“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2Timothy 2:1-5, NKJV)
In 2 Timothy 2:1-5, Paul offers a profound message to Timothy, urging him to embrace a leadership style rooted in discipleship. This passage is a blueprint for leaders who seek not just to guide others but to invest in them, ensuring the continuity of faith and spiritual growth. It speaks of strength, multiplication, endurance, focus, and adherence to divine principles; qualities essential for leading with a discipling mindset.
Paul begins by exhorting Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” This sets the foundation for effective leadership, emphasizing that strength does not come from human ability but from God’s grace. A leader who disciples others must recognize that grace is both the source of their strength and the means by which they empower others. True spiritual leadership is not about self-reliance but about dependence on God. When leaders rely on grace, they model humility and faith, teaching their disciples that growth in Christ is not a product of mere effort but of divine enablement.
The next instruction is one of spiritual multiplication. Paul tells Timothy to commit what he has learned “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” This highlights the core of a discipling mindset; intentionally investing in others who, in turn, will disciple more people. The effectiveness of a leader is not measured by how many people follow them but by how many they equip to lead. This requires careful selection; a discipling leader must seek out faithful and teachable individuals who will carry the message forward. The goal is long-term impact, ensuring that the gospel and sound doctrine do not end with one generation but continue through successive ones.
Leadership in the Christian context is not merely about authority or influence; it is a divine calling that requires the heart of a disciple-maker. Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of leading with a discipling mindset, focusing not just on managing people but on nurturing them spiritually, emotionally, and practically for the purpose of fulfilling God’s mission. Christian leadership is deeply intertwined with discipleship, as seen in Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This mandate makes it clear that leading with a discipling mindset is an essential responsibility of Christian leaders.
Jesus Christ is the perfect model of a leader who embodied a discipling mindset. He did not merely instruct His disciples; He lived among them, walked with them, and demonstrated the kingdom’s values through His actions. In John 13:12-15, after washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus said: “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” This passage highlights a key principle of leading with a discipling mindset: servant leadership.
A leader with a discipling mindset serves others rather than seeks to be served. Jesus taught this in Mark 10:42-45 when He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” A discipling leader prioritizes the growth and spiritual well-being of those they lead, putting their needs before personal ambitions. Discipleship is not a one-time event but a continuous process of mentoring, teaching, and modeling godly principles. Paul exemplified this in his relationship with Timothy, referring to him as his spiritual son. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Leaders must intentionally invest in relationships that cultivate spiritual growth in others.
A discipling leader is committed to teaching sound doctrine and ensuring that those under their leadership grow in faith and maturity. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Leadership is not about hoarding knowledge or power but about raising others to function effectively in their God-given callings.
The Apostle Paul boldly stated in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” A leader with a discipling mindset understands that people learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Living a life that aligns with God’s principles is crucial in mentoring others in the faith. True discipleship does not create dependence but empowers others to grow into maturity and take on leadership roles themselves. Jesus prepared His disciples, and when the time came, He entrusted them with the Great Commission (Acts 1:8). A discipling leader equips others so that they, too, can disciple others, creating a cycle of spiritual multiplication.
Leading with a discipling mindset is more than just a leadership style, it is a calling to nurture, teach, and raise others in the faith. Jesus Christ exemplified this in His ministry, and He calls His followers to do the same. Christian leaders must be intentional about servant leadership, mentoring others, teaching sound doctrine, leading by example, and empowering others to continue the work of discipleship. By doing so, they fulfill the Great Commission and contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom. As Hebrews 13:7 reminds us, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Article Source: Centre for New Dimension Leadership
