Leadership in ministry is not about commanding but about empowering others to live up to their God-given calling and potential. As pastors, we have the unique privilege of helping our people discover and use their God-given abilities for His glory. This approach to leadership can transform a church from a place of passive attendance to a thriving community of active disciples.

The Heart of Empowering Leadership

Empowering leadership starts with a shift in mindset. It’s not about being the story’s hero but about equipping others to step into their God-given roles. Steve Murrell, in WikiChurch, writes, “The church grows not when the pastor does all the ministry but when the people are equipped to minister.” This idea captures the essence of empowering leadership: raising others to share the load and expand the ministry’s reach.

Ephesians 4:11-12

¹¹ And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds^[a] and teachers,^[b] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Why Empowerment Matters

1. Fulfilling the Great Commission: Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) wasn’t just for pastors; it was for everyone in the church. Empowering leadership ensures that every believer is equipped to play their part in this mission.
2. Multiplying Impact: A pastor’s influence is limited when they try to do everything themselves. But when you equip and empower others, the impact of your ministry multiplies exponentially.
3. Building Confidence in God’s People: Empowerment helps believers recognize their value in God’s kingdom. It builds their confidence as they see how God can use their unique gifts and talents for His purposes.

Practical Ways to Empower Your Church

1. Equip Through Discipleship: Teach your congregation to follow Christ and to lead others in following Him. Provide practical tools and training to help them grow in their faith and ministry.
2. Delegate Ministry Roles: Delegate meaningful responsibilities to your pastors, campus missionaries, or church elders. This will lighten your load and give them a sense of ownership and purpose in the church.
3. Celebrate Their Contributions: Recognize and celebrate the ways your members are serving. Highlight their efforts and how they are making a difference in the church and community.
4. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Offer classes, small groups, or mentorship programs that help individuals discover and develop their spiritual gifts.

When you lead with empowerment, you create an active, engaged, and thriving church. Your church members become more than spectators; they become participants in God’s work. This strengthens the church and inspires others to do God’s work.

Leadership is less about commanding and more about empowering. As you invest in equipping and encouraging your church members, you’ll see a community that lives out its faith with passion and purpose. Let’s commit to being leaders who empower others to fulfill their potential, bringing glory to God and growth to His kingdom.

Sidenote: Empowering leadership does not mean just giving them responsibility when they are not equipped to do the task. Equipping and empowering go hand in hand. Empowering somebody without assessing their strengths and abilities is irresponsible leadership, and it will affect the team and the church. I had my fair share of this, and it created more problems for the church leadership.