By Kingdom Vanguard CEO Daniel G. Loverde
As we approach 2025, church leaders find themselves standing at a pivotal moment. The world’s challenges and distractions have led many to prioritize strategies, programs, and metrics over the essence of our faith—Christ Himself. Yet, the heartbeat of the Kingdom of God is not found in the mechanisms of human effort but in the simplicity and power of beholding Jesus.
This is a call to a renewed way of leading—a call for metanoia, a radical change of mind and heart. In this new year, leaders must shift their gaze from worldly distractions to the King of Kings. Only then can the Church fulfill its divine purpose and advance His Kingdom with power and clarity.
Understanding the Kingdom of God: Where Leadership Begins
To begin, we must clarify the foundation. The Kingdom of God is not an abstract idea or a distant hope. It is the tangible reality of God’s reign and rule, extending from heaven to earth through redeemed humanity in Christ. Jesus Himself declared this Kingdom as central to His mission, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matt. 4:17).
In this Kingdom, leadership is not about control or personal gain. It is about alignment with heaven’s authority and heart. True leaders reflect Christ’s nature—serving, loving, and empowering others to walk in their God-given purpose. This Kingdom-first leadership begins with one central action: beholding Christ.
The Call to Metanoia: Changing the Way We Lead
Transitioning from worldly leadership models to Kingdom leadership requires metanoia, a complete transformation of the mind. For too long, many church leaders have measured success by attendance numbers, social influence, or financial growth. These metrics may indicate activity but do not guarantee Kingdom fruitfulness.
Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:2 provides clear guidance: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” A renewed mind sees beyond temporary success to eternal impact. It prioritizes Christ’s presence over performance and His truth over cultural trends.
As leaders, we must ask: What have we been beholding? Have our eyes drifted toward ambition, fear, or tradition? Now is the time to turn fully to Jesus, the only source of true transformation and direction.
Beholding Christ: The Center of All Leadership
This shift to beholding Christ is not theoretical—it is deeply practical. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Transformation begins when we fix our eyes on Jesus.
When leaders intentionally prioritize beholding Christ, their leadership flows from a place of intimacy and clarity. This means spending time in His presence through prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It also means aligning every decision, program, and initiative with His heart and purposes.
To create this alignment, leaders must ask themselves: Does this reflect Christ’s nature? Does this draw people closer to Him? The answers to these questions will shape not just what we do but how we do it, ensuring that our leadership reflects the values of the Kingdom.
The Transformative Power of Beholding
The act of beholding Christ carries transformative power—not only for the leader but for the entire church. When leaders embrace this focus, several key shifts occur:
1. Revitalization of Vision
By keeping their eyes on Jesus, leaders gain fresh revelation for their ministries. No longer recycling outdated ideas, they are inspired by the Spirit to pursue initiatives rooted in God’s eternal purposes. This revitalized vision brings life, clarity, and direction.
2. Recalibration of Priorities
Beholding Christ exposes what truly matters. Programs and traditions that no longer serve the Kingdom are set aside, making room for the fresh work of the Spirit. This recalibration ensures that every resource and effort is directed toward what is eternally significant.
3. Restoration of Authority
Churches led by those who behold Christ operate in spiritual authority. Signs, wonders, and miracles become the norm, not the exception, as God confirms His Word through His people (Mark 16:20). This authority stems not from human effort but from the overflow of intimacy with Jesus.
4. Unity in the Body
Focusing on Christ brings unity. As leaders behold Him, their hearts align with His, and divisions rooted in ego or ambition dissolve. This unity fulfills Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21: “That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.”
Each of these shifts demonstrates that beholding Christ is not just a spiritual exercise; it is the catalyst for genuine transformation in the Church.
Encouragement for Leaders: Christ is Still on the Throne
It’s easy for leaders to feel the weight of their calling, especially in times of uncertainty. Yet the beauty of the Kingdom is that the burden is not ours to carry. Christ is still on the throne. He invites us not to strive but to abide in Him. As Jesus assures us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Beholding Christ is not about perfection but devotion. It is a journey of daily surrender, trusting that as we draw near to Him, He will equip us with everything we need for the work ahead. Leaders, take courage: the King is faithful.
A Vision for 2025: A Church Captivated by Christ
Imagine a Church where every leader is captivated by Jesus. Communities marked by supernatural love, humility, and the manifest presence of God. A generation of believers so transformed by Christ that their lives radiate His glory to the world.
This is the vision of Kingdom Vanguard for 2025—a Church that beholds Christ alone, walking in His authority, advancing His Kingdom, and preparing the way for His return.
The time for metanoia is now. Leaders, let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us lead from a place of transformation, reflecting His image and advancing His Kingdom with boldness and clarity.
A Prayer for Leaders
Lord Jesus,
We lift our eyes to You, the Alpha and Omega, the author and perfecter of our faith.
We humbly seek Your forgiveness for allowing lesser distractions to divert our focus from Your divine purpose and for embracing identities that do not reflect our true selves in You.
Renew our minds and align our hearts with Yours, reminding us that we are created in Your image, called to reflect Your glory.
Equip us with divine wisdom, unwavering humility, and steadfast courage, so that in 2025, Your Kingdom may advance powerfully through a Church wholly captivated by You.
May Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
References
Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.
N. T. Wright, How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. New York: HarperOne, 2012.
Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002.
Bill Johnson, Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven’s Agenda. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, 2012.