With Him – Leadership in the Way of Jesus

Rooted in Presence. Formed in Love. Sent in the Spirit.

The Cord and the Core

At the centre of leadership in the way of Jesus is not strategy or structure, but communion.

We are held by a threefold cord:

1. Communion with the Father (Ephesians 3:14)

2. Convincing union with Jesus the Son

3. Compelling companionship with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:15)

This is the cord. This is the core.

The Five Dimensions of Loving Leadership

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21 invites us into a way of leadership formed not by performance, but by presence.

Before we move into action, we are invited into indwelling.

He prays that we may be:

• Strengthened in our inner being by the Spirit

• That Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith

• Rooted and grounded in love

• Able to comprehend with all the saints the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love

• Filled with all the fullness of God

1. The Source – Christ Dwelling in Us

The core is not a concept. It is communion. Christ in us is the source of all leadership.

2. Width Love for All Peoples

This is the embrace of God. Love that stretches across cultures, generations, neighbourhoods, and nations.

3. Length The Story from Eternity to Mission

We are part of a love that spans history, past, present, and future. We are not building our kingdom, but walking in His.

4. Height – Perspective from Heaven

Love lifts us to see from heaven’s view where prayer, praise, discernment, and vision come from union with God.

5. Depth – Grace in the Hidden Places

Love reaches the hidden wounds and silent rooms of our lives. It forms us in grace, vulnerability, and holy trust.

The Hand of Grace – A Picture of Withness Leadership

Imagine your hand:

• The palm = presence. It is the place of indwelling love, union, communion, and companionship.

• The fingers = five expressions of leadership flowing from love:

1. Thumb – Sonship

Our identity as beloved sons and daughters shapes all leadership. The thumb touches every other finger.

2. Index Finger – Servants

Leadership begins with the towel, not the title. Servants lead with humility and obedience.

3. Middle Finger – Shepherds

The tallest finger. Shepherds guide, protect, and walk ahead in love.

4. Ring Finger – Stewards

The finger of covenant. We carry what is entrusted, not as owners, but as faithful stewards.

5. Little Finger – Soldiers

Smallest but significant. Soldiers walk in dependence, spiritual strength, and sacrificial love.

Together – Saints and Sent Ones

From the palm of love and the fingers of leadership flows a life of holy influence. We are saints—set apart in love—and sent ones, commissioned by Christ.

A Final Word – Seeking His Face

Let us seek His face. Let us return to the Source. From the core of Christ’s love, we are filled to overflow. Leadership becomes participation in His life, not performance. Strategy becomes surrender. And mission becomes communion.

Mike Hey

27 June 20