The Value of Christian Leadership

Posted on August 20, 2024 by Jay Judkins, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

Leadership is one of those buzz words that seems to be used in ways that water down it’s true value. Since I began reading the classics from Zig Ziglar to Og Mandino to Jim Rohn, and then Covey, Napoleon Hill and countless others, using the word leadership seems to have evolved into a placeholder or filler for conversations that need to sound more profound than they are, as if the word itself will carry the conversation. Phrases like, “we need better leadership”, “poor leadership is to blame”, “where was leadership when this was happening”? One would think that this was a single entity that was responsible for every problem we experience in our lives. While this might seem true, and make it easier to pass blame, it might be worthwhile to get a better understanding of what leadership, or better yet, leading, is, so we can have better outcomes and less scapegoating.

I find the word leadership used more often in the secular world than in church environments. And that makes sense considering we use biblical terms like pastor, elder, and deacon within the confines of organized Christianity. Some groups do use terms like “leadership team” to categorize those in charge of certain ministries or programs within their congregation. If people are trained to believe that the person assigned responsibility for the oversight of a project or group is the leader, then calling them a leader seems logical. But often these people are simply placed in these roles with very little vetting. The selection of deacons or elders is often more serious, applying Paul’s guidelines that were given to Timothy. But even then, we sometimes see a breakdown, whether or not intentional, in the prescribed biblical outcome.

Is there a need for more Christian leadership both inside of the church and in society in general? It’s a question that I have pondered and thought it would be worth exploring. I have been in leadership roles inside church and outside as well. Over the past several years I have had the privilege of examining everything that I learned over the first 50 years. I have a mental exercise where I imagine taking a thought, belief, or idea out of my head and I put it on a table. I walk around the table examining the object over and over until I feel my understanding of it is sufficient. I then have the option of retaining it, modifying it, or discarding it. I decided that my view of Christian leadership was worth retaining, but it needed to be modified.

John Maxwell says that leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. When compared to the way that many of us have been taught, that can be hard to reconcile, because we often believe the person with the position or title is the one in charge. While they might be held accountable, that doesn’t mean that they are exhibiting the qualities of a leader. Have you ever had to report to someone who was less than capable in their titled position. We’re not talking about our subjective view of the individual. Objectively, they lacked the knowledge, skills, understanding and character to earn your trust to be influenced by them. Most of us have experienced this in some area of life, like school or the workplace. Maxwell offers the model of the 5 Levels of Leadership where the lowest level (Level 1) of leadership is in position only. Supervisor, shift leader, manager, coach, principal, and vice president are positions often given as a description of the role that they play in the organization. Essentially, people do what they are told because they must. The second level (Level 2) is referred to as the permission level. This is where a person makes the decision to allow you to influence or lead them. If someone decides to allow you to lead them based on their perception of you, everything that you believe about titles and positions changes. You begin to recognize that you can exert leadership in almost any situation, regardless of your role, providing you can earn that permission from the people around you. Embracing a Level 2 leadership mindset can take anyone from where they are to almost anywhere they desire to go.

The bible is full of examples of regular people being given opportunities to influence their own people, societies, and governments. God consistently extends an offer of partnership in how we can promote His plan in His world. Even the most difficult circumstances can be used to build the Kingdom while we are here. Emperor Nero’s persecution of the Jewish Christians resulted in them spreading Christianity throughout the known world. Fortunately, most modern-day Christians are free from severe persecution, although I recognize there are many who still face life and death situations regularly. But for those of us who have freedom or general autonomy, how can we exhibit and exert Christian leadership in the town square, the marketplace, and society in general? Does it matter if we do, or will there be any noticeable result?

I offer three quotes for you to consider in response to the question of is it worth it:

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” -Margaret Mead

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
– Edmund Burke

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” – Edmund Burke

I personally believe that Christian leadership in any area of life is good and can have tremendous impact, even if we do not see immediate results. But a clear understanding and application of what it means to lead as a Christian and how to apply that knowledge is needed for all of us, me included.

In the twelfth chapter of the Book of Romans, Paul gives a list of gifts that are given according to God’s divine grace to us as believers. According to Paul, God decides who get’s these various gifts according to His will, purpose and plan. This is not an exhaustive list, but leadership is included and gives a great place to define what he was referring to at the time. The Greek word used is proistemi, which literally means “to stand before.” This literal meaning aligns with our typical understanding of a leader being in front of us. Another explanation would be having a well-established character which provides a needed model to direct others. For the person that has never had faith filled Christianity modeled before them, it is difficult for them to model that behavior for others.

Creating a well-established character that reflects biblical principles and the image of Christ is a tall order. It requires humility, steadfastness, and a willingness to fall short. It takes time and patience. And on some occasions, radical love and forgiveness. This character isn’t handed out, it’s forged over time, even a lifetime. Membership in a local congregation does not guarantee it. It cannot be bought or bartered for. Hence it has incredible value to the one who possesses it. But I believe that value can extend far beyond the individual who possesses this character. If we imagine this person with a Christ like character (not perfect, but having a track record of modeling Christ like behavior) influencing their family, their co-workers, and their community, what kind of results might we see?
Imagine the teacher that not only instructs, but also loves her students. Or the dad that humbly admits his wrongdoing in front of his children. Picture the politician who prays openly for his constituents, or the pastor that extends grace to a wayward congregant. Now imagine how we could increase our opportunities to lead by example if we intentionally sought to improve the model that we present to those around us, while also looking for more and varied opportunities to influence those we encounter.

In some respects, it seems elementary to talk about it. It’s not overly complicated, but it certainly is not easy. But how often do we experience the kind of Christian leadership that we would want modeled for our families and churches and from those in public service that create the laws that govern our lives? In my experience, not often enough.

This article was intended to open your mind to the possibilities, not provide all the solutions. If you or your organization would like more information on coaching or leadership development, please feel free to contact me @ jay@epiphanyresourcesllc.com.