10 Things the Resurrection Means for Christian Leaders

Even when it’s not Easter season, the glory of the resurrection is always present-tense and relevant. It’s more than just a hope in death; it’s the confidence and expectation that God gives us every day. As a leader, I often need to remind myself of these truths that arise out of the resurrection:

1. We have a message of hope to proclaim. Ours is, of course, a message of sin and judgment, but it’s even more so a message of offered grace and forgiveness. We can always offer hope because of the resurrection.
2. It gives us reason not to be caught in the things of this world. The resurrection is a reminder that our home is not here. We’re aliens and strangers in this land (1 Pet. 2:11), always looking for the city “whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10).
3. We can risk all that we have to serve God. Even if faithfulness to Christ costs us our life, that’s not the end of the story. We can die because we know we’ll live.
4. We can always look forward to new beginnings. Ministry can be tough and draining . . . painful and discouraging, in fact. On the other hand, the resurrection’s a reminder that God is a God of new beginnings—we need not give up.
5. We can know that apparent defeat is never final. It might seem like we’ve lost the battle. It might even seem that the enemy has conquered—but it surely seemed that way at the cross. An empty tomb proved differently three days later.
6. It gives us hope for dying churches. If Jesus stayed in the grave, we’d never be talking about church revitalization. Revitalization is possible because God brings life out of death.
7. We can trust that our dark nights of the soul are never final. I’ve previously written about why leaders deal with these “dark nights” (both older leaders and younger leaders). They’re real, but we don’t have to stay in the tomb of despair.
8. It means we can trust the Word we preach and teach. All of the Bible points to a Redeemer who will reign forever—not a dead rebel whose tomb is still occupied. He will keep His Word, and we can proclaim it with confidence.
9. We don’t have to live in despair over the world’s condition. I get frustrated and angry when I see the devil seemingly winning around me. I grieve when I suspect he gloats—but I know he won’t win in the end. The cross and the resurrection broke his back.
10. We can know that we’re never, never alone. The Holy Spirit indwells us, and the risen Lord “always lives to make intercession” for us (Heb. 7:25). That’s all we need to know as we step out to lead.

What would you add to this list?