Definition of Leadership

A Christian leader is someone who is called by God to lead; leads with and through Christ-like
character; and demonstrates the functional competencies that permit effective leadership to take
place.

The central task of leadership is influencing God’s people toward God’s purposes. Teamwork
and Unity1Corintians 12:12-27
Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 speak of unity, with us having many members all working
together. The church is also directed by certain people, who are called into certain positions.
God gave us an excellent example in Ephesians 4:11-13, God always works through people—
people who are available, teachable, and willing to fulfill His purpose.
Purpose of the church: Without a clear-cut set of objectives, any organization will suffer. The
Bible says, “Without a vision, the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18. What is the purpose of
the church? Basically, the scriptures teach us to:

1. Worship God, Praise His name, Live by the scriptures and Salvation—bring as many
people with us to Heaven
Three Worthy Goals of any Leader:

1. Leading others to spiritual maturity. We can take people to places they have never been
before. Some has never witnessed first hand the spiritual experiences that others have
had. Whose fault is it? Do they have to experience the same things or does God have
something extra special for them? In all ways, we should be seeking Him. Matthew 6:33
says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.” Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and
thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” We can lead others to seek that type
of hunger.

2. Leading others to lead. Many of our leaders are so focused on the duties of their position
that they often overlook delegating responsibilities to others. We need to mentor others
so that they can carry on the work for tomorrow. If we do not train others to lead, we will
not have leaders or a church for tomorrow.
3. In all things, bringing glory to God. Sometimes a church gets so busy with building
programs or growing in numbers that they often fail to honor God. The leader’s goal is to
keep this task in the forefront of everything he/she does. All our efforts are for His glory!
They are not based upon our own strength, wisdom, goals, or ideals. Through the years,
too many ministries across America have failed due to the lack of glorifying God.
Perhaps they were too busy patting themselves on the back.
A Leader Must Lead By Example

Sheep follow a shepherd. People follow leaders who lead by example. How many people like to

hear, “Do as I say, not as I do? Do you respect these kinds of people? We, as Christian
examples (leaders), should always show others how to lead and to teach that all the scriptures

apply to our daily life.

leader should have some of the following practices:

1. Know God. This seems very elementary but I have known leaders who were spiritually
deficient. They did not have a consistent walk with the Lord. How can we lead others
spiritually when we don’t know God? How can we know God without reading the
scriptures?
Study the Word. The scripture states in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved

unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of

truth”.

Studying the Bible also allows us to know more of God, who he is, and how He wants us

to live. The Word of God will direct our paths and keep us on the right course. Psalms

119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” It is hard for

any believer to follow after the things of God if he/she do not read the word of God.

How much more does a leader need the word of God to insure that they stay “true to the

course”!

2. Reassess and Have a Constant Prayer Life. How can leaders get direction if they do not
pray? In our busy schedules, we need to slow down long enough to pray and to hear
from God. This may seem very elementary to most Christians but there is power in
prayer! Prayer can drastically change us and move mountains. Mark 11:23
We can bind and loosen things on earth (Matthew 18:18) and (Matthew 18:19).

Prayer can change negative attitudes, heal the sick, deliver and set people free, and allows

all of us to stay closer to God. As leaders, we must have an active and powerful prayer

life. James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

It is essential for us to have that type of relationship with Him.

 3. Practice Fasting. The Bible states that some things only come through prayer and
fasting. Mark 9:29. Fasting is more than doing without food. It could mean giving up
something in our lives, sacrificing that time or item to seek and believe in God for
something. In other words, we get to the point of getting serious about our need or
petition.
4. Allow the Holy Spirit to Direct You and Your Decisions. We cannot make spiritual
decisions based upon carnal knowledge. It is sad to note, some leaders make decisions
based on feelings, tradition, or greed.
5. Do not be Discouraged. God is in control. Even during the darkest of times, God is
there! Seek His will and direction. Soon the answer will be on its way! Remember, our
time table is not always God’s.

1. A Leader Has a Positive Attitude

Listed below are the effects your attitude has on you:

1. Your basic attitude affects your belief in your potential for success. A negative attitude
causes you to doubt your ability to achieve, while your belief in your potential makes you
willing to take the necessary actions for success. Positive attitudes breed positive results!
2. Your attitude determines how you perceive a challenge. A positive attitude lets you see a
challenge as an opportunity rather than a threat. It allows us to see the task much clearer
and have the energy needed to succeed.
3. Your attitude determines your confidence. People with negative attitudes think, “I can’t
…” or “I doubt…” In contrast, each time you act from a positive attitude, your self-
confidence is enhanced, your ability to achieve is proven, and you know you can succeed.
Your confidence level rises as your faith rises.
4. Your attitude affects how you see opportunity. People who have negative attitudes bury
their ability to see opportunity. They only see roadblocks. By bringing glory to God, a
positive attitude opens your eyes to so many opportunities. Your challenge becomes
which opportunity you choose.

Another way to change our thinking is to apply the scriptures to our lives. Philippians 4:8

2. A Leader Must Educate and Encourage Others

3. A True Leader Seeks Righteousness

The Bible says, Matthew 6:33. 2 Corinthians 5:21. Righteousness separates us from the world.
It is turning our lives totally over to him. True righteousness will bring a complete change.
Unrighteousness will separate us from God. It never ceases to amaze me that some believers live
as if they can be both righteous and unrighteous.Matthew 6:24. Revelation 3:15 says,
Righteousness in our leadership encourages others to “turn about face” from their sinful ways
and follow Him. Light will always expose the darkness. True righteousness will encourage
others to realize that their ways may not be God’s ways. 1 Corinthians 15:34. 1 Timothy 6:11.
 4. A True Leader has a Heart of Servanthood

True Humility—meeting the needs of others

When Jesus was serving the twelve, He was giving them an example from above. Jesus was
always aware that He was the Teacher and Lord of his disciples. John 13:13. When Jesus
finished washing their feet, He concluded, “For I gave you an example that you also should do
as I did to you.” John 13:15. Jesus was not only serving his disciples; He was teaching them.
Jesus was demonstrating the character and work of the kingdom.

Submission to authority figures

People who are self-centered can never be submissive nor can be an effective servant. Christ
gave us an idea of how God views servanthood. He stated, “Blessed is that servant, whom his
lord when he cometh shall find doing”. Matthew 24:46. God is pleased to find us being faithful
and consistent in His work. Matthew 25:23. It’s All About His Will/Not Our Will. Colossians
1:16, Romans 8:7. A godly leader must turn away from carnal thinking.
Matthew 6:9-15. God cannot move through people who are not willing to forgive, nor can they
be godly leaders. Hebrews 13: 20,21, Heb 12:1 says
5. A True Leader Has Integrity and Perseverance
Integrity: It is who you are. Integrity is not what you imagine or wish to be. It is real and
measurable and includes such traits as:

 Taking responsibility
 Being honest
 Keeping your word
 Being faithful in the little things