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In the fast-paced, competitive culture of urban India—especially among young working professionals—church leaders often face immense pressure. Expectations are high, criticism can be quick, and betrayal or burnout isn't uncommon. In this demanding context, the temptation to lead through control, withdrawal, or silent resentment is real. But the story of Joseph in Genesis 42 offers us a more Christlike path: leading with grace shaped by a deep fear of God.
Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, encounters his brothers—the same ones who betrayed him years earlier. Yet instead of revenge, he responds with mercy. He feeds them, returns their money, and ensures their safety--before they even repent. Joseph makes his motive clear: “I fear God” (Genesis 42:18) This fear wasn't rooted in superstition but in reverence—a deep awareness of God’s presence, justice, and mercy. It reminded Joseph that ultimate authority belongs to God, not him. Joseph shows us that leaders who fear God are freed from reacting in the flesh. They lead with mercy—not because others deserve it, but because God deserves our obedience. Grace under disguise might look like:
In a culture that often values performance and perfection, the church becomes a compelling witness when its leaders reflect God’s mercy. May we, like Joseph, fear God so deeply that we lead not with pride or pain, but with quiet grace that preserves, redeems, and points people to Jesus. How Fear of God Produces Mercy 1. Fear of God shifts your focus from people to God
2. Fear of God reminds you of your own need for mercy
3. Fear of God frees you from taking justice into your own hands
4. Fear of God redefines what greatness looks like
5. Fear of God produces Christlike character
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Leadership often creates images of bold vision, strategic decisions, and public victories. But some of the most powerful leadership happens far away from the spotlight — in living rooms, whispered prayers, and private tears. It’s the kind of leadership forged in pain, tested by tensions at home, and carried forward not by charisma, but by courage. Recently, I was reminded of this kind of leadership.
A few friends opened up about the strain of walking with Jesus in a family that doesn’t believe. There was no dramatic solution or quick fix. Just pain — raw and real. And yet, what moved me most was not the hardship, but the posture in the midst of it. This wasn’t someone walking away from faith. This was someone running deeper into God — trusting, surrendering, and holding on. That, to me, is leadership. Not because it’s loud or visible, but because it’s faithful. I’ve seen these friends’ journey through the last 7–8 years — facing rejection, uncertainty, and deep disappointments. But I’ve also seen God provide, again and again, often in ways no human parent or mentor could have orchestrated. There’s a quiet strength forming in them — a steadiness shaped not by easy seasons, but by daily dependence on God. True leadership isn’t always about leading many. Sometimes, it’s about how we lead ourselves when no one else is watching.
When someone chooses to keep going, keep believing, and keep serving in tough conditions, they’re not just surviving. They’re leading. Leadership, in the Kingdom of God, looks like a cross before it looks like a crown. I count it a deep joy and privilege to walk with friends like this. People who show that leadership is not always about being followed — sometimes, it’s just about being faithful. To anyone reading this who feels unseen or weary in the trenches of life: take heart. Your quiet obedience matters. You are leading — more than you know. Keep going. Keep leaning into Jesus. Keep living for the One who sees it all. You're inspiring more people than you realize. Lately, I’ve been carrying something heavy on my heart — not out of frustration, but out of deep care for the church and the people God has brought into our midst. Each week, something sacred happens. We gather. We worship. We listen. We pray. We open ourselves to God’s Word. But beyond all the visible elements of a service, there’s something invisible that holds it all together — the quiet, faithful presence of those who choose to show up, again and again.
I say this gently — that when some of our leaders, volunteers and people who deeply love the church aren’t around, it makes a real difference. Not just in logistics or planning, but in the atmosphere. In our ability to connect with new folks. In how supported or stretched the rest of the team feels. Even in how we, as leaders, stay encouraged. We might think, “I’m not on duty this week,” or “I’m not leading anything today, so maybe I can sit this one out.” But here’s the thing: being present is part of how we lead. Your presence is a powerful gospel witness. Just being there — standing in worship, making eye contact, catching up with someone over chai — tells others: “This matters. You matter. God is doing something here, and I want to be a part of it.” Church was never meant to run on programs and rotas. It’s built on relationships — and relationships need consistency, presence, and availability. This is especially true for those of us who have taken up leadership or committed to serve in some capacity. It’s not about guilt or performance. It’s about understanding that our presence is part of our discipleship. I wonder if part of the challenge is that we don’t always talk about this clearly. We don’t want to sound legalistic or demanding, but maybe we’ve swung so far in the direction of grace that we’ve forgotten that accountability is also an expression of love. So here’s my invitation — especially to those of us who lead or serve in any visible or invisible way: Let’s not treat Sundays as optional. Let’s not underestimate the value of simply being present. Even when we’re not “on stage,” we are still being watched, still influencing, still helping build the culture of our church. Let’s keep the conversation open.
When Ruth says, “Where you go, I will go… your people will be my people and your God my God,” she’s not just making a dramatic promise. She’s giving us a vision of what Gospel-shaped discipleship and mentoring can look like—one that can deeply influence how we think about leadership at NBCC.
In the Indian context, we’re no strangers to loyalty and relational depth. Many of us have grown up in households that value respect for elders, staying connected through thick and thin, and honoring spiritual authority. These values reflect something beautiful and biblical. Ruth’s commitment echoes that deep loyalty—choosing to walk with Naomi when she had nothing to give in return. But here’s the twist. Ruth isn’t following a mentor who is strong or successful. Naomi is empty, grieving, and uncertain. And yet Ruth chooses to stay. That alone challenges our usual ideas of mentorship. In many churches—including ours—mentoring can become too focused on expertise, influence, or ministry success. But Ruth reminds us that Spirit-empowered discipleship isn’t about convenience—it’s about covenant. It’s about journeying with people through loss, doubt, and weakness, all while keeping our eyes on God’s redemptive work. At NBCC, we’re being called to build a new kind of leadership culture—one that is Spirit led, where our motivation to lead and mentor comes not from position or reward, but from love, faith, and surrender. Ruth’s example shows us how mentoring relationships can shape leaders who are humble, faithful, and Spirit-led. We live in an urban culture where relationships are often transactional or short-lived—people change jobs, churches, and even faith communities quickly. But Ruth’s radical choice to walk with Naomi points to a better way: one of faithful presence, spiritual adoption, and Gospel witness. If we want to see a leadership culture at NBCC that reflects the heart of Jesus, we must disciple and mentor others the way Ruth followed Naomi—not because it’s easy or strategic, but because it’s faithful. That kind of commitment can’t be manufactured; it must be cultivated through time, trust, and the Holy Spirit. Let’s be a church that raises up leaders who walk with others not just in their strength, but also in their brokenness—leaders who point others to Christ not only by their gifting, but by their Gospel-shaped lives. In a culture where people are constantly hurried, guarded, and uncertain, the Church has a powerful witness in its hands: Hospitality. Not just coffee, chai and cookies after the service, but deep, Gospel-shaped welcome—the kind that invites the confused, the hurt, and the weak to feel seen, safe, and valued.
At NBCC, we’re not just called to build a friendly church—we're called to be a Christlike family. That requires more than good intentions. It means shaping our time, our spaces, and our hearts around the practice of welcome. Why? Because this is how God welcomed us. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” —Romans 15:7 Hospitality is evangelism. It reflects the Gospel better than words can. When you open your circle, your home, or even your Sunday lunch plans to someone who feels out of place, you're making room for Jesus to meet them there. It’s service in love (Gal. 5:13). It’s sacred space for encounter (Matt. 18:20). It’s how strangers become family (Heb. 13:2). It’s worship (Col. 3:17). So here’s the challenge:
Let’s show the confused and curious what Jesus is like—by the way we invite, include, and embrace. As leaders at New Bridge Community Church (NBCC)—a vibrant faith family in the heart of Pune’s urban tech neighborhood—you’re not just called to serve; you’re called to reflect the Father’s heart. In Luke 15, Jesus gives us a powerful leadership lesson through the story of the lost son. The parable challenges not just how we respond to the lost, but how we lead others into the joy of God's redemptive mission.
The older son in the story is hardworking, responsible—and deeply resentful. Why? Because the celebration for the returning prodigal came at his expense. As leaders, we must shift our mindset from “What do I get?” to “Whom do I get to welcome with the Father?” Ministry in our city will often require sacrifices of time, energy, and comfort—but the reward is people returning to God. The Father’s generosity in the story is costly. He gives from what is left—the older son’s share. It’s a picture of Jesus’ own sacrifice. We, too, are called to a leadership posture that’s willing to give, not guard. True Gospel-shaped leadership rejoices at redemption, even when it costs us something. The older brother served like a slave, but never mirrored the Father’s joy.
This is our calling: to lead not from entitlement, but from love—to make room for more prodigals to come home In our fast-paced, tech-driven city, many families find it challenging to build consistent rhythms. But one habit that holds lifelong spiritual value is weekly, on-time participation in church community.
Children are always observing. When parents consistently show up for worship—week after week, month after month—they are forming something powerful: a core memory. These rhythms, seemingly ordinary in the moment, become anchors later in life.When children face seasons of confusion or crisis, they will remember the warmth of community, the joy of worship, and the safety of shared faith. These memories help them return to their spiritual roots. They also grow up knowing church is not a program to consume, but a family to belong to. They gain a regular experience of seeing different generations worship and serve together, helping them embrace a broader, richer view of the Christian life. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 On the other hand, when church becomes optional or casual in the family calendar, children learn that God’s people and purposes are secondary. It subtly teaches them to prioritize convenience over commitment. They may also grow up lacking accountability and spiritual friendships—essentials that are hard to build later in life. Gospel culture must be guarded diligently. “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” — Hebrews 10:25 As parents lead by example, they do more than attend—they pass on legacy. Let’s build a culture where presence is sacred, service is natural, and the Gospel is central. In doing so, we offer our children more than discipline—we offer them direction, memory, and a durable faith for life. In a church like ours—rooted in a vibrant tech neighborhood and blessed with many emerging leaders—there’s a constant need to remind ourselves of what biblical leadership truly looks like. At the heart of servant leadership is a posture of gratefulness, not entitlement. Leadership in the body of Christ is never about position, but posture. The towel and the basin—not the title—are our true symbols. Jesus, our model, did not merely instruct; He knelt and washed feet. He didn’t demand loyalty; He demonstrated sacrificial love.
Sometimes, among leadership teams, a subtle disconnect surfaces when few refrain from showing up or standing alongside the team in unity. When leaders selectively engage, it undermines the unity and trust we are meant to cultivate. This signals something deeper: perhaps a drift from servant-heartedness toward self-importance. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” — Philippians 2:3–4 Our actions speak louder than our titles. A team is only as strong as its shared buy-in. Gospel culture is at stake—not just task execution. When we withhold presence, we diminish partnership. When we fail to show up, we fail to serve. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 Let’s return to the joy of being grateful servants—eager, present, and supportive. Not because we must, but because Jesus first gave Himself for us. Let’s lead in a way that reflects His heart—faithful in presence, generous in attitude, and humble in posture. The world may value control and credit, but we follow a crucified King. In the Bible, spiritual maturity and gospel growth occur best within the context of community. In the New Testament, the early Christian church was a close-knit community of believers who supported one another in their faith journey. They gathered together for worship, prayer, and to study the scriptures. They also shared their resources and looked out for one another's needs.
In this context, Christians were able to grow in their faith and knowledge of God, and they were able to encourage and support one another in their spiritual journey. By being part of a community of believers, they were able to strengthen their relationship with God and with each other, and they were able to learn and grow together. Being part of a Gospel centered Christian community is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as well as for living out the gospel in meaningful ways. Colossians 1:6, Paul writes "All over the world this gospel is producing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace." In this verse, Paul is referring to the spread of the gospel message and its impact on the lives of people. He acknowledges that the gospel has been bearing fruit and growing in the Colossian church, and that it is having a similar impact in other places as well. The idea is that the gospel has the power to transform lives and bring spiritual growth, and that this growth leads to the gospel producing fruit in the form of changed lives and the spread of the message to others. Paul is expressing his joy and gratitude for the way the gospel is affecting people and spreading throughout the world. There is a danger of believing false teachings and false gospels when individuals are not part of a Gospel centered Christian community. The Bible warns against false teachers who spread deceptive and harmful ideas, and it encourages Christians to be discerning and to hold fast to the truth of the gospel. Being part of a community of believers can provide a strong foundation of truth and help individuals to grow in their understanding of the gospel. Members of the community can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and provide a support system for spiritual growth and maturity. Additionally, being part of a community allows for the sharing of diverse perspectives and ideas, which can help individuals to better understand and appreciate the gospel. By being committed members of a Christian community, individuals can better protect themselves from false teachings and grow in their understanding and appreciation of the gospel. In Ephesians 4:14-16, the apostle Paul writes "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." In the book of Job, we read that Job was a wealthy and righteous man who lived in the land of Uz, who eventually lost his wealth and possessions, as well as being afflicted with painful sores.
We see that Job does not become disoriented or lose his faith despite losing his wealth, health and possessions. Instead, he remains faithful to God and does not curse Him. Job's response is one of humility and trust in God, recognizing that God is sovereign and has a plan for his life. It is an important text for those seeking to understand the role of faith in the face of suffering. The way we do not lose our orientation when we lose our wealth, is when we do not lose sight of our identities as children of God. We see that Job does not lose sight of his identity as a child of God despite his suffering. When Job realizes he has lost everything, he does not try to figure things out on his own. Instead, he turns to God in worship and humility. He does not question God's justice or wisdom, but instead he turns to Him in worship and trust. This act of worship is an act of submission to God's will and a recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness. This Gospel perspective suggests that our true Christian identity is not based on our wealth or possessions, but on our relationship with God as His children. It also implies that our sense of purpose and well-being should not come from what we have, but from who we are in God. This is an important lesson for those who may be struggling with the loss of wealth or possessions and can help to maintain a sense of hope and resilience. Job 1 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” |
AuthorKaran Thomas is the lead pastor of the New Bridge Community Church. He also serves the global body of Christ through his expertise in project management Archives
July 2025
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