Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of JesusSample

Empowering Others the Way Jesus Did

When I was twelve, my grandfather—a small-town police chief—decided it was time for me to learn responsibility. He arranged for me to work part-time at a mini-golf course during the summer. By age fourteen, I was running the course alone—handling opening and closing duties, managing customers, and balancing the register at the end of the night. Sure, a few labor laws may have been stretched, but the life lesson was clear: empowerment leads to growth.

Those summers weren’t just about learning work ethic; they taught me what it looks like to be trusted and equipped to lead. My grandfather gave me the skills, the opportunity, and the permission to rise to a new level of capability. And when leaders empower well, the people around them flourish.

Jesus modeled this kind of empowering leadership throughout his ministry—but we see its culmination in Matthew 28:16–20, in what we now call the Great Commission. After appearing to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, Jesus instructed her to gather the disciples in Galilee. Even though the disciples were filled with worship, we’re told some of them still doubted. They weren’t fully confident. Yet Jesus entrusted them with the most important mission of their lives: go and make disciples of all nations.

He didn’t wait for perfect faith or flawless resumes. Jesus saw what they could become, not just who they were in that moment.

And that’s what empowering leaders do.

Empowerment isn’t just delegation—it’s development. It’s not about unloading tasks you don’t want to do. It’s about equipping others with the skills, the opportunity, and the permission to lead boldly. When Jesus empowered his disciples, he wasn’t just giving instructions; he was multiplying his mission. He sent them out not alone, but with a promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

That same promise is for you.

As a Christian leader, you don’t have to carry the mission alone. Christ goes with you—into the meetings, into the mentoring conversations, into the risks and relationships. And as you lead, you’re not only accomplishing goals—you’re raising up others who can carry the torch of faith farther than you ever could alone.

Jesus didn’t just recruit followers. He built leaders. He saw potential, invested deeply, and then empowered others to continue what he started.

That’s the kind of leader you’re called to be too.

Who in your life needs a little more permission, opportunity, or encouragement to step into their calling? Who is waiting for you to say, “You can do this—and I’ll be right here with you”?

Empower like Jesus to multiply your impact.

Reflection Questions:

1.Are you currently empowering anyone to lead at the same level—or greater—than you?

2.What holds you back from giving others more permission, trust, or responsibility?

3.Who in your life or leadership needs to hear, “You’ve got this, and I’m with you”?

Have you enjoyed this reading plan?

Read the book or watch Lyle share about Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.