Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash

Attributes of Professional Christian Leaders

Christian leaders should not dwell on titles, ranks, or positions, but on God’s leading.

Themes July 2, 2018

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10

Christian leaders should not dwell on titles, ranks, or positions, but on God’s leading. First and foremost, a godly leader should have an intimate, intense relationship and connection with Christ and strive to grow closer to Christ. In addition to connecting with Christ more deeply, Christian educators should aim to develop a Christ-like character.

Focusing on actions such as these can guide us toward our goal of growing as professional Christian leaders:

  1. Seeking God’s direction. Godly leaders aspire to follow God’s directions and plans for their lives and their schools. Solomon claimed God’s direction, and God led him powerfully. Solomon advises us in Proverbs to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3) and notes that “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
  2. Being humble and modest. Humble leaders readily acknowledge when they have made mistakes and are open to considering criticism instead of being defensive or arrogant. 1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds us to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.”
  3. Being a peacemaker. It is important for Christian leaders to empathize with their subordinates. We should take time to understand the opinions of those who disagree with us and strive to be at peace with everyone. Proverbs 16:7 states that “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
  4. Seeking out virtuous and candid advisers. Godly leaders should have wise advisers who are guided by the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 15:22 states, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
  5. Continuing to grow and learn. Godly leaders will always keep learning, growing and improving their leadership skills. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
  6. Developing the fruits of the Spirit. Godly leaders strive to grow in the fruits of the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Author

Carol Kingston

Carol Linda Kingston served as an instructor at the English Center of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in the Philippines (AIIAS) for five years. She is currently a PhD student in Educational Administration with TESOL as the emphasis and served as the Asst. Dean of the Women’s Hostel and English teacher for elementary through junior college level at Spicer for ten years.

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