Coordinator's Message

Supernatural Leadership in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal: A New Year Reflection for CCR Leaders

Mr. Victor Joans

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year! As we begin this new year, I invite you to reflect on a topic that is vital for the future of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR): Supernatural Leadership.

What do we mean by “Supernatural Leadership”?

The word charismatic comes from the word ‘charism’—a supernatural grace given by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a charismatic leader is expected to go beyond human capability and operate through divine empowerment.

1. Leadership as a Gift of the Holy Spirit

Many people see leadership as a personality trait, skill, or natural talent. These are important, but Scripture teaches that leadership is ultimately a charism, a spiritual gift (a service charism).

“He who leads, let him lead with zeal.” — Romans 12:8

Christian leadership does not originate in human intelligence or experience. Its source is in God, and its fruitfulness depends on the Holy Spirit. A leader can have excellent skills; yet, without grace, he cannot shepherd the people of God effectively. Supernatural leadership becomes possible when we surrender our abilities and allow the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and inspire us.

2. Are All Called to Leadership?

In a natural sense, every human being exercises influence—at home, in school, in workplaces, and in social life. Leadership is influence, and we influence people every day. But in the spiritual dimension, God specifically calls some people to lead His people, just as He chose:

  • Moses to guide Israel
  • Deborah to judge and deliver
  • David to shepherd the kingdom
  • Peter and Paul to build the Church

These biblical leaders did not rely on personal talent alone. They were formed, purified, and guided by God. Similarly, the CCR requires leaders who understand that their call is divine, not merely organizational.

3. Natural vs. Supernatural Leadership

Many people lead from their own strength, emotions, and ambitions. But a charismatic leader must lead by the power of the Holy Spirit—exercising not only charisms but also the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Below is a clear contrast:

Natural / Human-Centered Leadership

Supernatural / Christ-Centered Leadership

Pride

Humility

Power-focused leadership

Servant leadership

Holding grudges

Forgiving heart

Self-centered

Others-centered

Attached to position

Detached and willing to let go

Trusting own ability

Trusting God completely

Disobedience to authority

Obedience to Leaders

Playing politics

Seeking God’s will, dying to self

Leading from hurts

Leading with inner freedom

Not a team player- One man Show

Collaborative and encouraging

Hiding mistakes

Admitting mistakes with humility

Emotional decision-making

Discerned decisions

Criticizing others

Loving and affirming others

Poor emotional control

Spirit-filled emotional maturity

Neglecting charisms

Exercising charisms responsibly

Holding on to positions

Forming next-line leaders

This comparison shows that supernatural leadership is not about power or performance, but about character and Christ-likeness.

4. Why CCR in India Needs Supernatural Leaders Today 

The core nature of the CCR is to renew the whole Church by helping the faithful in the parishes to experience the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (BHS) and grow spiritually through weekly prayer meetings.

Currently, we observe a challenge:

  • Parish-based prayer groups are declining in many places.
  • Recent trends like the rise of full-timers, individual ministries, and retreat centers are bringing lay faithful from the parish for formation, but often, they are not returning to serve and build up the parish structures.

It is the need of the hour to go back to the roots of the CCR and focus on renewing the parish through parish-based prayer groups-the key to renewal for the whole Church.

God is raising leaders in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to focus on this mission. Parish prayer groups, diocesan ministries, regional leadership teams, and national ministries all need leaders who:

  • Listen to the Holy Spirit
  • Build unity instead of division
  • Serve without personal agenda
  • Intercede deeply for the Church and nation
  • Live holy lives that witness Christ
  • Evangelize with boldness and compassion

The Renewal does not need leaders who depend on title, position, or influence. It needs leaders like:

  • Mother Mary—humble, obedient, and full of grace;
  • St. Peter—courageous and surrendered;
  • St. Paul—bold, missionary, and Spirit-filled.

Revival begins when leaders become supernatural. Supernatural leadership is God's plan for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It is not a special option for a few but a calling for all who lead God’s people. 

As we begin this new year, let us pray: “Lord, make me a supernatural leader. Fill me with Your Spirit, purify my heart, and use me to build Your Kingdom.”