Great Christian Leaders

How would you describe a successful Christian leader? Take a look a the list below and choose the ones you think are indicative of a successful Minister.

Number of people he/she won to Christ
Number of people in his/her following/church
Size of his/her ban account
Popularity of hits on Google
Number of persons trained to minister
Knowledge of the scripture
Speaking ability
Recognition by secular media

Read these and rank them according to their Spiritual Success before you read the enclosed story.


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The most powerful preacher in the 1800’s had a voice strong enough for 20,000 people to hear without amplification. He was heard by almost one third of the total population of the United States during the time of the Founding Fathers. Yet, few now know his name and his current influence is negligible. One of the great preacher’s contemporaries was a man whose legacy is well known worldwide. His preaching was good but not great and he felt like a failure after hearing the great preacher speak. What was the difference?

The man who changed Christianity did more than preach. He also built systems or wine skins that included personal skills, mutual confession, accountable and supportive. They had relationships that were Transformational. The groups were not dependent upon one gifted “personality” but a team of lay leaders. The classes, groups and structure influenced every dimension of a person’s being; mind, will, emotions, relationships and spirit. They built resiliency, maturity and healthy lifestyles.

George Whitfield’s powerful voice and gifts as a speaker may have been a curse rather than a blessing. He spoke persuasively and God blessed the masses for a moment. Unfortunately, it did little to transform the churches or the nation. His legacy is negligible. Had we been alive during his time we would have probably voted him the best preacher in the English-speaking world. We do love big stars.

John Wesley, on the other hand, was convinced that he had to train and equip believers to do the work of the ministry. He wrote training manuals and he established practical training groups he called “classes”. He was a fervent preacher who spoke with fire but also designed fireplaces into which the embers were placed for ongoing usefulness. He developed workable “methods” that made a difference in people’s lives. Wesley built individuals and groups that met and practiced spiritual disciplines each week. He demanded and received practical, skill based relationships. His methods changed England and continue to change to the world. His new name: Methodist.

Whitfield has been forgotten but Wesley is famous as the founding genius of Methodists, Salvation Army, The Nazarene Church, small groups, lay education, Alcoholics Anonymous, outreach to the poor, etc. His legacy is enormous and will continue for many years. Whitfield is gone and almost forgotten for he did not write, train or build systems. Mr Wesley continues to move the world through the systems he introduced.

A transformational system must include ongoing relationships and the development of habitual healthy patterns, rituals, activities, interactions books and training materials. Go to the Sweeten Life VIP Family Care web for materials.