Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

76 | From Control to Calling: A Bible Study on Christlike Leadership

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Find the full episode here > Refining Leadership: The Upside-Down Kingdom of Servant Leadership

What does it mean to truly lead like Jesus? This question sits at the heart of authentic Christian leadership, challenging us to embrace a revolutionary model that radically contradicts our culture's definition of success and influence.

Drawing from Mark 10:42-45, we discover Jesus' countercultural approach to leadership—where greatness is measured not by authority or position, but by humble service. "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant." These words transform how we understand influence in every sphere of our lives, from ministry to family life to our professional worlds.

Through powerful biblical examples, we explore how Jesus embodied servant leadership in tangible ways: feeding thousands despite his own grief and fatigue, washing his disciples' feet, and ultimately surrendering to the Father's will in Gethsemane. These moments reveal a leadership paradigm that begins not with asserting authority but with recognizing needs through Spirit-sensitized eyes.

Many hesitate to identify as leaders because they associate leadership with titles or platforms. Yet kingdom leadership happens in unlikely places—around kitchen tables, through encouraging notes, in quiet acts of compassion that often go unnoticed. It requires staying spiritually filled rather than depleted, maintaining a connection to the Source of our strength through consistent spiritual practices.

Are you feeling called to develop a more intentional spiritual rhythm that supports your leadership journey? The Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour offers personalized guidance to create sacred rhythms in your daily life, deepen your prayer practice, and lead from a place of rest rather than rush. Book your session at paulabehrens.com/coaching and receive beautiful resources to support your spiritual growth. The first three bookings receive a free bottle of Young Living Essential Oil as a special gift!

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Paula Behrens:

Are you leading from a place of purpose or are you just powering through on empty? In today's episode, we'll explore what it truly means to lead like Jesus, with faith and a devotion that flows from the heart of Scripture. What if the key to lasting influence isn't found in striving harder but in surrendering deeper, serving humbly and sharing words of life and encouragement? Let's take a closer look at the kind of leadership that not only transforms others but also changes us in the process.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula, and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

I know you're tired. Tired of trying to keep your devotional routine that doesn't actually refresh your soul. Tired of starting over every Monday telling yourself this week will be different. Tired of sitting with your Bible, distracted, wondering if you're even doing this right. Tired of feeling like your spiritual life is just another thing on your never-ending to-do list.

Paula Behrens:

Friend, I see you. I've been there too, and that's why I created the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. You don't need to keep spinning your wheels. You need a spirit-led routine that works with your life, not against it. Let's renew your quiet time with God. Book your personalized session today at paulabehrens. com/c oaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). It's time to stop just surviving and to start thriving in your faith. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

You know, after decades of ministry and walking with people through all kinds of seasons joy, sorrow, growth and struggle I've come to believe this one thing about leadership. It's not about having all the answers, it's not about being the loudest in the room, it's not about being in control or holding a title, but it is about having the heart of a servant. And if that sounds a little upside down and backwards compared to what the world teaches, well, you are right. But hey, we know that what Jesus said and did almost always went against the grain, and let us praise God for that. In Mark, chapter 10, verses 42 through 45, Jesus gives us a truth that challenges everything we think we know about leadership. He says to his disciples, you know that among the Gentiles, those whom they recognize as their rulers lorded over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. There it is, the ultimate leadership mindset. Jesus doesn't discourage the desire to lead or to make a difference. He simply shows us a better way to do it.

Paula Behrens:

I can't tell you how many times over the years someone has said to me, I'm not really a leader. When they absolutely were. They were leading their families with prayer and patience. They were caring for others behind the scenes, making meals, sending cards, showing up when no one else would. They were faithfully serving their church week in and week out, with no spotlight needed. Leadership in the kingdom of God rarely looks like it does in the world. That's why Jesus says, it shall not be so among you. We're not called to rule over people. We're called to walk with them, lift them up and, yes, serve them. That's not just some inspirational idea, it is the heart of the gospel. Jesus had all power and authority and he chose to use it in the most surprising ways. Let me take you through a few of my favorite examples from scripture that have stayed close to my heart through all these years. These moments have shaped how I understand leadership, how I've pastored and how I've tried to live as a follower of Jesus.

Paula Behrens:

The story about Jesus feeding the crowds never gets old for me. We see that in Matthew 14, 13 through 21. It was right after he lost John the Baptist, his beloved cousin, and he was grieving. He was tired and probably wanting some quiet time. Haven't we all had days like that. But when he went to be alone, a huge crowd was waiting for him. Now I'll be honest if it were me, I probably would have needed to go somewhere and take a power nap. But not Jesus. He was already filled with the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit just for that moment.

Paula Behrens:

The Bible says he had a deep compassion for them. He healed their sick, he taught them, and when evening came and they were hungry, he didn't ignore that either. He turned to his disciples and said, you give them something to eat. You know the story. They had five loaves and two fish. Jesus blessed the food and somehow it multiplied into more than enough.

Paula Behrens:

That's servant leadership. Jesus didn't lead from a distance. He met the needs of the people, up close and personal. He didn't wait for perfect conditions or for someone to praise him. He saw the hungry people and responded with love and provisions. Now, that's the kind of leader I want to be, don't you?

Paula Behrens:

If I had to pick just one image of servant leadership, this would be it. Jesus knew the cross was just hours away, and yet in that moment he knelt down and washed the feet of his disciples. Think about that. The Lord of all creation knelt down and did the work of the lowest servant in the house. It wasn't about the task, though. It was about the message. He said to his disciples, if I your Lord and teacher, have done this for you, go and do the same for one another.

Paula Behrens:

In ministry, I discovered pretty quickly that leadership often means doing the things no one else wants to do. It's loving people when they're hard to love. It's showing up even when you know it will cost you. It's choosing humility over recognition. I've humbly served others countless times, just as I'm sure many of you have done as well, and if no one ever thanked you for it, hear it from me now. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Jesus sees every act of humble service, and in his kingdom those are the greatest acts of all.

Paula Behrens:

Paul tells us to, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. That means we're supposed to have a mindset that reflects Jesus' mindset. But what does that look like? What kind of mindset was that? Well, it was one of humility, one of obedience and one of self-giving love. Paul reminds us that Jesus didn't cling to his divine position. Instead, he made himself nothing. He thought like a servant and became obedient, even unto death.

Paula Behrens:

I've often had to remind myself, don't be afraid to be last in line. That's what Jesus did. He let others go ahead of him. He carried their burdens. He gave his life so that we could have ours. When we follow his example, our leadership becomes life-giving, not just for those who receive, but for the giver as well. The ultimate moment of Jesus' giving still brings tears to my eyes. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is alone, overwhelmed and deeply sorrowful. He knows what's coming and he prays, Father, if it's possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not my will, but yours be done. That's the heart of servant leadership, saying yes even when it seems almost impossible, trusting God's will above our own.

Paula Behrens:

I prayed that prayer outside of hospital rooms, at funerals, during difficult conversations and even in quiet moments when no one else was around to hear. Jesus' willingness to surrender teaches us that true strength lies not in resistance but in obedience. Now you might be asking yourself, how can we embody this lesson as we embrace the leadership roles we are called to fulfill? Well, that's a good question. Here's my take on that. I may be retired from the pulpit, yes, but I'm still an appointable pastor, still called. I still serve in various other ways, like podcasting. Once a pastor, always a shepherd at heart. And here's what I've learned over the years. Leadership never really ends, it just takes new shapes in different seasons. Sometimes I've preached from the pulpit, sometimes I've led in prayer around the kitchen table, sometimes I've counseled from a church office or even on a Zoom call, and sometimes I've ministered simply by listening deeply, holding someone's hand or sitting with them in the silence of pain.

Paula Behrens:

Leadership in God's kingdom doesn't need a title or a platform. It only needs a willing heart. So what does this servant leadership mindset look like for you and for me today? Whether you're currently pastoring, serving in ministry, raising a family, leading in your workplace, volunteering at a church or just trying to faithfully walk with Christ every day, the following thoughts are for you. As you serve, in whatever form that takes ask God for eyes to see the need. Sometimes leadership is as simple as noticing who's hurting, who's hungry, who's lonely, who's weary. The Holy Spirit will often nudge your heart before your calendar gets filled up. So ask him, ask him, say Lord, who are you calling me to serve today? And don't underestimate the little things, the phone call, the note of encouragement, the pot of soup dropped off at someone's door, the prayer whispered over someone's name. They all matter. In fact, it's these quiet acts of faithfulness that often open the deepest doors in people's hearts.

Paula Behrens:

Most importantly, always lead from a place of overflow, not depletion. I've seen and lived the danger of leading on empty. That's why it's so important to stay connected to the source of our strength. Make time for solitude, scripture, rest and renewal. When you're filled up by God, your leadership will flow out of grace, not strain. When you are filled up by God, it's so much easier to model humility without losing authority.

Paula Behrens:

As a retired pastor, I've learned that true spiritual authority is never diminished by humility. It's actually strengthened by it. When we lead with a servant's heart, people don't respect us less. They trust us more. And finally, stay open to God's next assignment. You are never too old to be used by God. The assignment may change, but the calling remains the same.

Paula Behrens:

Whether you're coaching online, leading a women's Bible study, mentoring a younger believer or offering a prayer on short notice, every yes matters. The world doesn't need more power-hungry leaders. It needs more people who are willing to serve, like Jesus did, with compassion, courage and consistency. You may be in a different season, but you're not done. Neither am I. The harvest is still ripe and there's still work to be done for his glory.

Paula Behrens:

Let me close with this. Even though I am retired from the pulpit, my calling to follow Jesus and help others do the same, well, that will never end. And I want to remind you, yes you, that you too are a leader. If you've said yes to Jesus, you've been invited to lead like he led with humility, with compassion and with joy. And you don't have to do it perfectly. None of us can or do. But when you serve in love, when you offer your time, your gifts, your heart, know that you are building God's kingdom. So go ahead, pick up your towel, step into someone's chaos, offer a meal, send that card, offer a prayer. Lead like Jesus.

Paula Behrens:

One final note before we wrap up. If today's episode stirred something in your spirit, if you feel a tug to grow in your faith, develop a heart for servant leadership or simply create more space in your life to connect with God, I want to invite you to my Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. This is a gentle, grace-filled time where we will focus on creating a sacred rhythm in your daily life, spiritually, emotionally and even physically. Together, we'll explore how to deepen your prayer life and devotional routine, how to use essential oils in a Christ-centered way to support calm, focus and spiritual connection, how to lead from a place of rest instead of rush, and how to serve the Lord without losing yourself in the process. You'll also receive beautiful printable resources, a faith-centered journal and a scripture-based planning and tracking guide to help you stay grounded throughout the week. Plus just a little bonus for those who are thinking about opting in right now. The first three bookings will receive a free bottle of Young Living Essential Oil in the mail as a gift from me. You don't need to be in full-time ministry to benefit from this. You just need a heart that wants to grow closer to Jesus and be led by His Spirit. You can book your session right now at paulabehrens. com/coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-E-R-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). With that, let me just say, I would be honored to walk alongside you as you grow into the joyful spirit- led leader God created you to be.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.