Most people think of Christian leaders as a pastor, priest or teacher. However, a Christian leader is anyone who claims to follow Jesus and lead or guide others. There are leaders in politics or in corporations who claim to be Christian. A Christian leader could be in the military, in the police, in a school system, or could be managers, owners, employers, parents—anyone in a leadership position who claims to be following Jesus. Jesus has a call to all leaders as to how they should act with their authority.
The way of the world is that those who have authority do it ultimately for their own benefit. The way of Christian leadership, according to Jesus, is the way of the cross—facing struggles and trials for the sake of others.
Christian leadership models complete devotion to God.
Do not lord it over those allotted to your charge, but prove to be examples to the flock. I Peter 5:3
The Christian leader, no matter what context they are in—secular, governmental or religious—at all times displays their total dedication to God and his ways. The Christian leader does not look to the philosophies of the world to tell one how to be a leader, but looks to Jesus as his role model. In opposition to this way, many leadership models, the leader commands and gains respect through forcing others to do his will. The Christian leader provides an example of what we are to do in God and welcomes others to follow his example. The Christian leader forces no one, but grants an opportunity to be like Jesus.
Christian leadership is serving others
“Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Mark 10:43
To “minister” literally means to follow Jesus’ command to “serve” or be a slave to others (Mark 10:43-44). For this reason, some of the most important leaders in the early church were called “servants”—not because it was a good title, but because serving is what they did. Jesus called leaders of his church, not to be power-hungry, nor to be cared for by those they lead, nor to make sure that their base of leadership was secure. Jesus called leaders to be like him—to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their people (Mark 10:45; John 13:).
Christian leadership is acting for everyone’s benefit, without exclusion.
“Do good to everyone.” Galatians 6:10
A Christian leader doesn’t exclude someone because they are irritating, or “outside our circle.” A Christian leader doesn’t even withhold love because someone caused the leader harm. No matter what a person has done or who they are, the Christian leader seeks to do what is best for everyone, in as much as they can.
Christian leadership never causes destruction to another, no matter what the circumstances.
Do not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
A Christian leader never acts with the intent to simply “punish” another. No matter how evilly someone acts, the Christian leader always responds with the intent of acting for the other’s benefit, not to destroy them. This means that the leader who follows Jesus would never cause another to be wounded, killed or beat up because they or their ministry was harmed. Other types of harm would also be avoided, such as causing someone to lose their housing or food. The way of the cross is to change others by continuing to sacrifice for them, not to cause continuing harm to them. Even if someone is gently punished, it is not for the sake of punishment itself, but so that a person might be restored to life in Jesus (Galatians 6:1; II Cor. 7:8-10).
Christian leadership convinces others to be wholly devoted to God through Jesus.
Make disciples of all people. Matthew 28:19
The goal of Christian leadership, no matter what context they are in, is to provide an opportunity for others to be devoted to God through Jesus. Sometimes the leader will speak of Jesus, while sometimes the leader shows through their Jesus-like action what life is true. But no matter what, leading others to be disciples of Jesus is the hope of all Christian leaders.
Christian leadership is sacrificial.
No one shall obtain the kingdom of God except through tribulation. Acts 14:21
Most people, when they seek leadership, want to reach it by the easiest route possible, making as little sacrifices as possible. For Christian leaders, they know that Jesus promised that if they want to gain God’s leadership, they will only gain it through the most difficult trials, even as Jesus did. The one who wants to obtain Christian leadership recognizes the hardship involved, and accepts it freely. A Christian leader accepts the rejection of others, the loss of comfort, little or no salary, a lack of permanent dwelling, and sometimes even punishments and beatings.
Christian leadership is lowliness.
“Whoever humbles themselves will be raised.” Luke 14:11
Christian leadership is not a straight path of going up and up the ladder of success. Rather, Christian leadership begins with lowliness and service for other’s sake alone. God raises up not those who work for themselves and their own exaltation, but those who are completely devoted to Him and to his way of love. Christian leaders do not seek to gain the leadership themselves, but they wait for God’s authority given to them. This means that the leader first spends time in serving others with a heart of compassion and joy for them, gaining nothing for him or herself until it is God’s time to raise them up.
Christian leadership depends on God to call and exalt them.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. I Peter 5:6
Those of the world exalt themselves in order to become leaders, to be able to control others. The way of the cross is to seek leadership by God’s authority and command alone. Christian leadership is not going through the hoops and seeking to have an institution or human authority put you in a place of authority. Rather, it is remaining lowly and serving others, allowing God to raise you up in his own time. This may happen through the church, but it is based on your devotion and love of others, not on your education, training or knowledge.
Christian leadership is difficult.
“For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Christian leadership is hard. It is hard to love the one who hates you. It is hard to act lovingly toward one who is rebellious against you. It is hard to set aside your plans and desires for someone who has insulted you. But this is the way of Jesus. Jesus gave his whole life and self so that the enemies of God might gain God’s salvation. Even so a Christian leader must be ready to sacrifice him or herself. And the hardest thing to do, sometimes, is to endure in love and not to give up. But Jesus said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” Even so, we must not give up but keep giving, keep loving, keep hoping that people will turn around and devote themselves to God.
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