How To Teach Teenagers About True Leadership

Most teenagers have a skewed idea of what leadership really is. Some think it’s about being in control. Others believe you need a loud voice, a magnetic personality, or a list of impressive titles to qualify. Many see leadership as something reserved for a few select people—the student council presidents, team captains, or the most outgoing in the room. But Jesus painted a very different picture. He redefined leadership—not as a pursuit of power, but as a posture of service. And when students understand leadership through that lens, everything changes. Here’s how to teach your teenagers about true leadership in Christ.

1. Leadership Is Influence—Not a Title

When students hear the word “leader,” they often picture someone with a title. But influence doesn’t require a microphone or a platform. It happens in conversations, in daily decisions, and in the quiet consistency of how someone lives their life. Every student, no matter their background or personality, has influence. They lead by how they treat others, how they respond to pressure, and how they model what it means to follow Jesus.

Redefine leadership as influence. Help students understand that they’re leading even when they don’t realize it. Use biblical examples of unexpected leaders—like David, the youngest in his family; Moses, who doubted his ability; or Peter, who failed often but led with boldness. Challenge them to notice who’s watching. Their classmates, siblings, teammates, and friends are already being impacted by the way they live.

You don’t need a title to lead—you need character, awareness, and the courage to use your influence well.

2. Real Leaders Serve

In Matthew 20:26, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be first must be your servant.” That one verse turns the world’s version of leadership upside down. True leadership doesn’t chase status. It seeks opportunities to lift others up. Jesus didn’t dominate people with power—He led with humility. He washed feet. He welcomed outsiders. Jesus gave His life. That’s the model we’re meant to follow.

So if you want to teach teenagers about true leadership, look at Jesus as the ultimate servant-leader. Use John 13 as a framework to show how He led through love, sacrifice, and service. Give students opportunities to serve—both in and outside your ministry. Empower them to take ownership through action. Shift the focus from spotlight to support. Ask: “How are you using your influence to help someone else?”

Real leaders don’t wait to be served—they show up to serve others first.

3. Leadership Is Rooted in Character—Not Popularity

In today’s culture, leadership is often measured by how many people follow you—on social media, in friend groups, or even in ministry circles. But popularity is a shallow measure of leadership. It can vanish overnight. Character, on the other hand, is what sustains real influence. Faithfulness, humility, courage—these are the qualities God looks for in a leader. And they don’t require applause. They require obedience.

So since you’re looking to teach teenagers about true leadership, help students evaluate what kind of leader they are. Are they leading toward Jesus or just leading for attention? Highlight examples of character-driven leadership—in Scripture, history, or your own life. Remind students that leadership starts with integrity in the unseen moments—how they treat people when no one’s watching.

Great leaders aren’t always the most visible. They’re the ones who lead with character, no matter the crowd.

Leading Like Jesus Starts With Following Him

Jesus didn’t call His followers to chase influence—He called them to follow Him. That’s where true leadership begins. Leadership is influence—and every student has some. Real leaders serve rather than seek status. Lasting leadership is built on the foundation of godly character. When students start seeing leadership through the gospel, they stop striving to be impressive. Instead, they become the kind of leaders the world actually needs.

Related Posts:

How to Teach Teenagers About Serving Others & Generosity
How to Teach Teenagers About The Power of Small, Daily Faithfulness
Check out With – A sermon series on leadership, influence, and serving others.