Christian Leader

As a Christian leader, personal leadership capabilities are not limited to Christian contexts, but extends to non-Christian environments as well. The example of being salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) is necessary in a world yielded to fleshly whims. Don N. Howell, Jr., offers a definition: “Biblical leadership is taking the initiative to influence people to grow in holiness and to passionately promote the extension of God's kingdom in the world.”[1] The difference and distinctions of Christian leaders is the living out of their faith from core to crust.[2] Christianity is not to be a badge of honor we ware when it is convenient, but a lifestyle that is to be lived.

 

Recently, a father rang our doorbell expecting his daughter to be here with my daughter. In discussing the situation openly with my daughter and her friend’s father, we shared that she had been in our home, but not the entire time. While exchanging contact information, his daughter showed up and they proceeded to go home. Obviously upset as they left, I overheard the harsh tones the father expressed to his daughter, which provided a glimpse into the realities of their lives. It would have been easy to dismiss any further concern, but as a Christian leader, “We humbly serve others based on our love for them.”[3] During prayer the following morning, I felt the need to reach out in love to this father. Through a series of text messages, I was able to share that I am a pastor and gained his permission to intervene further with reflections from my prayer time. Specifically, I shared that his daughter had seen the father’s discipline, but now she needed to see the fathers love. His daughter has been back in my home and family life seems to be improving. I hope to connect with her father again, soon.

 

A great example of Christian leadership today is Chick-fil-a. S. Truett Cathy in his book, Eat Mor Chickin: Inspire More People, he outlines the story of creating this restaurant chain. Cathy asserts that they earned their reputation and good name relying on Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is better to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”[4] “Upholding moral and ethical values in decision making, actions, and communication is one of the hallmarks of faithful leading.”[5] Our values, morals, and decision making must be reflective of the inner-workings of our faith.

 

The outward man is reflective of the inward man (Proverbs 23:7). “The crisis that exists in leadership today is fundamentally a crisis of values.”[6] Paul’s leadership demonstrates a number of qualities and values that guided his leadership.[7] “There are four areas in a Christian’s life, but especially in the ministry, that must be sound: finances, commitments, honesty, and doctrine.”[8] When Christian leaders pay careful attention to these areas, it will pay off with a lifetime of influence.[9] How can salt be an influence on food unless it is applied? How can light pierce the darkness if it is covered? As Christians, we are to influence the world around us not resemble those in the world in which we live. We are to be influencers with our values, especially in areas of our finances, commitments, honesty, and doctrine.

 

The Great Commission is the call to be salt and light to a dying world. Don N. Howell, Jr., in his book Servants of the Servant, capsulizes leadership as defined in a way that is proactive, purposive, and comprehensive.[10] “Leadership principles are values translated into action.”[11] Leadership is a proactive nature, faith induced form of leadership that should propel Christian’s to meet the needs of their community. “The pressures to perform, the ingrained fear of failure, and the rewards for success can cause us to deviate from our values.”[12] However, if we remain purposive as a biblical leader, focused on helping others, both individually and collectively, grow in godliness and obedience to God’s agenda we will succeed in fulfilling the Great Commission.[13]

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[1] Don N. Howell, Jr., Servants of the Servant (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003), 3.

[2] Aubrey Malphurs, Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003), 14.

[3] Ibid., 21.

[4] S. Truett Cathy, Eat Mor Chickin: Inspire More People (Decatur, GA: Looking Glass Books, 2002), 42.

[5] Robert Banks, and Bernice M. Ledbetter Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004), 55.

[6] Robert Banks, and Bernice M. Ledbetter Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004), 32.

[7] Ibid., 42.

[8] Larry Stockstill, The Remnant: Restoring the Call to Personal Integrity (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2008), 70-71.

[9] Ibid., 71.

[10] Don N. Howell, Servants of the Servant (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003), 3.

[11] Bill George, and Peter Sims True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership (San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007), 86.

[12] Ibid., 102.

[13] Howell, 3.