Holy Spirit Empowered, Visionary Leadership 2025
Ken Russell
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, leaders of the “capital C” Church are being called to a higher standard—one that requires vision, courage, and unwavering reliance on the Holy Spirit. The world around us is changing rapidly, but the mission of Christ’s Church remains unshaken: to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). For leaders, this mission demands boldness, clarity of purpose, and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide, inspire, and sustain us.
As we rapidly approach the return of Christ, we must persevere and not surrender to the lure of complacency and comfort. In the heart of every visionary leader, the Apostle Paul’s declaration in Philippians 3:12-14 must resonate:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
This passage provides us with a framework for Holy Spirit-empowered leadership that centers on three critical principles: Humility, Focus, and Perseverance.
1. Humility: Acknowledging Our Need for God
Paul’s opening words, “Not that I have already obtained all this,” reflect a profound humility. Visionary leaders understand that they have not yet “arrived” and must rely daily on the guidance and empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit. Humility positions leaders to be teachable, open to correction, and willing to serve others with compassion and grace.
As Pentecostal leaders in 2025, we must reject self-sufficiency and self-determination. We must lean into the Holy Spirit’s power. It’s not our strategies, eloquence, or human strength that will bring transformation—it’s the Spirit of God working in us and through us. True Pentecostals recognize that our spiritual strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
2. Focus: Forgetting What is Behind
Paul’s declaration to “forget what is behind” is not a call to ignore past lessons but to release anything that hinders forward momentum. Many leaders become paralyzed by past failures or even past successes. However, visionary leadership requires a forward-focused mindset. That is why we have branded our district conference as “LeadForward”.
The Church’s purpose on earth is clear: to be a beacon of hope and a witness to the power of the Gospel. As we step into 2025, we must shed any distractions that hinder our ability to proclaim Christ’s message to a lost world. Visionary leaders look beyond old methods and programs that no longer bear fruit and ask the Holy Spirit for fresh insight, new strategies, and the courage to innovate.
To reach non-believers, we must be willing to engage with culture in relevant ways without compromising the Gospel’s truth. Loving and accepting people who sin does not require our affirmation of their sin. As people come to faith in Christ, they are transformed beings. Their old ways and former lives are replaced by a new creation and a new vision for the future. Please join me in closing the chapter of 2024 as we step into a new spiritual adventure for 2025.
3. Perseverance: Pressing Toward the Goal
Paul’s resolve to “press on” reveals a leadership attitude that refuses to quit. This perseverance is not driven by human willpower but by a deep conviction that Christ’s calling is worth every sacrifice. The imagery of straining forward like a runner toward the finish line reminds us that leadership requires sustained effort, patience, and endurance.
For leaders in 2025, perseverance means facing opposition with courage and continuing the work of the Gospel despite setbacks. Reaching non-believers will require us to step into uncomfortable spaces, face criticism, and endure hardship. Yet, it is the Spirit’s power that enables us to run the race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The Church’s purpose on earth is not to maintain the status quo but to be an agent of transformation. Every believer is called to shine the light of Christ in their sphere of influence. Visionary leaders recognize that every challenge is an opportunity for the Gospel to advance.
Holy Spirit-Empowered Vision for 2025
As we seek to be visionary leaders in 2025, we must recognize that we are not called to ordinary leadership. We are called to supernatural, Spirit-empowered leadership. This type of leadership is:
- Spirit-Driven: Seeking God’s wisdom daily through prayer and Scripture, not relying on human logic alone.
- Christ-Centered: Anchoring every decision, goal, and strategy to the mission of making disciples.
- Mission-Focused: Keeping the Great Commission at the heart of every initiative.
- Bold and Courageous: Willing to confront cultural opposition while holding firm to biblical truth.
Call to Action: Lead with Boldness and Vision
As you step into 2025, please take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction for your life and leadership. Ask these key questions:
- Am I leading with humility, knowing that I still have much to learn?
- What past victories or failures do I need to release so I can focus on the future?
- Where do I need perseverance to continue the mission of making disciples, even when it’s hard?
The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few (Luke 10:2). This has been my daily prayer, as reminded by my iPhone alarm at 10:02 a.m. every day. If God is calling you to be one of those laborers, please let me know. He’s calling you to lead with vision, to dream bigger than you ever have before, and to allow the Holy Spirit to empower you for the work ahead.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Step forward now. The world needs Spirit-empowered leaders who are unafraid to proclaim the Gospel, who will press on toward the goal, and who will lead with humility, focus, and perseverance.
Let 2025 be the year where the Church steps fully into its purpose as the light of the world. Be that leader. Press on, empowered by the Holy Spirit, toward the prize of fulfilling the call of Christ on your life.
