In this week’s The Leader Within, Ps Larry Elliott unpacked a powerful truth…
This past Sunday at 3C South Coast, we reached a pivotal moment in our Go! series. After weeks of discussing faith for a new season and the importance of being “doers” of the Word, Ps Larry Elliott brought us to the core of our identity in Christ with a powerful message: The Leader Within.
Many of us grew up believing that leadership is reserved for those with specific titles, corporate positions, or a microphone. But as we looked at the life of Jesus and the early church, we learned that leadership isn’t a destination — it is an inherent part of the believer’s DNA. If you have been reconciled to God, you have been called to lead.
Why You Were Created: Understanding Your Purpose in Christ
To understand the leader within, we must first understand why we exist. Colossians 1:16-18 provides the ultimate frame of reference:
“For in Him all things were created… visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.”
You are not an accident, and your life is not your own. You were created by Him and for Him. Jesus is the head of the body, the church, and we are here for His good pleasure and purpose. When we embrace this, our perspective shifts. We no longer view our jobs, families, or hobbies as separate from our faith. Instead, everything becomes a platform for His supremacy.
The Great Commission: Why Every Believer Must Make Disciples
Jesus didn’t leave His followers with a “Great Suggestion.” He left us with a commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
A commission means you don’t have an option; it is a command from the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth.
In the Book of Acts, we see the incredible outpouring of the Spirit of God. This wasn’t just for a select group of apostles; it was for the entire body of believers. They turned the world upside down because they understood that every believer is called to lead others to reconciliation.
One person who knows who they are in Christ can shake a nation. Look at the people around you this week and remember: you are that person.
The Leader Within: Who Are You Leading?
Leadership, at its simplest level, is influence. John Maxwell famously said,
“If you look behind you and no one is following, then you’re just out for a walk.”
The reality is that someone is always following you.
As a new creation in Christ, you carry an influence that is powered by the Holy Spirit.
- Your words: They carry weight and land in the hearts of your colleagues and friends.
- Your choices: They are observed by your children and your neighbours.
- Your attitude: It shapes the culture of your home, your workplace, and your social media presence.
Stop shying away from the responsibility. You are a leader because God has anointed you for a purpose. You are leading for Jesus in every avenue of your life so that others might see His glory in you.
If you are looking for a place to sharpen these leadership skills and find a team of warriors to stand with, we encourage you to join our Brotherhood or Daughters of Worth (DOW) ministries.
The Ultimate Question: Who Are You Leading For?
This brings us to a searching, multiple-choice question: Who are you leading for? In the Kingdom of God, there is no such thing as neutrality. Jesus said,
“He who is not for Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters” (Luke 11:23).
We cannot be “neutral” Christians. We are either leading people toward the light of Christ or, by our silence and inaction, allowing them to drift toward the enemy.
Ps Larry shared a story about his flight to Cape Town, where he sat next to a Hindu man. Through a simple conversation and a heart open to the Spirit, he was able to minister to this man, who began to weep as he saw a vision of Jesus on the cross. That man realised he had to make a decision. We must realise the same: our leadership must be intentionally for Jesus.
Church Is Not the Mission: Why We Are Called to Go
We must guard against a “consumer-driven” gospel that suggests the church exists only to meet our personal needs. Fellowship, teaching, and worship are vital, but they are not the mission — they are the preparation for the mission.
Imagine a team like Manchester United. If they spent every day training in the gym but never actually played a match, they would eventually lose heart and disperse. Training is for reigning. We gather on Sundays to be filled, corrected, and inspired so that we can go out into the “match” of daily life and win souls.
Our supreme mission is to live a life that glorifies God.
5 Keys to the Great Commission Every Christian Must Know
- Availability
- Worship
- Submission
- Obedience
- Power
Ps Larry outlined the first two keys to unlocking the leader within:
1. Availability – Why God Uses Those Who Show Up
The Lord is looking for reliable people, not just talented people. Your talent is an asset, but your faithfulness is what God values most. In Matthew 28, the disciples were hurting, confused, and some were even disillusioned after the crucifixion. Yet, they showed up at the mountain where Jesus told them to go. Because they were available, they were commissioned.
60% of the battle is simply showing up. Show up in your prayer life, show up for your family, and show up for the tasks God has set before you. When you say,
“Here I am, Lord, send me,”
you open the door for Him to do the impossible through you.
2. Worship – The Foundation of True Leadership
Real mission always flows from real worship. The Greek word proskuneo means to prostrate oneself in humble adoration. It is the single-minded focus on Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
You become what you worship. If you worship your problems, they will overwhelm you. If you worship the world, you will become empty. But when you worship Jesus, His glory fills your life and shifts your perspective.
Worship is the game-changer that removes the weights of trauma and pain… and replaces them with the peace of God.
Supporting Our Future Leaders
Part of being a leader is raising up the next generation. This Friday night, we have a wonderful opportunity to do just that at our Youth Talent Show. This isn’t just a night of entertainment; it is a fundraiser with a mission. Every boerewors roll sold and every ticket purchased goes directly toward sending our young leaders to the VoltFest Youth Festival this June.
Last year, thousands of young people gathered to experience God’s power, and we want our 3C South Coast youth to be there to experience that same fire. Even if you cannot attend, your sponsorship could be the reason a young person’s life is changed forever.
A Call to the Altar
We have access to the throne room of grace because of the blood of Jesus. When He died, the veil was torn from top to bottom, giving us a “new and living way” to enter the presence of God.
Don’t leave the same way you came. If you want to embrace the leader within and begin living for the One who died for you, we invite you to pray the Salvation Prayer.
Let’s be a church that doesn’t just attend services, but a church that leads, reconciles, and worships with all our hearts.
Cell Group Discussion Questions:
- How does the truth that “you are a leader” change the way you view your workplace or school?
- Ps Larry mentioned that “training is for reigning.” How can you better use our Sunday services as preparation for your week?
- In your current season, what does “availability” look like practically?
- How can we as a group better support the “ministry of reconciliation” in the South Coast?
You don’t need a title to lead.
You just need a surrendered life.
Because the moment you follow Jesus… someone is already following you.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit.
We recognise today that we are called to be leaders and ambassadors for Your Kingdom. We lay down our own agendas and ask that You would use our lives to lead others to You. Make us reliable, make us faithful, and let our lives be a continuous act of worship.
In Jesus Mighty Name we pray
Amen.
