Leadership Starts with You

By Dr. Misty Holmes Dorsey & Dr. Kenneth K. Law

Global Leadership Group

In today’s ever-shifting and uncertain world, leadership isn’t optional—it’s urgent. The days of being impressed by position, platforms, or performance are fading. The world, the Church, and every sphere of influence are crying out for something deeper—authentic, transformational leaders. These are not leaders who simply talk about vision, but those who live it out daily with integrity, character, and conviction.

Leadership that makes an impact doesn’t begin on a stage—it begins in the secret place. It begins with personal surrender, spiritual discipline, and a heart postured before God. Before anyone can follow your lead, they must trust your walk. And before we can expect to lead others effectively, we must ask ourselves an essential question:

“Am I truly leading… or am I just taking a walk?”

“If you think you're leading and no one is following you, then you're only taking a walk.” – John C. Maxwell

This quote hits home because it reminds us that influence, not title, is the true measure of leadership. True leadership isn’t about control or charisma—it’s about consistency. It’s about how we show up when no one’s watching. It’s about being trustworthy, not just talented. It’s about being accountable before God first, before we are ever accountable before people.

“True leadership is not about control. It is about service.” – Dr. Myles Munroe

Leadership Is Posture, Not Position

In the Kingdom of God, leadership is not measured by elevation but by posture. Jesus didn’t rise without first kneeling. Before He ascended to the right hand of the Father, He humbled Himself to wash feet.

Kingdom leadership requires:

• Submission before success

• Humility before honor

• Service before visibility

  
  

Jesus didn’t lead from entitlement—He led from obedience. And if we are going to represent Him in leadership, our posture must reflect His.

Leadership Requires Accountability

Paul’s reminder in 1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV) reveals something critical about leadership:

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…”

In other words, I lead myself first.Leadership doesn’t begin with public influence—it begins with private discipline. You are your first ministry. If you can’t govern your thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and prayer life, you won’t have the spiritual weight needed to lead others with integrity and power.

This is why spiritual leaders burn out—not from the warfare of leading others, but from the neglect of leading themselves.

Five Questions Every Leader Must Ask

1. Am I leading with vision—or reacting to pressure?Where there is no vision, the people perish. – Proverbs 29:18Leaders must be guided by divine insight, not emotional response.

2. Am I building trust—or just demanding results?Trust gives leaders access. Without it, followers obey but never engage.

3. Am I serving people—or using them?True leaders pour out, even when it costs. They don’t manipulate—they multiply.

4. Am I growing—or just staying busy?Busyness doesn’t equal growth. What is developing in you? What is maturing?

5. Am I leading—or just taking a walk?If your leadership bears no fruit, no movement, and no multiplication—it’s time for alignment.

Leadership Carries Weight and Responsibility

Leadership is not for the faint of heart. It is a high calling that requires endurance, faith, and a commitment to spiritual maturity. Yes, it is a privilege—but it is also a weight. It costs something. It stretches your character. It pushes you into places of intercession and self-denial.

“Leadership is born when purpose is discovered.” – Dr. Myles Munroe

When you truly understand your divine assignment, applause becomes irrelevant. You no longer lead to be seen—you lead because someone else’s destiny is tied to your obedience. That’s purpose-driven leadership. And that’s what transforms regions, organizations, churches, and generations.

Biblical Leadership Is Rooted in Servanthood

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 (KJV)

Jesus modeled servant leadership in the most radical way—by giving His life. He didn’t just teach about the Kingdom—He embodied it. And He commissioned us to do the same.

As Kingdom leaders, we must constantly ask:

• Who is growing under my leadership?

• Who am I equipping for their next?

• Who is walking in destiny because I made room?

If we are not producing fruit, we must return to the secret place.

Final Charge to the Leader

You don’t have to be perfect—but you must be present. You must be prayerful. You must be accountable. Leadership begins with you—but it will echo far beyond you.

There’s someone watching you. There’s someone counting on your yes. There’s someone tied to your mantle. Their obedience may depend on your example. Their breakthrough may be locked in your consistency.

So, rise up. Pray strong. Lead well.

And before you make your next move—pause, reflect, and ask:

“Am I leading… or am I just taking a walk?”