Christian Leadership

Christian leadership is a mission.  God chooses certain people to assume the role of leading the flock. St. Paul had this to say about the basis of this calling: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Tim. 3:16.

Christian leadership is Bible-based.  The ultimate model of Christian leadership is Jesus. 
A Christian leader should put the goal of service above all others towards his/her subordinates.  For fellow Christian leaders, one should show respect towards his/her colleagues and treat them as equals. 

An essential element in Christian leadership is integrity.  A lecturer in Westpoint leadership training said that if they can find a man of complete integrity, they can turn him into a leader regardless of temperament or natural qualifications.  Men with natural leadership will ultimately fail if his character does not embody absolute integrity. Integrity demands that other’s loyalty be won through sacrifices the way Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice of life for His flock.

The same way this is what God demands from His chosen leaders.  The Bible has this to say about integrity:   Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace. 13 For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand.          2Cor. 1:12. 

Key Attributes to Christian Leadership

There are three key attributes in Christian leadership. These are suffering, parity and service. 

Suffering is a huge part of leadership because the role requires enormous sacrifices on the part of the leader. Sometimes, he needs to carry the burden alone.

Parity or equality among ministers or Christian leaders is an important part of Christian leadership. It means each leader is equal in authority in the body of the Church of Christ. Their relationship to each other is like the knights of round table.  Hierarchies, especially authoritarian hierarchies, are unacceptable in God’s Church.  These are based on worldly views therefore do not merit Jesus’ approval.

Service is another essential element because leaders are seen as servant rather than rulers.  Status and honor are not the end Christian leaders’ desire.  Jesus is not against ambition per se because ambition can be positive if sought for God’s greater glory.  It is seeking glory for oneself that God dislikes.