A few years ago I read a Christian leadership book that didn’t mention Jesus once. Yet most leaders I know (even those who aren’t Christians) respect Jesus and are open to learning from him.
Kristi and I just finished leading a Soul Shepherding retreat on Relationally Healthy Leadership with a wonderful group of pastors, missionaries, and organizational leaders. Together we looked to the Lord Jesus Christ as the very best leader who is with us and helps us become more loving and fruitful in our work and ministry.
Here are a few surprising lessons on leadership from Jesus that came from our time together:
#1 Jesus didn’t push himself on people
Jesus never pushed himself on people, even during his “campaigns” that offered eternal life. He simply made compelling invitations that would bless them (Luke 14:15-24).
#2 Jesus didn’t focus on numbers — he focused on a number of names
Jesus’ final report to his boss could have read: “God, I shared the Gospel in 38 cities, multiplied fish and loaves to feed 20,000 hungry people, healed 250 who were sick, completed the initial phase of leadership training for 120 disciples, and raised two others from the dead.”
Yet Jesus was no typical leader. Instead, he said, “Father, I loved those that you gave me and now I give them back to you better and stronger. Here are Peter, James, John, Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, and…” (John 17:6-8, paraphrased).
#3 Jesus trained Type A and Type B leaders
Jesus’ core disciples — Peter, James, and John — were Type A. But he also trained more laid-back, gentle, soft-spoken, and compassionate leaders like Andrew (John 1:40-42; 6:8; 12:20-22). More than half of the twelve were so much in the background that they’re barely mentioned in the Gospels.
The ultimate Coach has made room for you to play your role on Team Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:12, 21, 27).
#4 Jesus did “ministry business” in a relaxed, personal, and fun way
The Lord turned water into wine to bless people at a wedding party (John 2:1-11). He laughed and played with little children (Mark 10:13). He ate meals in homes (Matthew 9:10; Luke 7:36). He told stories and shared jokes (Mark 4:34; 9:43-47). He took his staff on walks in grain fields and vineyards (Mark 2:23; John 15:1-8). Perhaps his favorite team-building activities were boat rides and beach picnics (Luke 8:22; John 21:9-10).
#5 Jesus was not in a hurry to get things done
Our Master waited on God’s timing to launch his public ministry. He worked an obscure job as a “tekton” (stonecutter or carpenter) in a small town for 18 years. It was a blue-collar job and he was probably mistreated. He chose to grow in grace as he persevered in prayer and gave freely to those who asked — practicing what he’d one day preach (Matthew 5:42; 7:7; Mark 6:3; Luke 2:51-52).
#6 Jesus relied on God’s affirmation instead of approval from others
The Son of God didn’t need to please people to be confident because he experienced secure and loving attachment with his Papa (Mark 1:11). This intimate and confident connection helped Jesus always seek to please the Father, submit to him in all things, and partner with him to bless people (John 5:19, 44, 8:28-29, 12:49-50).
#7 Jesus didn’t always have clarity on what to do next — he trusted God
Jesus wasn’t a robot with a step-by-step manual for all situations as he walked out his miraculous ministry. He waited and prayed. He watched the events that unfolded around him and trusted God as he took his next step of faith (Mark 1:32-39; Luke 6:12-13; John 7:1-10).
Ready to grow in healthy and loving leadership with Jesus? We'd love for you to come on retreat for 5-days as we train in Relationally Healthy Leadership with Jesus (the next one happens on January 26th, 2026, see below!)
Blessings,
Bill
