For Pastors and Church Leaders in Canada and Around the World.
By Rev. Isaac Degraft-Takyi – Living Word Assemblies of God, Toronto, Canada
INTRODUCTION:
A CALL TO LEAD LIKE CHRIST
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John Maxwell
“Leadership is not about control; it is about service.” – Myles Munroe
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” – Billy Graham
“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” – Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:26, NLT)
Dear Pastor, dear Leader in the Body of Christ,
You are not alone in your struggle. Whether you serve in a small rural congregation in Alberta, a large multicultural Church in Toronto, or a young church plant in Ghana, leadership today is not easy. The modern Church faces change, pressure, confusion, and sometimes discouragement. But in every generation, God raises leaders who will stand strong and lead like Jesus.
This article is a guide to help you walk through these challenges with faith, wisdom, and courage. As Jesus led with love, Billy Graham preached with clarity, Myles Munroe taught with insight, and John Maxwell coached with strategy, you too can rise to lead with purpose, humility, and boldness.
PART 1:
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW LANDSCAPE OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP
- Cultural Shifts Are Real—but God’s Word Still Stands
Canada and many parts of the world are changing fast. People question the truth. They redefine identity, family, and even faith. Many churches are shrinking, and leaders feel the pressure to “keep up.” But as Myles Munroe once said, “When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.”
The Church must stay rooted in purpose, not popularity. The truth of God’s Word does not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Leadership Key: Stay grounded in Scripture, not culture. Speak the truth in love.
- Loneliness in Leadership is Common—but it is Not Your Portion
Many pastors are lonely. You carry burdens you can’t share. You weep in secret while encouraging others in public. But remember even Jesus went to Gethsemane alone, but He was never forsaken.
Billy Graham said, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. But I go to God in prayer.”
Leadership Key: Build relationships with other pastors. Create safe spaces for prayer and encouragement. You don’t have to lead alone.
- Technology Can Be a Tool or a Trap
Today’s church must be present both in-person and online. Technology helps us reach farther—but it can also tempt us to perform instead of transform.
Jesus didn’t chase crowds. He transformed hearts. Social media can amplify your message—but it can also distract your mission.
Leadership Key: Use media to share the Gospel, not just your image. Let your message be more powerful than your production.
- Division Weakens the Church—Unity Advances the Kingdom
In Canada, Ghana, and across the world, division often enters through denomination, ethnicity, or ego. But the early church was powerful because they were of one heart and one spirit (Acts 4:32).
As John Maxwell teaches, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Kingdom success is never a solo act. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (John 17:21).
Leadership Key: Partner with other churches. Honour other pastors. Celebrate diversity in the body of Christ.
- Moral Integrity is Still the Foundation of True Leadership
In a world of scandals, shortcuts, and compromises, the Church must stand out in purity and truth. The modern leader must live clean, lead clear, and love deeply.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Billy Graham lived above reproach. Myles Munroe warned that gifting can open doors, but character keeps you in the room.
Leadership Key: Protect your heart, your marriage, and your ministry. Build systems of accountability. Lead from integrity, not image.
PART 2:
PRACTICAL WAYS TO LEAD WELL TODAY
- Lead from the Secret Place
Jesus often withdrew to pray. That was His leadership secret. Public power flows from private prayer.
“If your leadership is not birthed in prayer, it will be buried in pressure.”
Make time daily to hear from God. Before the pulpit, go to your knees.
- Raise Leaders, Not Followers
Jesus spent more time training twelve than speaking to the thousands. John Maxwell reminds us, “A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession.”
Don’t build a church around you—build it around Christ. Multiply leaders who carry the same Spirit.
- Preach the Full Gospel
The modern world wants sugar-coated sermons. But only truth sets people free (John 8:32). Preach salvation, holiness, repentance, healing, deliverance, and the Kingdom of God.
Do it with love. Do it with conviction. Do it with humility.
- Serve the Community
Jesus didn’t just preach—He healed, fed, and loved. In Canada, churches must be visible and valuable in their neighborhoods.
Hold food drives, host prayer walks, visit prisons, help new immigrants, love the broken. Be the hands and feet of Jesus.
- Lead by Example
People may forget your sermons, but they’ll never forget how you lived. Love your spouse. Raise your children in faith. Be honest with money. Be kind to all.
“Leadership is not a title, it’s a testimony.”
Conclusion:
Leadership is a Journey of Faith
Pastor, leader, servant of God—this is your time. God placed you in this generation, in this nation, for a reason. The challenges are real, but so is His grace.
Like Billy Graham, speak boldly.
Like Myles Munroe, lead with purpose.
Like John Maxwell, build others up.
Like Jesus, lay your life down for the sheep.
Jesus is still building His church. And He is doing it through you.
Final Encouragement
- Stay humble. The greatest in the Kingdom is the servant of all.
- Stay holy. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
- Stay hopeful. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Scriptures to Meditate On:
- Matthew 20:26 – “Whoever wants to be a leader must be your servant.”
- Galatians 6:9 – “Do not grow weary in doing good…”
- 2 Timothy 4:5 – “Keep your head in all situations… discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Let this be your prayer:
“Lord, help me to lead with Your heart, love with Your grace, and serve with Your strength. Use me to build Your church and impact my generation for Your glory. Amen.”
By: Isaac De-Graft Takyi
