Ministry is not merely about preaching sermons or conducting services; it is about leading souls into the fullness of Christ and helping others ascend to higher spiritual levels. As ministers, you are called to be leaders—ladders that lift people from their struggles, doubts, and spiritual stagnation into the heights of God’s glory. The biblical model of leadership is rooted in humility, service, and divine authority, designed to elevate others and bring them closer to Christ.
In this message, we will explore how you, as a minister, can be a true leader and ladder—one who guides, mentors, and elevates others in their walk with God.
- Leadership Is Servanthood
Mark 10:43-45 records Jesus’ words: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” True leadership in the kingdom is rooted in humility and service. As a minister, your role is to serve others, not to seek personal glory or dominance.
Being a ladder for others means lifting them with love, patience, and humility. When you serve, you create an environment where others feel valued and encouraged to grow in Christ.
- Be a Spiritual Mentor and Teacher
Ephesians 4:11-13 says, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood…” As a minister, your calling is to be a ladder that helps others climb toward spiritual maturity.
Mentoring involves patience, wisdom, and a genuine desire to see others grow. Your role is to teach, correct, and encourage, helping believers build a firm foundation in their faith.
- Lead by Example
1 Timothy 4:12 urges: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Leaders are not just teachers; they are models. Your life must reflect Christ’s character—love, humility, integrity, and holiness.
When you walk in integrity and humility, you become a ladder that others can climb—seeing in you a living example of what it means to follow Christ.
- Empower Others to Grow
2 Timothy 2:2 instructs: “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” A true leader is a multiplier—lifting others so they, in turn, can lift others. Your responsibility is to empower, mentor, and equip others to lead.
This creates a ladder effect: one leader raising another, who raises another, until the body of Christ is built up in strength and maturity.
- Be a Bridge, Not a Barrier
Romans 14:19 encourages us: “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” As a leader, your attitude and actions should build bridges, not walls. Be accessible, forgiving, patient, and encouraging.
A ladder that elevates others must be sturdy and trustworthy. When you foster unity and peace, you create an environment where people feel safe to climb higher in their faith.
- Lift Others Beyond Their Limitations
Isaiah 40:31 promises, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” As a leader, your role is to help others soar beyond their limitations—lifting them with encouragement, faith, and prayer.
You are called to be a ladder that elevates people into the heights of God’s promises.
- Build a Culture of Growth and Discipleship
Matthew 28:19-20 commands: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Building a discipling culture is essential. Be a ladder that helps others ascend into full obedience and maturity.
Discipleship involves mentoring, teaching, and modeling Christlike character—raising others from spiritual infancy to maturity.
- Handle People with Love and Grace
Ephesians 4:15 encourages: “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Your leadership must be rooted in love—truth spoken gently and graciously. Love is the ladder’s foundation; it lifts people up without tearing them down.
When people feel loved and valued, they’re more willing to climb higher and grow in Christ.
- Encourage and Celebrate Others’ Progress
Romans 12:10 exhorts: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” As a leader, celebrate others’ victories and progress. Recognize their efforts and breakthroughs. Your encouragement is a ladder that helps them ascend into new levels of faith and service.
- Trust God to Do the Transforming
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 reminds us: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” Our role as ministers is to plant seeds and water; the growth—transformation—is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Never demand or force growth. Be a faithful ladder—a faithful servant—trusting God to do the work in people’s hearts.
Dear minister, you are called to be a leader and a ladder—a conduit of God’s grace and truth—lifting others closer to Christ. Your leadership should be characterized by humility, patience, love, and empowerment. You are not called to control or dominate but to serve, mentor, and inspire others to ascend in their faith.
Jesus exemplified this in John 13:14-15: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” True leadership is about service and humility—about being a ladder that elevates others, not a barrier that holds them back.
Remember, the goal of ministry is not to make people dependent on you but to lead them to a thriving relationship with Christ. When you lead with love, humility, and patience, you become a divine ladder—lifting others into higher spiritual realms and into the fullness of God’s purpose for their lives.
Dear minister, be a ladder—and watch as lives are lifted, transformed, and brought into the fullness of Christ.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
