Leadership as Ministry – Your Sphere of Influence

By Eldon Kibbey

 

The Six Words That Define Your Mission

 

Leadership isn’t a title; it’s a ministry. And it can be boiled down to six essential words: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples. This isn’t just for pastors or missionaries—it’s the calling for every person, every day. It’s a leadership model rooted in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission (Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:19-20).

 

The Center of Your Sphere of Interaction

 

The Great Commission begins with “Go,” which is a word of movement. Each of us is constantly “going” in our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and daily routines like shopping or getting coffee. These relationships form your Sphere of Interaction.

The amazing truth? You are at the center of your own unique sphere! No one else has the exact same one, making you the designated leader of your own Sphere of Interaction.

 

Three Steps for Ministry Leadership

 

What does this leadership look like in practical terms? It’s a three-part focus:

1. Love God: This is the starting point. Ministry is fundamentally about relationships (Source: 4), and it begins with your relationship with God. Your first act of leadership is modeling a total love for Him to those closest to you—your family. It also means communicating with God through prayer (Source: 30).

2. Love People: Next, you extend that love outwards. This includes:

   • Family: They are the first people you are to love (Source: 11).

   • Neighbors: We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Source: 12). This often requires intentionality, as many of us don’t even know our four closest neighbors (Source: 15).

   • Co-workers and Clients: The workplace is a great place to model your relationship with Christ (Source: 19). Simply learning about their lives provides opportunities for prayer, which may naturally lead to sharing the gospel (Source: 18).

   • Strangers: On shopping trips, in coffee shops, or other places, be open to reaching out. Engaging with strangers is an opportunity to share the gospel or invite them to your fellowship (Source: 23).

3. Make Disciples: This is the in-depth work. Discipleship is about coming alongside those in your Sphere of Interaction and loving them in a way that encourages them to follow Jesus (Source: 24). It’s an in-depth relationship that encourages others to apply Scripture in their lives and, critically, pass it along to others (Source: 25). The word “disciple” means both to be a disciple and to make a disciple—you must be one to lead another to be one (Source: 26, 27).

Where Do You Lead?

 

Every day presents a new opportunity to lead as a minister. Where do you see yourself applying these principles in your unique Sphere of Interaction? Where can you be more intentional this week? The ministry is already in motion; it’s time to step into your role as a leader.