TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Every leader and parent desires change within themselves, their community, their family, and even the church. We long to see growth, character development, and transformed lives. However, the reality is that true change is not easily achieved.
We may have the best strategies, strong discipline, or years of experience, but all these still have limitations. Without the Holy Spirit, the change we strive for is temporary and lacks true power.
So, the question is: How can we experience authentic and lasting change as leaders and parents?
As leaders, we often find that we ourselves are the greatest challenge in change.
- We want to be more patient but still find ourselves easily provoked.
- We want to be more sensitive to the needs of others but often get caught up in our own busyness.
- We want to set an example of faith for our children and congregation but still feel a disconnect in our personal relationship with God.
Why? Because true change cannot happen just by human determination. Only the Holy Spirit can transform a person’s heart deeply and genuinely.
THE STORY OF CHANGE: PETER RENEWED
If there is anyone who experienced an extraordinary transformation, it was Apostle Peter. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, Peter was known as an impulsive, passionate, but unstable disciple. He boldly claimed he would never leave Jesus, yet when pressure came, he denied Jesus three times.
However, after the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost, Peter changed drastically.
- From fearful to courageous.
- From uncertain to firm in faith.
- From being led by emotions to being empowered by God’s power.
Peter who once ran from threats now stood before thousands, preaching with great power, and leading thousands of souls to Christ (Acts 2). What changed him? It wasn’t experience, nor natural courage, but the Holy Spirit working in him.
HOW CAN A LEADER AND PARENT LIVE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
As leaders or parents, we are responsible for the growth of those we lead. But we cannot give what we do not have. If we ourselves are not experiencing change through the Holy Spirit, how can we inspire others to grow?
So, how can we experience true transformation in leadership and daily life?
1. Intimacy with God
A leader filled with the Holy Spirit is not just someone busy serving, but someone who prioritizes a personal relationship with God. Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to pray and fellowship with His Father.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
(Mark 1:35 NIV)
If Jesus, the Son of God, needed time with the Father, how much more do we need Him? Build a deep habit of prayer, not just as a routine. Give space for the Holy Spirit to speak through the Word of God. Train yourself to be sensitive to His voice in every decision.
2. Obedience in Small Things
Transformation doesn’t always begin with big things. In fact, obedience in small things paves the way for the Holy Spirit to work greater things in our lives.
- Are we obedient when the Holy Spirit convicts us to control our emotions when dealing with our team or children?
- Do we remain integrity when no one is watching?
- Are we willing to forgive and humble ourselves, even when we feel right?
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
(Luke 16:10 NIV)
When we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our character in daily life, we will see real change in our leadership.
3. Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit, Not Just Personal Ability
Many leaders rely on experience, strategies, or expertise to make decisions. All of these are important, but without the Holy Spirit, all strategies become limited human efforts.
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
(Zechariah 4:6 NIV)
In difficult situations, do we immediately search for a solution ourselves, or do we first surrender to the Holy Spirit?
When facing difficult-to-teach children, do we only rely on educational methods, or do we pray for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts?
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we will see miracles at work in our ministry and families.
WHAT CHANGES WILL HAPPEN?
When the Holy Spirit fills our lives, we don’t just change personally, but we become instruments of change for others. We can inspire others to live in the truth.
Galatians 5:22-23 says that the Holy Spirit produces the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives:
- Love to lead with gentleness.
- Joy that is not dependent on circumstances.
- Peace that calms those around us.
- Patience in facing challenges.
- Kindness in real actions.
- Faithfulness in the calling God has given.
- Gentleness in correcting and guiding.
- Self-control in words and decisions.
ARE WE READY TO CHANGE?
True change is not about becoming stronger through our own efforts, but about surrendering to the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
Are we ready to:
- Prioritize our relationship with God over family busyness and ministry?
- Be obedient in small things before expecting big changes?
- Let go of our dependence on our own strength and fully rely on the Holy Spirit?
If we are willing, true transformation will happen in our lives, in our families, and in the church we lead.
True change doesn’t happen because we try harder, but because we allow the Holy Spirit to work deeper.
So, are we still trying on our own, or have we allowed the Holy Spirit to work in our lives?
Source: Luciana Crhistina (IFGF Kids Global Team)
