Christian Leadership

Christian Leadership is the act of influencing and serving others, so they can accomplish the plans, dreams and destiny God has written in their book in heaven.

But with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Psalm 139:16

Christian Leadership is not rooted in worldly notions of success, such as the love of money or power and lording it over others.

“Great men lead people,” Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ said.

“But greater men train leaders.”

As leaders we are called not only to raise up followers, but also to equip leaders.

What is the difference between a Leader and Christian Leadership?

A leader is someone who places their personal agenda and organizational agenda before others, they tell people what to do, they see people as a means to gain glory, wealth and fame for the organization and themselves.

On the other hand, Christian Leadership, is the kind that honours God, it is not about the accumulation of power, it is about empowering others to fulfill their destiny.

Leadership is a continuous process centred on a behavioral style of “how can I help you to learn, grow and fulfill all that God has planned for your life?”

This style of leadership is aptly called Servant Leadership.

What is Servant Leadership?

As a servant leader, you’re a “servant first” – you focus on the needs of others before you consider your own.

You acknowledge other people’s perspectives, you wisely and gently give them the support they need to discover their God-given destiny and redefine character issues.

You involve them in decisions where appropriate, you allow the Holy Spirit to direct them into Godly conclusions.

You are willing to listen and learn from others, and you build a sense of community within the group of people you are leading.

This leads to higher engagement, more trust, and stronger relationships and inspires people to strive for all that God has to offer them in a transformed lifestyle.

It can also lead to replicating servant leaders who mimic what you are modelling.

When people know you care about them, they will trust you because they know you have their best interest at heart.

When people feel valued, they value what they do and your investment in them is returned when they become invested in the quality of work they do.

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. – Matthew 20:25

But among you it will be different, whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, – Matthew 20:26

And whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. – Matthew 20:27

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many. – Matthew 20:28

What are the characteristics of a good leader?

God is the perfect example of a great leader, and we can learn great lessons of Christian leadership from His words and teaching.

Leaders hold the ability to influence entire nations, transform organizations, and impact both current and upcoming generations.

Without Godly leadership, humanity falls into moral decay, corruption, and ruled by Satanic forces.

18 Biblical Qualities of a Great Leader

The following are the qualities you should aspire for to become a great servant leader.

They are also an ideal way to measure current and future leaders in determining if they possess the biblical qualities of a great servant leader.

1. They are humble servants

But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant”. – Luke 22:26 (NLT)

2. They detest wrongdoing

A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice. – Proverbs 16:12

3. They are honest and values integrity

Send out Your light and Your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You live. – Psalm 43:3

4. They lead in a manner that people will be glad to follow

Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. – Psalm 119:35

5. They desire to protect the people they are leading

Even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me. – Psalm 139:10

6. They are merciful and compassionate.

They will neither hunger nor thirst.

The searing sun will not reach them anymore.

For the LORD in His mercy will lead them; He will lead them beside cool waters. – Isaiah 49:10

7. They do not encourage people to commit evil.

And don’t let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] – Matthew 6:13

8. They are knowledgeable and mindful.

So ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch. – Matthew 15:14

9. They desire to create a peaceful and godly environment

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. – 1 Timothy 2:2

10. Their words are respectful toward others

Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. – 2 Timothy 2:16

11. They are diligent and hardworking

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

If it is giving, give generously.

If God has given you Christian leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. – Romans 12:8

12. They have good advisers around them

Without wise Christian leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. – Proverbs 11:14

13. They are faithful leaders whose work is based on love

Then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king.

He will rule with mercy and truth.

He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right. – Isaiah 16:5

14. They have the will to serve; they’re not greedy for money

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you.

Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly — not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. – 1 Peter 5:2

15. They lead by example

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you.

Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly — not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. – 1 Peter 5:2-3

16. They demonstrate Godly skills and integrity

He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands. – Psalm 78:72

17. They are prudent, teachable and seek counsel of others

Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? – Luke 14:31

18. They are a good role models and lead by example

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.”

So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach.

He must be faithful to his wife.

He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.

He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.

He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent.

He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.

He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.

For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? – 1 Timothy 3:1-5

Training Tomorrows Leaders

As we look around the world today, we find great leaders are rare.

It’s difficult or even near impossible to find a human leader who has all the qualities just mentioned.

With love as the foundation of Christian leadership, anyone could be a great leader people deserve, not to mention that leader could be you.