Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, often references a vivid phrase from political history: “Riding the tiger.” The idea is simple but sobering—when a leader gains power through control or fear, they may appear strong, but they’re actually in danger. They’re riding a wild beast that cannot be tamed. And once on, they can’t easily get off. The only way down is usually through death, disgrace, or destruction.
It’s an image often used to describe dictators, but it also serves as a powerful warning to Christian leaders.
Some pastors and ministry leaders, whether knowingly or not, begin to lead like they’re riding the tiger. They grip control tightly, build systems that depend on them, and silence or sideline others who could share the load. Instead of empowering leaders, they stifle them. Instead of helping people grow, they hurt them through fear, pride, or insecurity. Eventually, the very power they depend on turns on them—or worse, on the people they lead.
This isn’t just a leadership flaw—it’s a spiritual danger.
Jesus Didn’t Ride the Tiger
Jesus modeled something radically different. He said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matt. 20:28). He washed feet. He raised others up. He handed off responsibility. Jesus led by laying down His life, not by clinging to control. He didn’t hoard power—He multiplied it through others.
If you’re leading in any capacity—pastor, elder, community group leader, disciple-maker—this is a gracious warning and a hopeful reminder: Don’t ride the tiger. Raise up others instead.
Here are three biblical principles that can help Christian leaders lead in a healthy, Christlike way:
1. Shepherd the Flock, Rather Than Control It
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
—1 Peter 5:2–3
The church is not your platform. It’s not your empire. It’s God’s flock. Leaders are called to care, guide, protect, and nurture—not dominate. A shepherd feeds and leads. He doesn’t force or fear. The call is to serve with open hands and a humble heart.
2. Equip the Saints, Don’t Compete with Them
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
—Ephesians 4:11–12
If ministry always centers around you, something’s off. Healthy leadership multiplies ministry. Your job isn’t to do all the work—it’s to train others to do the work. You may be the most gifted person in the room. Praise God for the way He gifted you. Now teach someone else what you know. Don’t ride the tiger of insecurity or ego. Equip the next generation.
3. Love, Don’t Lord Over
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant…”
—Matthew 20:25–26
Jesus gave a crystal-clear warning: Don’t lead like the world. Worldly leadership is about power. Kingdom leadership is about service. You may get more applause as a domineering leader, but you won’t get more rewards. God honors leaders who love deeply and lead humbly.
The Contrast: Riding the Tiger vs. Walking Like Jesus
| Riding the Tiger | Walking Like Jesus |
|---|---|
| Leads by fear and control | Leads by love and service |
| Fears being replaced | Rejoices in multiplying others |
| Holds tight to power | Willingly lays it down |
| Sees others as threats | Sees others as partners |
| Ends in collapse | Ends in legacy |
Final Word
The truth is, when leaders ride the tiger, everyone gets mauled—leaders, followers, churches, families. But when leaders walk like Jesus, people flourish. Leaders grow. Churches thrive. The Gospel spreads.
So let me ask: Are you riding the tiger? If so, dismount while you still can—not by force, but through repentance, humility, and surrender. Lay down your need for control, and pick up the towel of a servant.
Jesus never called you to tame a beast. He called you to make disciples.
Lead like that.
Toby DeHay 