Being a leader and a Christian at the same time can be difficult. Sometimes, the difficult decisions you must make as a leader might go against your Christian principles. However, there should be no question in your mind as to which should come first. To help remind you of your duties as a Christian, we will list the qualities of a true Christian leader.
Remember, you did not become a leader of your own accord. Whether you are a leader in business or some other field, it is through God’s will that you are in that position. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 (NIV)
Qualities of a True Christian Leader
To become a true Christian leader, you must know the qualities of one. We have listed here six of the qualities that are considered by many to be essential in a Christian leader.
Humility
Humility isn’t typically associated with leaders. When we think about leaders, we usually think of strong-willed people who believe in themselves and their abilities. Leaders are usually associated with those who are not humble at all. They are people who believe in themselves most of the time.
Christian leaders must be different. As believers in Christ, you must recognize your own shortcomings and see that the power of God reigns supreme. With such a belief how can you not be humble?
Christian leaders are aware of their strengths and weaknesses and they are ready to put God first.
Obedient
Obedience is another trait that we would not normally associate with leaders. Leaders are supposed to be the ones obeyed by their subordinates. They are the ones who give out orders.
Christian leaders are different because they serve God. Whatever tasks they do, are for the service and the glory of the Lord. This is why they are obedient to God’s will all of the time.
Integrity
A Christian leader is someone who has integrity. Some people misunderstand the true meaning of integrity. As a Christian, integrity only comes when one is truly aligned with the will of God and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
A huge part of having integrity is being honest. Today, a lot of people have confused dishonesty with concepts of gray areas and white lies. The truth is that honesty is black and white. There is no gray area in between. A lie is a lie no matter what greater benefit it is supposed to produce.
Faithful
Are you faithful? As a Christian leader, you must remain faithful to Christ no matter what. Being faithful means that you keep trusting in God and you continue doing His will. A Christian leader will also strive to be someone that God can trust. You must recognize that God choosing you to become a shepherd of His flock is the greatest honor and you must strive to live up to it.
The Christian Leader Must Be Willing to Serve
“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:2-5 (NIV)
Jesus set an example for all leaders to follow. He showed them that they should be willing to serve. What task could show a willingness to serve better than washing the feet of his disciples?
As a leader, you should also be ready to serve and help your subordinates and followers. You need to understand what their needs are and be there for them. To do that, you must be secure with your own identity and know that the act does not lower you in any way.
A Leader Is Focused on Love
As a leader, you must be focused on love. Focused on loving God and your fellow man. When love is your main focus, you can never miss it as a leader. Your main goal is to build an intimate relationship with God.
These are the qualities of a good Christian leader. These qualities might not align with those recommended by leadership books out there but that’s fine. You are aiming for something higher as a leader.
