Leaders can make or break their community. Literally.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites suffered because of their leaders’ actions. King David’s disobedience brought upon them a deadly plague (2 Samuel 24).

Many people want to be leaders to benefit from the privileges of such a position. Yet, they care little for the responsibility that comes with it.

On the other hand, people choose leaders without fully understanding the impact on their lives. And that is dangerous.

Christians are to be wise when choosing leaders and in their leadership calling.

Indeed, God’s standard for leadership vastly differs from that of the world.

The Essence of Biblical Leadership

Leadership is the ability to influence and guide a group toward a common goal.

Unfortunately, many leaders forsake the common aspect. They use their position of authority to secure their personal comfort. Therefore, those they are supposed to lead suffer.

In the world, leaders are served and waited on. They often possess more material riches than their community.

On the contrary, biblical leadership is service.  In Matthew 20:26, Jesus told His disciples that he who wants to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven is to be the servant of all. He modeled this to them by washing their feet even though He was their Rabbi (John 13:1-17).

Biblical leadership is a ministry. Though it comes with privileges, its purpose is the growth and care of the people.

Godly, biblical leaders value others above themselves. They aim to see their community thrive by building the people up and pushing each member to rise to God’s calling.

The Impact of Leadership on Communities

A leader drives his community to growth or destruction. Not only by their direct involvement but also by their personal lives.

Such was the case of the Israelites under King Solomon. When He was surrendered to God, everyone in Israel prospered (1 Kings 4:20), and The Lord gave them rest from their enemies (1 Kings 5:4).

However, once he turned to idols, war raged against Israel (1 Kings 11:14-40).

Throughout history and in the Bible, we have examples of leaders whose lifestyle affected their community, both positively and negatively:

1. Mahatma Gandhi: His personal commitment to simplicity, self-discipline, and rigorous self-control influenced others to embrace ethical living, which led to a nationwide movement for independence in India. 
2. Daniel: His personal relationship and total devotion to God influenced King Darius to issue a decree that all should revere the Almighty God.
3. Napoleon Bonaparte: His selfishness and authoritarian tendencies ultimately led to France’s destruction.
4. Eli The Priest: His passive parenting and lack of discipline of his sons led to widespread moral decay and disillusionment among the Israelites, and ultimately the destruction of his family and all of Israel. 

Thus, leaders do not get to lead a separate life from their calling. There is no “work-life” distinction for them.

And Christian leaders, God’s ministers, will give Him an account for the management of His people (Hebrews 13:17).

The Responsibilities of a Christian Leader

Christian leadership is not limited to church leaders. A Christian leader is a Christian in a position to influence and lead others, whether they hold a title or not. They are responsible for the well-being of a community, regardless of size.

Godly leaders serve, protect, and provide for their people and community. They are to feed and nourish the people, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

A leader is a prayer warrior. They cannot carry their mission on their own, thus, they rely on God for strength, wisdom, understanding, and revelation. Likewise, they petition their people’s needs to God (1 Peter 5:7).

A Christian leader is a good model. They exhibit the values and characters they want to see and produce in their community. Indeed, example is the best teacher.

Godly leaders are educators and correctors. No community can truly thrive without godly correction. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 says that a servant of the Lord should correct those in opposition humbly.

Not everyone can be an effective leader. Christian leaders ought to be faithful and qualified for the mission (2 Timothy 2:2).

Who is an Effective Leader?

To be a good minister, one needs to be prepared. In the Bible, God has chosen or rejected people for a mission because of their heart posture and actions. Though there may be various biblical models of leadership, a leader whose community grows abides by certain biblical values and attributes.

Core Biblical Values of Christian Leaders

Christian leaders must build their foundation on biblical values which serve as guiding principles for their service to God and their communities:

• Love: Without love, there can be no true leadership. 1 Corinthians 16:14 exhorts us to do everything in love. This is even more true for those who shepherd others. True love transforms one’s duty from obligation to care. It leads to patience, compassion, and support.
• Humility and Modesty: Jesus explains that the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is the least among men (Matthew 11:11). A leader works not for man but for God (Colossians 3:23-24). He walks in complete submission to Him. He understands the mission is God’s, thus, he is not to boast or seek praise from men. As Jesus embraced a posture of humility to carry out God’s great plan, so does every Christian leader.
• Faithfulness: A leader is committed: to God, his people, and his mission. He walks upright and does not compromise his values and God’s standards. 
• Joy and Contentment: A Christian leader is one whose joy is The Lord. He finds his strength from God. He does not place his value in his accomplishments but seeks contentment in his relationship with God. He does not resent or complain about the work but sees it as a privilege to serve.

These reflect God’s character and set a standard of excellence for leadership.

Key Biblical Attributes of Christian Leaders

Godly, Christian leaders are distinguished by their character. They embody Christ-like attributes that serve and uplift others:

• Servanthood: Christian leadership is servant leadership. Whatever the ministry, be it church, work, or family, a leader serves. Jesus served and instructed us to do the same (Matthew 20:28). A leader creates a positive difference by leading with love and humility.
• Self-sacrifice: Jesus forsook His life so He could save ours (1 John 3:16). Effective Christian leaders are self-sacrificial, others-centered, and selfless. They do not seek their personal comfort but go above and beyond for their people. As the apostle said, they consider others above themselves (Philippians 2:3). 
• Mission-Focus: Christian leaders understand that whatever form their ministry takes, the ultimate mission is to build God’s Kingdom and lead people to Christ. Thus, Christ is at the center of all they do: how they lead, who they lead, their decisions, everything.
• Competence: A leader, in their humility, understands his limitations. The mission is great, therefore, they strive to grow. They surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading, pruning, and education. They continue to work at their craft to present an excellent work to God, the ultimate Master.
• Diligence: Good leadership is a lot of work. Without discipline, one would fail at this task. A good leader carries out his duties when and how he should. He knows the weight of his actions or inactions on his community. Because he loves and cares for them, he trains to be vigilant and focus on his God-given mission.
• Wisdom: King Solomon was credited as the wisest man in the world. Under his wise guidance, Israel prospered. In the book of Proverbs, he illustrates how important wisdom is to living a fulfilling life, and even more so for leaders. Wisdom comes from the fear of God (Proverbs 9:10). Furthermore, the apostle James reaffirms that if one lacks wisdom, simply ask it of God (James 1:5).

By embodying these attributes, Christian leaders not only inspire trust but also lead with integrity, reflecting God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Conclusion: Embracing True Leadership

Leading people as Christians is a great privilege. It offers the opportunity to partner with God in building His Kingdom.

But even more, it is a great responsibility. A leader’s lifestyle significantly impacts their community beyond direct policies or actions. Their personal choices, character, and conduct often set the tone for those they lead.

Therefore, Christian leaders are called to follow Jesus’ example: being a servant, walking in love and humility, and staying faithful. In doing so, they inspire others to live in alignment with God’s will.

True Christian leadership is not about seeking recognition but stewardship, accountability, and reflecting Christ in every decision and interaction. 

By embracing this sacred calling, leaders glorify God and uplift their communities.