Every Christian’s journey is unique, both from their starting point before salvation, and then all the way through where God ultimately takes them in their walk with Jesus.
What I’m going to focus on in this article is where Christian men are after receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Many believers are “on fire” for Jesus for a short bit and then quickly transform into lukewarm participants in the faith.
However, to truly embrace and embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, one must not remain stagnant but rather grow and mature in faith. For Christian men specifically, this transition is vital as they need to lead in their families, churches, and communities.
Here, we explore how to make that pivotal leap from being a lukewarm participant to a passionate leader of faith.
Recognize the Call
First, you must understand that Christianity is not a spectator sport. We are all called to grow and contribute in some way to the Kingdom of God (1 Peter 2:9). Recognizing this call and the inherent responsibility to be more than just a participant is a crucial first step toward leadership.
Deepen Your Relationship with Christ
This is the most essential step. A strong, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of a strong leader. Period. You can read all the leadership books you can get your hands on, you can read hundreds of online articles, and listen to hours of audiobooks and podcasts on the topic…but without seeking Jesus daily, you have NOTHING.
This relationship can be deepened through daily prayer, meditating on His Word, and by leading a life aligned with His teachings.
Pursue Personal Spiritual Growth
As Hebrews 5:12-14 highlights, spiritual maturity is a pre-requisite to becoming a teacher or leader of the faith. Invest in your personal spiritual growth. Attend Bible studies, participate in discipleship programs, and engage in personal Bible reading and prayer time. The objective is to move from consuming spiritual milk to solid spiritual food, gaining a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine and principles, and then putting them into real practice.
Take Responsibility for Your Faith
Transitioning from a participant to a leader means taking ownership of your faith. Yes, when you’re a younger Christian, it’s good to get some great teaching and direction by listening to your pastor’s sermons and by joining a small study group. But after a while, start the move from spectator and student to one who becomes more self-sufficient and is not afraid to take the initiative sometimes.
Doing this involves proactively seeking opportunities to serve and lead. Start by serving in small ways in your local church or community, such as volunteering in ministry programs, joining the greeter/hospitality team, or leading a small group Bible study.
Embrace the Servant Leadership Model
Christ’s model of leadership is one of servanthood (Mark 10:44-45). Embrace this model in your leadership journey. Serve others humbly and selflessly, and lead by example, just as Christ did. In all things, do it with love and respect.
Find Mentors and Be a Mentor
Seek out mature Christians who can mentor you in your faith journey. Learning from their experiences, successes, and failures will provide valuable insights and wisdom. As you grow, also look for opportunities to mentor younger or less mature Christians. This will not only solidify your own faith but also allow you to step more into a leadership role.
Grow in Humility and Resilience
A true leader is humble, understanding that he is a vessel of God’s work and not the source. Cultivate humility and also resilience, for leadership comes with challenges and setbacks. You will make mistakes (trust me, I’ve made plenty of them!), but it’s your ability to learn from these mistakes and persevere that will define your leadership.
Cultivate Godly Qualities
Finally, actively cultivate the qualities that reflect Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These attributes will not only make you a stronger Christian but also a compelling and effective leader. Others will see this and will follow your example.
Transitioning from a lukewarm participant to a passionate leader of faith is a journey that requires commitment, effort, and reliance on God. It is a transformation that reflects your growth as a follower of Christ, propelling you into a position where you can influence others and expand the Kingdom of God. Embrace this journey, for as you deepen your devotion to Jesus Christ, you will discover a fulfilling and Gospel-driven life rooted in His love and grace.
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