Transformational Leadership Conclusion

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Jesus was counter-cultural, a revolutionary—he specialized in turning the systems of this world on their heads. This same Jesus who has all power desires that we pattern our lives and leadership after his example. You are meant to be counter-cultural. You were built to revolutionize the way we think. You are meant to transform your space of influence. You are called to be a transformational leader.

Transformational leadership starts with self-transformation. We can only give people what we have authentically received ourselves. In order for us to provide substance to those who follow us, we must change the way we lead. We must do away with the “do as I say, not as I do mentality” and adopt Paul’s encouragement to “follow me as I follow Christ.”

Like Christ, transformational leaders seek to empower their followers to carry on the work. They understand that no one personality is bigger than the overall mission, especially not their own. Notably, Jesus used parables as a way to transmit empowering principles to his disciples. He entrusted them with Heaven’s mysteries so that they could expand God’s Kingdom work. Today’s transformational leaders seek every opportunity to turn life’s challenges into real-time lessons to empower their followers for the future.

Transformational leaders are purpose driven. They understand the need for a life of sacrifice, the significance of being prepared, and the importance of leading by faith. There are many people who want to lead, and there are various motives for desiring to be at the helm. However, true transformational leaders embrace selflessness. They will let absolutely nothing stop them from transforming the culture around them.

My hope is that this series on transformational leadership has inspired you to take your leadership to the next level and to the next generation. The truth is that the Kingdom is in need of this brand of leadership, and you were called to be that type of leader. When everything around you attempts to make you conform and bend to the status quo, my hope is that you will rise to the occasion with a renewed mind and change the game. My prayer is that you would leave the indelible mark of Christ on every work that you touch, and that God’s work through you would transform the systems of this world throughout the ages.

PRAYER:

Father, as we reflect on Christ and his leadership, we pray that his walk becomes our reality. Strengthen our faith in you. Renew our minds daily to see opportunities where there are obstacles. Let the transformational truth of Christ and Kingdom guide our footsteps and influence our interactions. Bring us to the place where we are making the kingdoms of this world conformable to your Kingdom. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Explore more at the Theology of Work Project online commentary: Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Minds (Romans 12:1–3)