Vision, integrity, articulation, courage, and a thick skin—all are the basic requirements for leadership. Other requirements could be added; for the follower of Christ, godliness is essential. Whether in government, business, education, ministry, or the home, these six traits form the foundation of successful Christian leadership. These qualities do not come through osmosis but through disciplined study and practice, often marked by failure. However, the greatest leaders are not deterred by hardship and failure. Theirs is a high calling with deep responsibility.
If you are in a position of leadership—and chances are good that you are—you may need to sharpen your vision for the future, strengthen your integrity, and find new sources of courage. Insight for Living, by introducing you to godly leaders of the past, is committed to encouraging you in this pursuit, as well as challenging you to grow in godliness.
Many years ago on a hot Saturday morning, an Insight for Living staff member lay critically ill in the hospital. The family stood stunned, devastated by a prognosis that shook everyone who knew her. A colleague and I drove to the hospital to show support as best we could. It was then that Chuck and Cynthia Swindoll stepped into the room.
If you’re needing a place to start your Bible study, Pastor Chuck’s Searching the Scriptures methods and resources are great. The resources break down the Bible very naturally and helps you be prepared to lead well.
In His earthly ministry, Jesus modeled discipleship in a perfect way. Now, we are called to continue this model by being mentored and also mentoring others within the body of Believers.
A mentor points out blind spots and reproves you when you need to be confronted about your pride. A mentor won’t back off. A mentor relentlessly presses for excellence. A mentor cares about your character.
Be honest: when was the last time you said something or gave something or wrote something or did something with the single motive of encouraging someone else?
Christian leaders with character continue to be in demand. Ezekiel recorded God’s plea for leaders who would “stand in the gap before Me for the land,” but, tragically, He “found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).
Nehemiah’s discernment helped him frustrate the plots of his adversaries. In the same way, God-given discernment can help us face intimidating circumstances in our own realms of leadership.
How do we discern when to become a follower of someone or not? Is it OK to be a Swindollist or a MacArthurite today? Here’s what the Bible says, “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there” (Psalm 146:3).
Call me old-fashioned or idealistic if you wish, but my passionate plea is that we unearth and restore the importance of character. It’s been buried long enough. It belongs first on our list when searching for employees in the workplace.
In the book of Nehemiah, I found seven essential skills that today’s Christian leaders can use as stones on which to build their own strategy for leadership.
Insight for Living is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.
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