Helping Others Follow Jesus

June 10, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

Remember your leaders… (Hebrews 13:7). 

As the writer of Hebrews closes his epistle, he speaks to the saints about how they should interact with their leaders (Hebrews 13:7-21). He concludes this section by saying their confidence in their leaders brings joy to their leaders. 

But I would like to flip the script on this to describe how leaders are supposed to live in a way that makes it a joy for people to follow their leadership. 

So, leaders, let’s make sure we are…

…speaking the Word of God, not any kinds of “strange teachings” (vv. 7, 9). 

…living a life worthy of imitation. This requires a consistent and steadfast example of Christ-like living (vv. 7-8). 

…strengthening people with grace, not man-made strategies (v. 9). 

…not giving ourselves special privileges just because we are in leadership positions (v. 10). 

…not concerned with public perceptions while we stand for Jesus (vv. 11-13). 

…keeping in mind that our reward is in Heaven, so we don’t look for human accolades here but in “the city that is to come” (v. 14). 

…setting the example in hospitality (v. 16). 

…leading with the integrity and gentleness that makes it easy for saints to have confidence in our leadership (v. 17a). 

…serving with sober joy (v. 17b). 

…praying for others to be empowered “to live honorably” and with a clear conscience (vv. 18-19). 

A mark of a godly leader is one who makes it desirable for others to follow Jesus. 

Jesus is “that great Shepherd of the sheep” (v. 20). We are merely under-shepherds of small flocks, but we have been appointed to this pasture by Him. 

He will equip us “with everything good for doing His will” (v. 21a), which means we don’t have to attempt to equip ourselves. Instead, we can operate in His empowerment. 

He will also work in us “what is pleasing to Him” (v. 21b). We are not trying to please people, but we should want to please the One to Whom we must give an account. 

All “glory for ever and ever” goes to Him! We are not serving as His under-shepherds so that we can be recognized, but so people can draw closer to Him. We shepherd people to make Jesus known. 

If we will keep these things in mind, we are free to serve. Leaders who are secure—who are humbly confident in their calling—are leaders who are easy to follow. 

Let’s pray: Holy Spirit, help me to lead in a way that allows others to see Jesus because of my lifestyle. I want to be an example that helps others draw ever closer to Him. Amen! 

This is part 88 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here. And you may also want to check out my books for church leaders—Shepherd Leadership and When Sheep Bite. 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Legacy Of Faith

March 10, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed His approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. (Hebrews 11:4 NLT) 

I want to live my life so in step with God that people can say of me as the writer of Hebrews said of Abel: “Although Craig is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.” 

Don’t you want that for your life too? 

I believe God wants that to be said of your life. Are you ready?

You can start today by putting your name in the blank: Although ________ is long dead, they still speak to us by their example of faith.

You may also want to check out

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Know, Go, Show

May 13, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

There is a recurring theme throughout the Book of Judges and then later is repeated in the years leading up to Israel’s exile: A godly leader passes off the scene and the people return to their old selfish, godless lifestyle. This sinful life brings God’s punishment, which causes the people to cry out to God for help. God raises up a leader who leads the people in repentance and a return to God. As a result, God’s blessings again flow to His people. Then that leader passes off the scene and the cycle repeats. 

This recurring thought is in the middle of a particularly dark time for Israel: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; see also 18:1). 

The entire 17th and 18th chapters of Judges is a sickening story of the Israelites utterly turning their back on God so they could go do whatever they want. And worst of all, we see godless leaders taking advantage of the situation to line their pockets with worldly riches. 

Just because there is a God-fearing leader on the scene doesn’t guarantee that the people will follow his or her lead and devote themselves to God. But a godless leader almost always results in people debasing themselves by thumbing their nose at God’s laws. 

God raises up leaders and holds them accountable for their actions. He told Ezekiel that there would be consequences for both boldly speaking God’s message or for keeping silent (see Ezekiel 3:16-21). 

God calls His leaders to know His ways, to walk in integrity in that way, and then to call others to walk in that way too. 

A mark of a godly leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

This is part 84 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Don’t Take Advice From Armchair Quarterbacks

September 3, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

There are some know-it-alls who want to tell pastoral leaders how they should have done things differently. Much like the “armchair quarterbacks” that seem to know all the right calls a team should make, even though they have virtually no experience. 

Pastor, pay very little attention to those armchair quarterbacks that would speak into your life!

Check out this short clip from my time on the Leading From Alignment podcast.

To put the quote that Jim shared from When Sheep Bite into context, here is the full passage—

     Jesus is our perfect example of a Shepherd Leader. His example was to lay it all on the line, regardless of how the sheep were behaving or misbehaving: “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). By contrast, Jesus warns us that those who are not willing to put their lives on the line for the sheep are worse than armchair pastors—Jesus calls them mere hired hands: “The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep” (John 10:12-13). 

     If I am called to be a shepherd leader, attacks will come from both sheep and wolves. It’s what I do in those hard times that shows whether I am truly called or merely acting as an armchair shepherd. 

Please check out both When Sheep Bite and Shepherd Leadership. And get in touch with me if you would like someone to talk to. 

You can check out the full conversation I had with John Opalewski and Jim Wiegand on their Leading From Alignment podcast here.

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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Links & Quotes

March 9, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

God’s blessings are not primarily for me, but they are through me for His glory. This is a short clip from an exclusive video I shared with my Patreon supporters. Become a supporter today! I have lots of new content every week, which you can check out on my YouTube channel.

“What to do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it.” —Dean Smith

Until the mid-1800s, the historicity of King Sargon II (mentioned by Isaiah) was in doubt. Not only has archeology again affirmed the historical statements made in Scripture, but “the way Isaiah spelled Sargon’s name is an indicator that the prophet lived at the time of Sargon II, and that the book was not penned hundreds of years later.” Check out this archeological biography of Sargon II.

And then there is this archeological report about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Fascinating!

How sweet and gracious even in common speech,
Is that fine sense which men call Courtesy!
Wholesome as air and genial as the light,
Welcome in every clime as breath of flowers—
It transmutes aliens into trusting friends,
And gives its owner passport round the globe. —James T. Fields

“A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example.” —Joe DiMaggio

Not using the spiritual gift God has given you is selfish. He gave you these gifts on purpose so that His kingdom could be made more visible and desirable.

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A Leader’s Example

February 28, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

When you read through the history of the kings of Israel and Judah, there are two consistently recurring themes for these leaders—

  • He turned to God and the people put away their idols <or>
  • He turned from God and the people turned to their idols 

It’s true: As goes the leader, so go the people. 

In my life, I’ve experienced that the good things that I do over-the-top are only moderately emulated by those around me. But the unhealthy things that I even slightly indulge in are adopted quickly by everyone else. 

Godly leaders must be so aware of how their example impacts everyone around them, and they must fight to maintain biblical standards. When we miss the mark, we must be quick to admit our shortcoming, repent, and get back on track. 

In Hosea 4:9, God warns that the people will follow the ungodly example of their leaders, which is why God’s punishment is often more severe for those leaders. 

On the positive side, in Leviticus 9, Moses and Aaron demonstrate the leadership example of spending time in God’s presence and fully obeying everything God had revealed to them there. Then verse 23 it says that after they came out of His presence, God’s glory appeared to all the people. The positive example of the leaders led to huge blessings for all the people! 

A mark of a godly leader is one who increasingly aware of the power of his example. 

Leaders, let’s be first to go first in…

  • …being in God’s presence 
  • …obeying God’s commands 
  • …repenting when we fall short 
  • …asking forgiveness of those who have seen our poor example
  • …asking God to bless His people because of our good example

This is part 77 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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The Craig And Greg Show: Reflect Excellence

February 8, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

As leaders, we are called to set the example for our organization. As Greg and I discuss in this episode, the quickest way to make a positive change in your organization is to exhibit the traits you want to see. Do that with consistency, and your team will begin to reflect those traits back to you.

  • [0:00] Welcome to our new studio!
  • [1:06] The way a leader leads influences the way the team follows.
  • [3:03] A leaders team will reflect the attitude they exhibit.
  • [5:53] Leaders need to constantly be interacting with their team to “check the pulse.”
  • [7:13] Recognizing innovation in your team is a compliment to your leadership.
  • [9:10] If there’s a trait we want our team to embody we must exhibit it first.
  • [10:20] If you don’t recognize potential in teammates you will always hire low-potential individuals.
  • [13:04] Consistency is important to how a leader reflects values.
  • [15:13] Leadership vs Bossing
  • [17:10] Jesus set an example for us of servant leadership.
  • [18:26] At some point your team will test you to see if what you’re saying is real.
  • [20:10] I share some wisdom from my cousin’s book.
  • [21:11] Greg issues a challenge to leaders.
  • [22:06] If you’re going through a difficult time, a coach can help you navigate. We would love to help you!

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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Links & Quotes

December 23, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

King Solomon has two phrases that help us keep a biblical perspective. If we miss this, Solomon says, we are going to experience a lot of frustration. I have lots of new content every week, which you can check out on my YouTube channel.

The angel told Joseph what he needed to do, and Joseph responded immediately. This is how we should live too—No complaints, no excuses, just obedience. 

“If we as leaders do not model, we lose moral authority. … The goal of teaching and preaching is not to inspire, but to transform, and transformation at the spiritual and moral level can only be instigated and maintained if the speaker is authentic. We cannot call others to abide if we do not abide, to holiness if we are not holy, to sacrifice if we do not sacrifice, to evangelism if we do not evangelize, or to Jesus if we are not with Him ourselves. … The steady legitimacy of our deeds prove the worth of our words. We demonstrate our words are worthy by living them.” —Dick Brogden, in Proverbs: Amplified and Applied

T.M. Moore writes, “In ancient Israel the tithe was a uniform rate for all people, regardless of income, social standing, or need. Everyone was expected to bring a tenth of his wealth—much of this in the form of property (animals or harvests)—to be administered by priests and Levites for the upkeep of the spiritual life of the nation. In our country, graduated tax rates, accompanied by a variety of flat taxes, have become the means for creating an ever-expanding central government and an entitlement society in which nearly half the population pay no income taxes at all and, thus, receive many services from the State at the expense of those who do pay taxes. (As an aside, it’s interesting to note that one of the early arguments for a graduated income tax appeared not in The Federalist Papers but in The Communist Manifesto.) It’s not difficult to see how such a system of taxation can be used to curry favor and purchase political power.” Check out all of T.M.’s posts in this excellent series.

J. Warner Wallace proposes that we should look at the fact that our Earth is “just right” as evidence of an intelligent Creator.

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Praying For Our Governments

October 17, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

You may have heard it said that Christians are supposed to pray for those who are in governmental leadership positions over them. Is that really true? And if it is, what exactly are we supposed to pray for them?

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Resources mentioned in this video:

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. Become a supporter today and get access to all of my previous posts plus have instant access to all of the new materials that are being posted weekly. ◀︎◀︎

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Not Succumbing To The Mob Mentality

July 18, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

Mobs are scary things! Almost anyone can get caught up in the ugly mentality, vile words, and inexcusable actions. 

Even professional soldiers. When Jesus was arrested, He was turned over to “the governor’s soldiers” (Matthew 27:27). These are professional soldiers. Punishing people—even carrying out capital punishment—was their job. But they gave in to the mob’s thirst for blood and made a sport out of punishing Jesus, doing what was outside of their job description.

The mob outside Pilate’s courtroom was stirred up by the religious leaders, and they “shouted all the louder” for a murderer to be released to them instead of a Healer (vv. 20, 23). 

Even as Jesus hung helpless and dying on the Cross, the religious leaders continued to incite the crowds with their taunting, prompting even other condemned men to join in (vv. 39–44). 

How easy it is to get caught up with the loud voices of the hour and to join our voices and actions with theirs! Mobs are hungry things and they continually devour almost anyone around them.

But Jesus didn’t succumb to the mob mentality. He didn’t even say a single word to those who taunted Him so mercilessly. Instead, as Peter recorded for us,

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:21-23) 

The unexpected way that Jesus responded got people’s attention. A professional soldier, a centurion, after watching how Jesus conducted Himself as He died, had to admit He was the Son of God. 

A condemned thief that hung on a cross next to Jesus, who just moments before had been joining in the taunting of Jesus, used his nearly last breath to ask Jesus for forgiveness and for entrance into heaven.

Even Governor Pontius Pilate was so moved by the silence of Jesus, that he marveled!

It’s so tempting to join with the loud voices around us. It’s even more tempting to shout back at those who are insulting us. But let us remember the example of Jesus, and perhaps offer a prayer like this: 

“Holy Spirit, help me to not succumb to the loud voices, nor to lash out against people who torment me. But, like Jesus, may I entrust myself “to Him who judges justly.” May my quiet lifestyle be a testimony that gets the attention of others. In the name of Jesus I pray this. Amen!” 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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