Leading for the Name: An Approach of Dependence and Transformation

Listen

Leading for the Name: An Approach of Dependence and Transformation

The concept of leading for the Name is a reflection on the role of the leader in relation to the perfect leadership model represented by Jesus Christ. Instead of trying to lead like Christ, leaders are called to depend on divine grace and submit to God's sovereignty. Leadership should not be based on our limited strengths but on faithful obedience to God's will. "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Jesus Christ is the only perfect model of leadership, exemplified by His obedience to the Father, humility, and compassion. However, as human beings, we will never reach divine perfection while we live here on earth. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Rather than trying to be like, leadership must acknowledge our dependence on God to accomplish His will, as Paul teaches us in Philippians 2:13: "For it is

God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."

Leading for the Name means not seeking one's own glory but pointing to the Name of Jesus Christ. The Christian leader should be a reflection of Christ’s leadership, focusing on glorifying His Name and serving others, recognizing that our strength comes from God, not from our abilities. "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your love and Your faithfulness" (Psalm 115:1).

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a model of leadership based on proximity, availability, and empathy. He did not govern from a distance but became present among us. Thus, leadership should be incarnational, close to the lives of people and serving with humility and commitment, as Paul expresses in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: "So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you have become very dear to us."

Leadership is not about improving human skills but about shaping leaders into the image of Jesus Christ. Transformation is ongoing and depends on the Holy Spirit. As Paul stated, the goal is to press on toward the heavenly prize, trusting that God will enable us to lead according to His will. "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

The leadership of Jesus Christ was marked by humility and obedience, serving others sacrificially. True leadership does not seek recognition but serves with humility, obeying God and seeking His glory in all things. "Whoever wants to be first among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the greatest must be your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27).

Leading for the Name, Jesus Christ, is a call to a life of constant dependence on God. By following the model of Jesus Christ, the leader becomes an instrument of God, serving with humility, compassion, and faithfulness. All strength comes from God, who is the true leader, and our leadership should be an expression of worship, pointing to Jesus Christ as the true Lord. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:36).

Eduardo MendesFounder and President