Finding Your Place: leadership and humility

authority is a principle, not a position

Have you ever found yourself in a leadership role and wondered where you fit? Maybe you've wrestled with questions about authority, influence, and responsibility. Perhaps you've felt caught between honoring leadership structures and navigating your own convictions.

These tensions are common, especially in the church. Yet many of our frustrations with leadership stem from a misunderstanding of what authority truly is.

As I have navigated leadership in ministry over the years, I've come to realize that finding our place is not primarily about asserting authority. It's about recognizing and submitting to God's design and order.

Understanding the source of Authority

Too often, we approach leadership through the lens of our experiences, ambitions, or cultural expectations. We assume authority is tied to a title, a position, or a level of influence. But Scripture presents a different picture. Throughout the Bible, authority is connected to stewardship, responsibility, and submission to God's purposes.

I remember speaking with a leader who felt restricted by the structure of their organization. They believed the system was preventing them from stepping fully into their calling. As we talked, however, it became clear that the real issue wasn't the structure itself. It was their understanding of authority.

Authority Is a principle before it is a position

A position may be given, but true authority is cultivated. It is built through character, faithfulness, wisdom, and a willingness to serve. When authority is viewed merely as a position, leadership often becomes centered on control. People comply because they have to, not because they trust the leader. Over time, this can create frustration, hinder growth, and weaken relationships.

But when authority is understood as a principle, leadership looks very different.

Leaders gain influence not simply because of a title but because of who they are. They earn trust through integrity, consistency, and humility. They create environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute. Their leadership inspires rather than intimidates.

the leadership model of jesus

Jesus modeled this kind of authority perfectly. Though He possessed all authority, He consistently led through service and obedience to the Father. He did not use His position to elevate Himself.

Instead, He used His authority to serve others and accomplish God's purposes.

As leaders, we are called to follow the same pattern.

This is especially important for creative leaders. In many ministry environments, people are often celebrated for their gifts while their character receives little attention. Yet God has always been more interested in transformation than performance. Gifts may create opportunities, but character determines how we steward them.

leadership as a calling

Leadership is not ultimately about building influence. It is about becoming the kind of person God can trust with influence.

When we begin to see leadership as a calling rather than a position, our focus shifts. We become less concerned with recognition and more concerned with faithfulness. We stop striving for authority and start stewarding the responsibility God has already entrusted to us.

finding your place in god’s order

Finding your place in leadership begins with understanding your place before God. As we submit to His order and embrace His purposes, we discover that true authority is not something we demand from others. It is something that flows naturally from a life surrendered to Him.

And in the end, that kind of leadership leaves a far greater impact than any title ever could.