Disclaimer: I write this not as someone politically inclined but as a conservative at heart and a non-citizen, missionary from India to America. Trump is human and far from perfect, like everyone else, but his recent journey to becoming the 47th President of the United States offers key lessons worth learning.
1. The Power of Resilience in the Face of Opposition
President Trump’s journey is a testament to resilience. From enduring public criticism and court cases to pressing forward despite personal and political attacks and two assisination attempts, his perseverance remains striking. Even at 78, his commitment to his mission exemplifies a steadfast spirit.
Donald Trump’s remarkable resilience has been shaped, in part, by the teachings of Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, the influential pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. Peale, best known for his book "The Power of Positive Thinking," preached the transformative power of optimism and faith in overcoming life’s challenges. Trump often credits Peale’s teachings for instilling in him a mindset of confidence and perseverance.
For Christian leaders, resilience is vital. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:
“We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Jesus Himself, the ultimate example of resilience, endured immense opposition yet remained faithful to His mission. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Resilience is a cornerstone for any leader dedicated to advancing the Kingdom of God in the face of adversity.
2. Hard Work: A Non-Negotiable for Success
Trump’s relentless work ethic—evident in over 900 campaign rallies at an age when many retire—highlights the value of diligence. His commitment serves as a reminder that success demands relentless effort. If Trump were a senior pastor, most leaders nearing retirement in ministry would likely qualify as youth pastors by comparison. His relentless energy, adaptability, and unwavering work ethic set a standard so high that it challenges us all to rethink what it means to lead with passion and perseverance, regardless of age or stage in life.
As Paul admonishes in Colossians 3:23:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
For Christian leaders, the mission of the gospel requires a wholehearted commitment. If such effort is applied to a temporal political cause, how much more should we labor for the eternal mission of making disciples?
3. Prioritizing Family Amidst the Mission
Despite his demanding schedule, Trump maintains close ties with his family. Stories of his interactions with his children and grandchildren underscore the importance of nurturing relationships alongside professional pursuits.
This principle echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 16:26:
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Our primary ministry is to our family! Leaders often face the temptation to neglect family for the sake of ministry or career. Yet, our first calling is to minister to those closest to us. Prioritizing family not only reflects God’s heart but also ensures a solid foundation for long-term impact.
4. Apostolic Leadership: Creating Space for Others
The apostolic is about creating room for everyone to play! One of the defining features of Trump’s leadership is his ability to bring together diverse voices—whether by engaging thought leaders like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy or building coalitions with figures like RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, who initially came from different political parties.
Someone once asked me, "Do you want to reach India, or do you want India reached?" That question shifted my perspective entirely—it’s not just about what I can do, but about empowering others, creating movements, and building something that lasts beyond my own efforts. It’s a challenge to think bigger, work collaboratively, and focus on transformation that outlives and outscales personal ambition.
This approach mirrors the apostolic model described in Ephesians 4:11-13:
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Apostolic leadership is about empowering others, fostering unity amidst diversity, and leveraging individual strengths for a greater purpose. For Christian leaders, this means creating space for collaboration, recognizing the value of every gift in advancing the gospel.
5. Transgenerational Influence: Bridging the Gap
“The art of conversation lies in listening.” — Malcolm Forbes
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” — Steve Jobs
Trump’s willingness to adapt and listen—engaging with younger audiences through platforms like podcasts—demonstrates the importance of staying relevant. In a rapidly changing world, leaders must connect with new generations without compromising timeless values.
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
For Christian leaders, this involves listening, learning, and innovating to communicate the gospel effectively. Jesus modeled this by using parables that resonated with the cultural context of His audience. Likewise, we must engage with younger generations in ways that speak their language and meet their needs.
Conclusion: Leadership Lessons for Gospel Mission
This reflection is not a political endorsement but an exploration of leadership principles that transcend partisanship. As young Christian leaders, we can draw inspiration from President Trump’s journey while anchoring our mission in biblical truth:
- Resilience calls us to press on despite opposition.
- Hard work reminds us to give our best to God’s calling.
- Family priorities keep us grounded and aligned with God’s heart.
- Apostolic leadership encourages us to empower others.
- Transgenerational influence challenges us to innovate for the next generation.
Ultimately, our leadership must reflect the heart of the Great Commission: to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). Let these principles inspire us to lead with endurance, diligence, and vision, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the ultimate example of mission-driven leadership.
Inspiration to Lead Well
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek
Let us run the race set before us with perseverance, embracing the lessons of resilience and faithfulness to fulfill our calling.