Throughout Scripture, we find an intentional tracing of lineage—one person begat another, establishing continuity from generation to generation. This pattern isn’t just about genealogy; it is a powerful principle that applies to leadership.
A true leader isn’t defined merely by personal success but by the ability to reproduce leadership in others. If you have been leading for years, yet no leaders can be traced back to you, it may be time to evaluate your leadership style and approach.
Who Follows You—and Who Leads Because of You?
In a world where personal ambition often overshadows mentorship, the question arises: Are we truly leading if we are not raising others to lead?
Leadership is Legacy: Who Can Be Traced to You?
One of the marks of great leaders in Scripture was their ability to raise successors. Moses had Joshua. Elijah had Elisha. Jesus raised the twelve apostles, who in turn discipled others, expanding the reach of the gospel across generations.
Paul’s words to Timothy reinforce this principle:
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2, KJV)
Here, Paul establishes the essence of leadership: not just gathering followers but equipping others to carry the vision forward.
If our leadership does not extend beyond us, we risk failing to fulfill God’s design for leadership. Let it be said of you that as you are traced to a lineage, a lineage is also traced to you.
The Power of Submission: Learning Before Leading
Over the past few months, I have been under the direct tutelage of His Lordship, Bishop Bimbo Animashaun. It has been one of the most transformative seasons of my life. Why? Because true leadership starts with submission.
Submission is not slavery; it is God’s pathway to direction.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Hebrews 13:17, KJV)
A leader who refuses to submit is like a tree refusing to be rooted. Without roots, there can be no depth, no strength, and ultimately, no longevity. The first step to becoming a great leader is learning how to follow.
Jesus Himself modeled this. Though fully God, He submitted to the Father’s will (John 5:19). If Christ, the greatest leader of all time, demonstrated submission, how much more should we?
Leadership That Outlives You
One of the greatest dangers in leadership is short-sightedness—leading only for the moment without raising others to carry on the mission. A leader who does not train and empower others is building something that will perish with them.
Consider the contrast between Saul and David. Saul, though anointed, failed to secure a lasting dynasty because he was more focused on preserving his own status than in mentoring future leaders (1 Samuel 15:10-11, 26). David, on the other hand, invested in Solomon and left behind a legacy of wisdom, governance, and spiritual devotion (1 Kings 2:1-4).
Great leaders think generationally. They don’t just build—they multiply.
Who Are You Raising?
Now, the question is personal: Who can trace their leadership growth to you? Are you intentionally raising others, or are you simply gathering followers who depend solely on you?
Take time to reflect on your leadership today:
- Are you modeling submission and mentorship?
- Are you equipping others with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to lead?
- If you were no longer here, would the work continue through those you have raised?
The measure of true leadership is in succession. As you have been taught, teach others. As you have been mentored, mentor others.
May it be said of you that as you are traced to a lineage, a lineage is also traced to you.