.

For me, this often looked like staying in safe and comfortable places. I could share example after example of the Lord opening a door of opportunity and me responding by hitting the pause button. A phrase I often used to stall my leadership journey was, “I will pray about that.” For me, the phrase usually meant, “It’s probably not going to happen!” (Just keeping it real!)

I love how the Lord works. I have been leading women for over twenty years. From work in my local church, to state convention work, to traveling and serving women in many churches, I have noticed something staggering. I am not the only reluctant leader out there. In fact, I have found a tribe of women who deal with the same tendency as me. My inside knowledge of this topic has led to many moments when I looked at a woman and said, “You know you’re the leader, right?” Their response was usually the same. “Who, me?!”

So, what should you do when you think you’re not a leader, but you are? I want to share a few truths that have helped set me free.

Let’s start with the Bible. The apostle Paul conveyed the following truth about spiritual leadership. “A person should think of us [leaders] in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:1-2.)

Paul conveyed that a leader is a servant. And not just any kind of servant—a leader should be faithful. The word faithful carries the idea of being trustworthy, reliable, and believing. What does this definition mean for us? I love this truth! The path to faithful leadership is anchored in our abiding relationship with Jesus. Faithful leaders understand that we are servants, entrusted with people, time, responsibilities, and influence for God’s glory and the good of others.

I am thankful that the test of a good leader is not expertise, charisma, or ability. (The very things that make me feel reluctant!) Rather, it’s wholehearted devotion to Jesus. If you’re struggling to know if you are a leader, consider this acronym that describes a faithful servant and is built around the word SERVE.

A Faithful Servant Is Willing to SERVE.

Seek and submit to God’s plan. Knowing that God has placed a calling on your life and given you gifts to help build up the church, are you willing to use what God has entrusted to you for His glory and the good of others? This question is at the heart of your leadership journey. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

Equip and Encourage God’s People.

I love that Jesus gave us a clear mission. The Great Commission is the call to go and make disciples. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).

Reflect and Respond with Humility and Faith.

The heart of a leader should be a selflessness that focuses on the needs of the people God has entrusted to her care. Leadership is not about the leader. Leadership is about honoring God and serving others. Humble leaders are confident in God’s calling and find joy in serving others. Jesus is our perfect example. “On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you 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” (Matt. 20:26-28.)

Value Every Person and Opportunity.

This is a big one. Every person and every opportunity is valuable in God’s kingdom. We often put people and opportunities on a measuring scale and rate them based on external measures. But in God’s eyes, every person and opportunity carries eternal weight and impact. “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith” (Gal. 6:9-10.)

Exalt Christ and Build Up the Church.

The goal of Christian leadership is to exalt our Savior and build up God’s kingdom. The church is God’s plan for reaching the world. The church is made up of believers with spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet. 4:10-11.)

With the SERVE acronym in mind, can I whisper something in your ear? It’s something that will lead to freedom and joy in your life. Here it is. You really are a leader. I know it can be a scary and overwhelming thought, but I truly believe Jesus did not intend for it to be. The leader is a servant. And a servant sees Jesus in every detail. So, dear sister and friend, put your eyes on the prize of Jesus as you lead and serve others with excellence, love, and grace.

Friend, you can serve the Lord and others with excellence, and we are here to help you cultivate your leadership journey!

To learn more about cultivating your leadership journey, subscribe to Journey Magazine on the Lifeway Women App. Enjoy daily devotions, including Andrea’s three-part series on faithful, selfless, and grateful leadership. Then, join the Lifeway Women equipping community here.

About Andrea Lennon