By Oyewole O. Sarumi
In an age defined by rapid and profound change, the very foundations of leadership are being re-examined and redefined. In this algorithm age, there is a compelling case for a new paradigm of Christian leadership, one that moves beyond traditional command-and-control structures to embrace a more holistic, purpose-driven approach.
In this article, I intend to contextualize these modern leadership principles within a rich tapestry of biblical scholarship, church history, and contemporary theological thought.
By drawing on a vast repository of scriptural wisdom and historical precedent, we will explore how the timeless truths of the Gospel provide the ultimate framework for leading with purpose, courage, and genuine connection.
We will demonstrate that the principles of leading with the “heart of a sheep and the mind of a lion” are not new corporate slogans, but echoes of a Christ-like leadership model that has sustained and grown the Church for two millennia.
This detailed and comprehensive examination will serve as a guide for Christian leaders seeking to inspire their congregations, ministries, and organizations to thrive in a world that is hungry for authentic purpose and transformative leadership.
I. The Unprecedented Age of Disruption and the Call for a New Leadership Model
The 21st century has brought forth an era of unprecedented disruption, technological, economic, and cultural, that is reshaping every facet of human life.
The Church, as a living organism within this world, is not immune to these shifts. The traditional leadership pillars of authority, hierarchy, and a transactional relationship with followers are crumbling.
This is particularly evident among younger generations who, as the Gallup and Deloitte studies cited suggest, are seeking more than just a paycheck or a platform for their talents. They are searching for meaning, growth, and connection. In the corporate world, this manifests as a demand for purpose-driven work.
In the Church, this translates to a hunger for a faith that is not just heard, but lived; a community that is not just attended, but belongs to; and a leadership that is not just admired, but emulated indeed and truth.
This shift is not a threat to the Church, but an opportunity to return to its core, biblical mission. For too long, some parts of the Church have operated on a “command-and-control” model, where the pastor or leader acts as the CEO, and the congregation as employees.
This model, however, stands in stark contrast to the leadership model established by Jesus Christ Himself. Christ’s leadership was one of servanthood, empowerment, and self-sacrifice.
He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). This fundamental principle, often overlooked in the quest for organizational efficiency and numerical growth, is the very foundation upon which a new, more effective model of Christian leadership must be built.
The call to move from a “boss” to a “coach and catalyst” is not merely a secular trend; it is a rediscovery of the leadership model of Christ.
II. From Spectatorship to Stewardship: The Biblical Imperative for Purpose
The demand for purpose in the modern era is a profound reflection of a deep, innate human need. Today, the people are asking, “Am I becoming more through this work?” and “Is my leader helping me grow?” These are not new questions, but echoes of a spiritual longing rooted in the very fabric of creation. Genesis 1:26-28 reveals that humanity was created in the image of God and given the task of stewarding and cultivating the earth. Our purpose, therefore, is not merely to exist, but to co-create with God, to bring order to chaos, and to reflect His image in all that we do.
In a Christian context, a leader’s primary role is to connect people to this divine purpose. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:11-12, articulates this perfectly: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Paul’s model is not about the leader doing all the work while the congregation watches.
It is about the leader equipping the people, developing them, mentoring them, and empowering them, so that they can, in turn, carry out the work of ministry. This is the ultimate “coach-and-catalyst” model.
The modern leader who understands this will move beyond simply offering “prayers” or compelling speeches, and will instead help their people find their unique role within the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan.
They will help individuals identify their spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and passions, and then create opportunities for them to use those gifts for the good of the community and the glory of God.
This approach transforms the congregation from passive consumers of ministry into active co-creators of Kingdom impact.
III. The Leadership Paradox: Christ as the Exemplar of the Heart of a Sheep and the Mind of a Lion
The leadership paradox of having the “heart of a sheep and the mind of a lion” finds its most profound expression in the person of Jesus Christ. This paradox is not a contradiction but a divine synthesis of strength and gentleness, authority and humility, courage and compassion.
- The Heart of a Sheep: The Good Shepherd
Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15). This image is rich with meaning, symbolizing the compassionate, sacrificial, and intimate nature of His leadership.
A good shepherd knows his sheep by name, protects them from predators, and lays down his life for them. This is the “heart of a sheep” leadership. It is about a deep and personal connection with the flock. Leaders who model this demonstrate:
• Humility and Servanthood: Jesus, the Son of God, washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), an act of radical humility that defied all conventional notions of leadership. Christian leaders are called to be servants, not celebrities; to lead from below, not from above.
• Compassion and Empathy: The Gospel accounts are filled with examples of Jesus’ compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and weeping with those who mourn. A leader with a “sheep heart” is not detached but deeply invested in the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of their people.
• Protection and Safety: The shepherd’s primary role is to protect the flock. Christian leaders are called to create a safe spiritual environment, one free from spiritual abuse, manipulation, and judgment. They are to guard against false teachings and unhealthy practices, providing a haven where people can grow and flourish in Christ.
- The Mind of a Lion: The Lion of Judah
While the image of the Good Shepherd highlights Jesus’ gentleness, the Bible also portrays Him as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). This image represents His fierce courage, His sovereign authority, and His decisive power. This is the “mind of a lion” leadership, which is not aggressive or domineering, but bold and strategic.
• Courage and Decisiveness: Jesus made difficult and unpopular decisions. He drove the money changers from the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13), a bold act that challenged the religious establishment. Christian leaders must have the courage to make tough calls, to stand for truth in the face of cultural opposition, and to lead with conviction.
• Vision and Purpose: The lion is a symbol of royalty and purpose. Jesus had a clear, unwavering vision for the Kingdom of God and a strategic plan to bring it about, He chose His disciples, trained them, and commissioned them. A Christian leader must also have a clear vision rooted in Scripture, a bold strategy for pursuing it, and the capacity to inspire others to join the mission.
• Teamwork and Empowerment: A lion does not hunt alone. The Lion of Judah worked with a “pride”, His twelve disciples. He spent three years mentoring them, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Luke 9:1-2). The modern Christian leader, like Jesus, must move beyond the “one-man-show” model and build a collaborative team, delegating authority and empowering others to lead.
IV. The New Currency of Influence: Coaching, Mentorship, and Discipleship
Let me correctly state that commanding is an outdated leadership style. In a Christian context, the antidote to commanding is discipleship. Discipleship is the ultimate form of coaching and mentorship. Jesus did not merely issue commands; He invited people to “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). He led by example, lived life with His disciples, and invested deeply in their personal and spiritual formation.
A Christian leader today must embrace this discipleship model. This means:
• Asking Questions, Not Just Giving Answers: Jesus was a master of questions, often using them to challenge assumptions and guide people toward a deeper truth (e.g., “Who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15). A leader-coach creates a safe space for people to ask difficult questions and seek their own answers.
• Encouraging Growth, Not Just Demanding Performance: The goal of Christian leadership is not to maximize output, but to mature believers in their faith. This means celebrating spiritual milestones, providing service opportunities, and creating a culture of grace where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not reasons for condemnation.
• Multiplying Leaders, Not Just Followers: The mark of a truly great Christian leader is not how many people follow them, but how many leaders they raise up. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is a call to make disciples, who in turn make more disciples. This is a model of exponential growth that has defined the Church from its earliest days.
V. Building Cultures of Trust and Belonging: A Biblical Mandate
It is essential to emphasize the importance of trust and belonging by citing them as essential for high-performing teams. In the Church, these are not just organizational best practices; they are a biblical mandate. The early Church, as described in the book of Acts, was characterized by a deep sense of community and trust. They shared their possessions, ate together, and devoted themselves to fellowship and prayer (Acts 2:42-47).
Christian leaders build this kind of trust by embodying the same qualities that the Apostle Paul called for in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3, integrity, honesty, and a sound character. They must be leaders who are:
• Humble and Transparent: A leader’s willingness to admit their own faults and vulnerabilities fosters a culture of authenticity. As James 5:16 says, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
• Reliable and Consistent: In a world of chaos, people need a leader they can depend on. Keeping one’s word, even on small matters, builds a reputation for trustworthiness that is invaluable.
• Fair and Equitable: The Bible repeatedly calls for leaders to act justly and to show no partiality (James 2:1-4). A leader who treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their social standing or giftedness, creates a true community of belonging.
VI. The Courage to Decide and the Humility to Collaborate
The “mind of a lion” side of the paradox is about having the courage to decide while embracing humility. This balance is critical in Christian leadership, and leaders must be bold enough to act yet humble enough to ask. This is a perfect description of the Apostle Peter. Peter, at times, acted with the impetuous courage of a lion (e.g., cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant in John 18:10), but he also learned humility through his failures, eventually becoming a shepherd of God’s flock (John 21:15-17).
Christian leaders today must have the courage to make decisions that may be unpopular but are necessary for the spiritual health of the community. At the same time, they must humbly seek counsel, recognizing that there is wisdom in a multitude of counsellors (Proverbs 11:14). This collaborative approach honours the body of Christ, where every member has a role and a perspective to contribute (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). A leader who includes their team in the decision-making process is not weakening their authority; they are building a stronger, more resilient, and unified community that is aligned around a shared vision.
Conclusion
The principles outlined in the provided material, purpose, courage, and connection, are not just secular buzzwords; they are the enduring hallmarks of Christ-like leadership. They are leading for legacy, not just results. The most effective Christian leaders today, and in the future, will be those who:
• Lead with purpose, helping their people connect their daily work to God’s eternal mission.
• Embody the paradox of the heart of a sheep and the mind of a lion, blending compassionate care with courageous decision-making.
• Embrace the role of a coach and a mentor, equipping and empowering others to lead, rather than commanding them to follow.
• Build cultures of trust and belonging based on biblical principles of integrity, transparency, and love.
Paychecks and prayers will always have their place, but they are not the end goal of Christian leadership. The true measure of a leader’s success is not the size of their congregation or the scope of their budget, but the spiritual maturity of the people they serve and the lasting legacy of faith they leave behind.
By leading with the heart of a shepherd and the mind of a king, Christian leaders can build a future where the Church is not only a beacon of hope but a thriving community of purpose-driven disciples, ready to transform the world for Christ.