The Man-Fisher -part 1: the call to change the world.
“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’”
—Matthew 4:18–19 (KJV)
I’m thrilled to lead this week’s discussion on leadership—a topic that couldn’t be more urgent in our time.
We are living in dark days, where there is a glaring shortage of authentic Christian leadership across the globe. Despite the overwhelming number of leadership seminars, books, and schools, the world still aches for leaders who are grounded in the principles and purpose of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus: The First Leadership Developer
One of the very first things Jesus did in His public ministry was call and develop leaders. But notice who He chose—not the polished, the privileged, or the educated elite. He called ordinary fishermen. Men without prestige, credentials, or status. In doing so, He demonstrated a powerful truth:
The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 1:25).
These simple men—transformed by His call—became the greatest world changers the world has ever seen. It was said of them:
“These are the men who have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).
And indeed, the world has never recovered from their impact.
Leadership is Not Just Learned, It Is Imparted
If it were today, we might expect Jesus to search for candidates from Ivy League schools, leadership institutes, or government internships. But Kingdom leadership is not primarily taught in classrooms—it is forged in obedience to God’s Word and empowered by His Spirit.
Jesus proved that anyone who follows Him wholeheartedly—meditating on and doing His Word—can become a leader who shapes history.
Where Are the Righteous Leaders?
God desires His children to rise into positions of leadership—across sectors, institutions, and nations.
How else will the world see our light?
Yet many believers shy away from leadership roles, thinking such positions are “worldly” or unrelated to heavenly pursuits. This mindset has created a vacuum, allowing people who do not fear God to shape policies and societies that Christians later complain about.
Scripture is clear:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…” (Proverbs 29:2).
“Righteousness exalts a nation…” (Proverbs 14:34).
Not All Who Claim Christ Lead Like Him
It’s true that not everyone who identifies as a “Christian” leads in righteousness. But let’s be clear: a true Christian leader is not defined by a thanksgiving service after election, or by photo ops with church leaders.
A true Christian leader is one led by the Spirit, committed to God’s Kingdom, and discipled in His ways.
Think of Moses, Joseph, Deborah, Esther, David, Daniel, and many more. These leaders didn’t serve to win popularity—they lived to please God, even at great personal cost. They understood that all authority comes from God, and they used it to reflect His righteousness.
The Call to Courageous Leadership
In these last days, God is raising men and women who will not bow to the idols of culture, who will speak truth in love, and who, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, would rather face the fire than betray their faith.
We need Davids who will rise up against Goliaths, Esthers who will risk all for their people, and Peters who will go from fear to fire-filled preaching. Jesus took a man who once denied Him to a servant girl and turned him into a preacher who won 3,000 souls in one day.
What made the difference? Following Jesus!
Will You Answer the Call?
You may be wondering:
“Can I even lead a small group?”
“Do I have what it takes?”
The answer is yes—not because of your own strength, but because of His promise:
“Follow Me, and I will make you…”
He will shape you. He will equip you. He will embolden you.
You have the advantage of the Holy Spirit, and like Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
So rise up. Answer the call. Step into leadership—not for your glory, but to become a fisher of men, a light in the darkness, a voice of truth, and a vessel of God’s will on the earth.
Reflect and Respond:
Q1: Which Bible character inspires you most in leadership, and why?
Q2: Why do you think many Christians avoid leadership roles in society?
Q3: What is one leadership step you can take this week—big or small?
Let’s keep the conversation going. Your leadership journey may be the spark that ignites a revival in your community.
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This discussion was modified 1 day, 22 hours ago by
Ukemeobong Michael.
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This discussion was modified 1 day, 22 hours ago by
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