To be a leader, you must be willing to lead and have a vision, a thought, or an idea that can influence and move others. In addition, leaders take their position upfront, take responsibility for decisions, and communicate in ways that inspire movement. And it is clear that Christian leadership looks different than secular leadership in many ways.
Some fundamental Biblical principles exist for Christian leaders if they want their leadership to be truly Biblical. This is how leaders vary significantly, depending on whether or not the leader is leading from a Christian perspective. Let’s consider three aspects of leadership that are important for those who want to lead from a Biblical perspective.
First, Christian leadership must grow out of one’s relationship with God. If we lead according to our desires, ideas, and will, we do not genuinely operate as Christian leaders. Christian leadership is spiritual, as the leader responds to the leading and prompting of God. The scripture tells us that there is a way that seems right to people, but it will wind up being a disaster. We must ensure that we are not simply pushing forward our good ideas but rather leading in response to God’s leading of us. As such, the true Christian leader is first a follower of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit. Christian leadership originates in God and is an outgrowth of our relationship with Him. As such, we must continually practice those spiritual disciplines that enable us to have an intimate and growing relationship with God if we want to be Christian leaders, effective for the Kingdom.
Second, as Christian leaders, we must be the lead servant. Christian leadership is servant leadership because Christ came to serve, not to be served. Sometimes leaders think that specific tasks are beneath them or unworthy of their personal involvement. Leaders may also consider themselves perched at the top of the food chain and consider everyone else to be subordinate to them. This is not representative of Christian leadership. Christian leaders lead by example, lead through serving, lead by considering the value of others, and lead in the manner in which Christ led. A Christian leader does not view themself as a ruler but as the lead servant.
Finally, Christian leadership is concerned with making positive, transformational change. If one is leading out of their relationship with Christ and under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit, one will seek to bring about positive transformational change. Christian leadership is not simply to accomplish a worldly task or satisfy some selfish desire. Christian leadership is concerned with what Jesus said we should pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Christian leadership is about the Kingdom of God coming to transform situations and people’s lives through Godly servants of Christ, acting under the direction of the Holy Spirit. May more Christian leaders be raised up from the Body of Christ!
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.