Christian Leadership

Christian LeadershipWhat is Christian Leadership? It 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.

Psalm 139:16 — 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.(CEV).

Christian leadership is not rooted in worldly notions of success, such as the love of money or power and lording it over others. Jesus Himself spoke against this when expressing the importance of serving others. (Matt. 20:25-28).

“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. How we define Christian leadership is the crucial starting point. –Ed Stetzer.

What is the difference between a Leader and 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.

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?”

Christian leadership, the kind that honours God is not about the accumulation of power, It’s about empowering others to fulfill their destiny.

This style of leadership is aptly called Servant Leadership.

What is Servant Leadership?

Servant LeadershipAs 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.

Mat 20:25 — 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.

Mat 20:26 — But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,

Mat 20:27 — and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

Mat 20:28 — 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.

What are the characteristics of a good leader?

The Bible is the best source of practical knowledge that we can apply in our everyday lives. The wisdom it gives can help us discern things and make any decision right.

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

Leaders have the power to shape nations, change organizations and shape current and future generations.

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

18 Biblical qualities of a great leader.

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

Plus, they are 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 Value 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.] Mat 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. 1Timothy 2:2

10. Their words are respectful toward others.
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior 2Timothy 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 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 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. 1Peter 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. 1Peter 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? 1Timothy 3:1-5

Training tomorrows leaders

Training tomorrows leadersAs 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 leadership, anyone could be a great leader people deserve, not to mention that leader could be you.

©Growing Deep and Strong

One of our mandates for writing ©Growing Deep and Strong was to create an environment that creates Godly leaders that change a nation.

Our desire is to be a catalyst and facilitator in developing people to become leaders and disciplers of others.

If this is your desire also,

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