Christian Leadership

Do you consider yourself a leader? When I ask a crowd to “Raise your hand if you are a leader”, it is interesting how few do. Many think that being a leader only has to do with their employment situation. If they are not in management, they don’t think they are a leader. Others think of leadership more broadly and think that leadership is bestowed as a role within an organization, being on a non-profit board, leading a committee, or teaching. The scope of leadership is much broader than these definitions.

Leadership is influence, pure and simple. Leadership is not about position but your influence on other lives. It is your ability to shape someone’s thinking, emotions, or will towards an end. You can even lead those who have authority over you. You can lead your peers. You can lead to those entrusted to your care. Godly leadership, in particular, influences people toward God’s will, vision, ethics, and Kingdom values. The ultimate is giving people a vision of the Kingdom of God and inviting them to life in Christ. 

I like to think of leadership as how I take up my God-given responsibility in my little part of the global garden. I can’t influence everything for godly change, but I can influence people God has entrusted to me. God has given me a task to order my part of the garden and invite people to trust God, follow Jesus, and live by the Spirit. I do that at work (which is easier in a church), at home with my family, with my neighbors, and with others I meet in the world. This both encourages me to live up to what God has given me to do, and sobers me as I consider the scope of the work to be done for Him. What is the scope of your part of the garden that God has entrusted to you? Take up the responsibility and authority to lead well. It will delight the heart of God!

Blessed to be a blessing,

Jonathan