List of Characteristics of Christian Leadership
Leadership is both an assigned position of authority and a set of skills to motivate others. Organizations worldwide depend on strong leadership abilities for growth and stability. Personal and social traits, whether innate or learned, form the basis for leadership skills, with additional leadership responsibilities in Christian environments. Secular organizations benefit from Christians in leadership positions, but both Christians and non-Christians hold leaders to higher standards.
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Distinctly Christian
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When discussing Christian characteristics, it's difficult to define what it means to be a Christian. There are numerous ideas, even among those who claim Christianity. According to Charles T. Buntin, an ordained Baptist minister with two master's degrees, in a study for Bible.org, the central core of the faith is non-denominational and defined in biblical scriptures. A Christian realizes his own sinfulness before God and turned to Jesus Christ in faith and repentance, and begins worshiping and following the teachings of Christ.
Multiple Roles
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Jesus defined his leadership role in John 10:11 when he described himself as "The good shepherd," according to GotQuestions.org, an online volunteer ministry that provides biblical answers to spiritually-related issues. A shepherd is responsible for leading sheep to their destination and meeting their physical and emotional needs. Regarding Christian leadership, this includes providing an atmosphere for the team to learn, grow and feel secure outside of comfort zones while working to meet established goals.
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Servant's Attitude
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Servant leadership is a model where the leader devotes himself to the organization and the team. Servant leadership further illustrates "the good shepherd" model of leadership established by Christ. Jesus took on the nature of a servant and was obedient unto death, said Robert Hodge of the Christian Leadership Alliance. By assuming the role of follower, he became the ultimate leader.
Moral Authority
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Respect must be earned each day in a leadership position, stated Danny Cox, author of "Leadership When The Heat's On." Cox said a high standard of ethics tops the list of leadership characteristics, as people will not follow someone they don't respect. Regardless of the environment, Christian leaders are expected to honor man's laws and ethics and live according to moral laws established in Scripture. Christian leadership requires living by the higher standards in personal life and the workplace, especially in positions of leadership. Cox added that personal ethics can't be separated from professional ethics.
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References
- ReligiousTolerance: Who is a Christian? Definitions Used by Some Faith Groups
- Bible.org: Regula Fidei (The Rule of Faith) What Distinguishes a Christian From a Pagan? by Charles T. Buntin
- GotQuestions.org: What is Christian Leadership?
- Christian Leadership Alliance: The Leader as Follower by Robert Hodge
- Winston Brill & Associates: Ten Leadership Characteristics by Danny Cox
- GraceNotes: Authority -- God's Chain of Command -
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