Biblical Models of the Equipping Ministry: Jesus’ Model

Biblical Models of the Equipping Ministry

Jesus’ Model

Jesus in His earthly ministry presented an instructive model of the equipping ministry. While no single passage of Scripture offers a comprehensive concept comparable to the Jethro- Moses model, a study of the total approach of Jesus in relation to His apostles shows Him clearly in the role of preparing them to minister.

1. He furnished them the essentials for performing ministry.

2. He equipped them to do “greater things than I am doing” (John 14:12).

Hull stated clearly the approach of Jesus and its results:

When Jesus launched his ministry, he bypassed the religious professionals of his day, choosing instead to recruit twelve ordinary laymen from differing walks of life. To these men, who lacked the training of the rabbis or the prestige of the priest-hood, he said, “You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world” (see Matt. 5:13-16). It is astonishing how they became the pivot on which hung the very survival of his movement. It is not an exaggeration to say that when Jesus died he left only two things on earth—the blood spilt in loving sacrifice for others and the impact of his life upon a handful of frightened, faltering men. The fact that they were open to the reality of his resurrection, that they were willing to overcome provincialism in carrying out a worldwide mission is testimony to the wisdom of the basic strategy Jesus followed.[1]

Hull continued, crediting Jesus’ equipping strategy with the rapid movement of the church as it spread from being a tiny remnant with Judaism to become a worldwide faith. “If the twelve had viewed themselves as the only legitimate ministers, they would soon have been overwhelmed as the group they led grew from 120 to three thousand at Pentecost.’’5 In fact, one might add that they very nearly were overwhelmed as the church grew, saved only by their administrative move to lead the church to choose others to share the work load with them (Acts 6). Jesus’ idea had caught on.

Hazards in Identifying as Jesus

There is great value in learning from the way Jesus related to persons and in trying to emulate His compassionate, considerate manner. There are also some limitations for one who might identify as Jesus in one’s leadership role. No one is in the same relationship with others that Jesus was with His apostles. There is a subtle hazard that one may come to see only oneself as Jesus and the other persons as “mere” apostles. This danger can express itself in a somewhat condescending manner, surely not characteristic of Jesus. And, sadly, the “apostles” often may respond as required by the leader who identifies as Jesus. One must bear in mind that each of God’s children has equal claim to the privilege of identity with Jesus.

Key components of Jesus' leadership style include:

Servant Leadership: Jesus demonstrated that the greatest leaders are those who serve others, as shown by washing the disciples' feet and giving his life for others. Which emphasises humility, compassion, and empowering others over status or command-and-control strategies, is the primary definition of Jesus' leadership style. Jesus provided an example of a "serve-first" mentality by making significant investments in people, cultivating genuine connections, and exercising leadership via character rather than power.

Transformational & Empowering: He believed in people's potential, empowering disciples to carry on his mission and investing time in developing their character.

Shepherd Leadership: He adopted a "shepherd" model, focusing on guiding, protecting, and knowing his followers individually.

Inclusive & Compassionate: His approach was inclusive, often breaking social norms to accept, heal, and show empathy to those rejected by society.

Authenticity & Integrity: Jesus led by example, displaying humility, vulnerability, and acting with complete integrity between his words and actions.

Visionary & Purpose-Driven: He focused on a long-term, higher purpose (the Kingdom) rather than temporary, superficial success.

Courageous Truth-Telling: He spoke truth with love, even when it was unpopular or costly.

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[1] William E. Hull, “Equipping: A Concept of Leadership,” Church Administration, January, 1972, p. 7.