In Mark 1:14–15 Jesus proclaimed the simple news of the Gospel. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Note that the kingdom was initiated from above. Paul affirmed this in Philippians 1:6 when he said that it is God who began a good work in us. In 1 Peter 2:9 we read that God called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. Hebrews 12:2 further supports this idea by calling God the author or pioneer of our faith. Serving leaders are initiators, catalysts for positive change in others’ lives. Jesus brought the kingdom near, where people could engage by repenting and changing. It was a two-step process: “Repent and believe.” Serving leaders invest in those who turn away from what is wrong to embrce what is right. They don’t look for perfect people, but for those who in simple faith commit to whatever it takes for transformation.

Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!

KEY QUESTIONS: Who are the people in my life who have been catalysts for positive change? How did they do it? Who needs me to call them toward transformation? How should I proceed?