To be a Christian leader means one is called to teach, correct, and protect those whom God has put under His care. One must be an encourager, by living his life as an example for others to follow. This means living in a manner that mirrors the examples set forth by Christ Jesus, such as suffering well, enduring with patience, and showing love to the unlovable. The Gospel of the crucified Christ must restore not only beliefs, but also conduct.
Leadership is a spiritual gift. Apart from a calling from God, the working of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ, the changes needed in one’s character that draw others to follow Him, would be impossible to achieve. “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, mybeloved and faithful child in the lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every
church” (1 Cor. 4:14-17 ESV).
The reality is Christian leaders are to live in truth. Truth is not passive; it is passionate. Truth not only expects a response - it demands one, and such that it always includes a specific, and perhaps drastic, change or renewal of mind through humble submission to the truth. A leader’s life should be an open book for all to read and emulate. This is not to say that those called to leadership or ministry roles are perfect. However, when one is faithful to his calling and faithful to Christ and His gospel message, faults and imperfections dissipate in the shadow of the cross of Christ.
Leadership is a spiritual gift. Apart from a calling from God, the working of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ, the changes needed in one’s character that draw others to follow Him, would be impossible to achieve. “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, mybeloved and faithful child in the lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every
church” (1 Cor. 4:14-17 ESV).
The reality is Christian leaders are to live in truth. Truth is not passive; it is passionate. Truth not only expects a response - it demands one, and such that it always includes a specific, and perhaps drastic, change or renewal of mind through humble submission to the truth. A leader’s life should be an open book for all to read and emulate. This is not to say that those called to leadership or ministry roles are perfect. However, when one is faithful to his calling and faithful to Christ and His gospel message, faults and imperfections dissipate in the shadow of the cross of Christ.
