The Vine – Fruitfulness Over Performance
Seasonal Context and Series Introduction
By mid-November, the initial momentum of a new academic year can begin to ebb, replaced by the daily rhythm of meetings, deadlines, and decisions. Many leaders may find themselves asking a quieter, deeper question: Am I still growing in what I do, or just keeping things going?
This reflection forms the second part of our Turning Points series — moments in Scripture that speak to the pauses, pressures, and possibilities that define leadership. If the first reflection, The Colt, invited us to walk humbly, then this one asks us to look honestly: to consider what kind of fruit our leadership is really producing.
The Turning Point: The Barren Fig Tree
“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it.”
Mark 11:12–14
Later, they pass the same tree again:
“Peter remembered and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!’”
Mark 11:21
It is one of the most striking scenes in Mark’s Gospel. The tree, full of leaves but empty of fruit, becomes a living parable about authenticity and faith.
Leadership Lesson 1: When Appearance Isn’t Enough
Schools and trusts can easily look flourishing from the outside - busy, structured, efficient - yet lack the inner vitality that makes growth sustainable. The fig tree warns against mistaking activity for fruitfulness.
True leadership fruit grows slowly and quietly: in culture, character, and community. It looks like trust restored after conflict, a tired teacher encouraged to persevere, or a child given confidence to believe again.
“By their fruit you will recognise them.”
Matthew 7:16
Real fruitfulness can’t be faked, and it can’t be rushed. It comes from roots sunk deep in faith and integrity.
Leadership Lesson 2: Faith That Renews
Immediately after the disciples see the withered fig tree, Jesus teaches them about faith and prayer:
“Have faith in God… Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
Mark 11:22–23
The contrast is deliberate. Where the tree withers for lack of faith, the mountain moves through faith. Leadership that endures must grow from the unseen work of trust, prayer, and forgiveness. When energy feels low and outcomes are uncertain, Jesus reminds us that faith, not force brings renewal.
Reflection Questions for Leaders
- Where might my leadership show healthy leaves but hidden barrenness?
- What practices keep my inner life rooted and nourished when outward success feels pressured?
- Who or what might God be asking me to forgive so that faith can flourish again?
As winter approaches, remember that pruning precedes fruitfulness. The bare branches of this season may simply be making space for new growth.
A Prayer for Leaders
Lord Jesus, teach me to value fruit that lasts over success that fades.
When my work feels barren, help me to trust that You are still at work beneath the surface.
May my leadership bear fruit in patience, kindness, and faithfulness, bringing life to those I serve.
Amen.
Turning Points in Leadership Recruitment
Every community reaches moments where it must pause and ask: What kind of growth do we want next? In Church Schools, MATs and Dioceses, that question often surfaces when appointing a new leader. The right appointment can renew faith, purpose, and direction for years to come.
At Emmaus Leadership, we walk with Christian education communities through those turning points - helping to discern, attract, and appoint leaders whose fruitfulness comes from depth of faith as well as professional excellence.
Our approach begins with listening: understanding your story, values, and vision. From there, we design targeted campaigns that reach both active and passive candidates, providing a strong and diverse field so Governors and Trustees can shortlist with confidence.
If your school, trust or diocese is preparing to appoint a senior leader, we would be honoured to support you through that process — ensuring that this next season of leadership bears lasting fruit.
Discover how Emmaus Leadership can help you find a leader who will nurture growth in every season: www.emmausleadership.me