Some Thoughts On Christian Leadership

Leadership is both an art and a science. Some are "born leaders" while other leaders develop over time. We need to keep in mind that there are many kinds of leadership, not one style will fit every leadership need. Without trying to explain every style of leadership in a blog of all things, let's consider some general ideas about what a Christian leader might aspire to. This would apply at home with your family or on the job where you might work. The same principles apply.

The Christian Leader:

1. It's not "top-down", but "bottom-up".

Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV)

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. [26] Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. [27] And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

I won't elaborate too much after Jesus states the case so well. The idea is, Christian leaders (husbands, fathers, supervisors, employers, etc.) don't "boss" their people around. They demonstrate what it is they want done with the intent to teach others. Teaching is the key to serving others. Patience is the key to teaching.

2. Not "Lone Ranger", but collaborative leadership.

Who is interested in some "masked man" swooping in to "rescue" the situation and then leave? It might work for westerns but it really doesn't work in life. The Christian leader cares about every person of the organization and what they can contribute to the process. A Christian leader seeks out the contribution of each member.

Romans 12:3-5 (NKJV)

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. [4] For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, [5] so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Again, I'm not going to try to improve upon the Apostle Paul, but you might want to study further what he says on this subject: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12: 14-21

3. Not absent, but present.

It is self-evident, if you aren't there, you can't lead. Now the obvious application to our way of thinking is physically being there. There is a lot of merit to being there in the room when you are leading. More importantly is being there with your mind. How many times are you actually standing in front of someone while they are talking to you, but you are really far away? Being 100% present is a key principle of a Christian leader. Ever talk to someone on the phone while they are surfing the 'net? It's the least satisfying kind of conversation. You know the "ya, uh huh" on the other end of the line is dead and lifeless. They don't hear what you have to say. It's just as bad when you are physically present but not paying attention. Four times the Lord tells us, "...I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deut.31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Heb 13:5). He is 100% present all of the time. We should be too.

4. Not first in line for benefits, not last in line when there is risk.

When there is danger, risk or fear, the Christian leader is first in line to confront it. The Christian leader doesn't hide behind others when there is difficulty ahead. They are the first to meet it. Jesus didn't hide behind the disciples when the pharisees came around. Jesus stood His ground when the legion of Roman soldiers came to arrest Him in the garden and the disciples all fled. Jesus was fearless when there was danger, he protected the innocent. Jesus is the good shepherd, He cares for His sheep. Christian leaders make sure their "sheep" are well cared for before they take care of themselves.

Conversely, when there is benefits to be had, the Christian leader is at the end of the line letting others go before him. God will see the true heart and promote us at His choosing.

Luke 14:8-11 (NKJV)

"When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; [9] and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. [10] But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. [11] For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

That's probably way more than enough to chew on. May we model Jesus in our leadership!