Qualities of a Christian Leader
The qualities of a Christian leader, namely the ones Moses had, we all want. But did you know this?
Leaders never stop training.
Becoming a leader is similar to open-heart surgery. God constructs a leader’s character to birth leadership skills by changing their heart and spirit. The godly leadership scripture in Numbers 16 is a good place to learn about leadership qualities that reveal varying levels of leadership skills.
Qualities of a Christian Leader
To paraphrase Numbers 16, Korah, a Levitical leader has 250 followers referred to as men of renown. Along with Korah, they rise against Moses, the chief leader. They accuse him of appearing holy and acting as if he was above the congregation (he was). Korah’s decision to rise against Moses signifies his real problem—a rebellious heart against the Lord.
At that precise moment, Moses falls on his face reverencing God. From that time spent prostrate, he receives God’s counsel to tell Korah that on the next day, the Lord will reveal who is holy.
Moses reminds Korah that he’s a Levi and his job is to draw close to God so he can minister to the congregation. He asks Korah if this is a small thing the Lord asks of him, knowing full well it’s not.
Additionally, Korah’s followers accuse Moses of intending to kill the Israelites in the wilderness. Moses and Aaron as leaders of the congregation ask God what to do. His response probably surprised them.
He tells them to step aside so He can consume the rebels. Once again, Moses and Aaron hit the dust to intercede.
God instructs Moses as the principal leader and the remaining congregation to distance themselves from Korah and his followers. They do.
Moses declares that if these men die a common death then God has not sent him as leader over the people. But if the earth swallows them up, then these men have provoked the Lord.
Qualities of a Christian Leader Come At a Cost
The earth swallows up Korah, the men, and their families revealing whose side they had always been on. On the next day, the congregation murmurs and complains that Moses killed the people of the Lord.
As I’ve indicated, God had enough of the congregation and wanted to consume them. Moses and Aaron, their leaders, intervene. Due to God’s wrath, a plague comes upon the congregation which Moses stops. He instructs Aaron to run into the congregation as an atonement for the people. A total of 14,700 people die before Aaron arrives.
From that scripture, these qualities of a Christian leader emerge.
5 Qualities of a Christian Leader
Authority
Most people (maybe not Elon Musk), serve under someone else’s leadership on Earth. Christian leaders recognize rebellion against authority represents a lack of maturity and disrespect for others. As leaders reach their leadership potential, others scrutinize their faults.
Leaders are quick to deal with rebels who cause division among the ranks. True leaders know how to bring others into alignment under their authority because they submit to someone who has more authority than them.
Lifestyle
As seen in this Biblical account, Korah’s inability to lead brings death to everyone aligning with him. Not only did his followers die, but Korah poisoned their minds with rebellious thoughts resulting in strife.
When someone revolts against inferior leadership, a good leader stays on God’s side before entering unknown leadership territory. They don’t gather with the wicked but depart quickly from people who stir up discord.
Character
Moses and Aaron seek the only one who can help them with this problem. They quiet the wrath of God on two occasions and save people’s lives. Their actions show the highest level of leadership excellence and concern for those they lead. When an enemy comes against us, our first recourse is to retaliate. Seasoned leaders remain cool, calm, and collected, take proper courses of action, and don’t have vindictive attitudes.
Discernment
A Christian leader quickly discerns another’s actions and recognizes false witnesses. This gives the leader an edge as they can stay in front of leadership authority breakdowns. A leader gives that person extra attention and instructions to let them know they notice their actions. Well-intentioned leaders remain before God, like Moses and Aaron, asking for the best leadership actions to serve others.
Constancy
Christian leaders remain constant even though others change quickly. A leader knows the correct way to handle problems before questions arise and stands on solid, spiritual ground to face any circumstance. They develop steadfastness through years of doing the right thing and display constant and dependable character to those under their authority.
Leaders persevere under adversity to achieve excellence and greatness by building character in others. They are tested and tried in their leadership positions but quickly credit any personal success to the skills and qualities of those under their authority and leadership. Leaders routinely work on their character since it’s the storehouse of all leadership skills.
Other Biblical Characteristics of a Spiritual Leader
No matter whether you’re at the top or the bottom of a proverbial leadership ladder, some days you may doubt whether being a Christian leader is worth it. Review these other Biblical characteristics of a spiritual leader. You may realize you’ve made progress and already have a lot of the qualities of a good Christian leader.
- Humble
- Servant’s heart
- Honest
- Transparent
- Compassionate
- Peaceful
- Gentle
- Godly
- Holy
- Respectful
- Hard-working
- Faithful
- Loving
- Wise
Leaders are people you admire and want to follow. They’re role models who do what they say and live what they preach. To have the attitude of a Christian leader, you’re trustworthy and never reprimand someone publicly. You lead by example.
Christian leaders are comfortable in their skin, graciously and prayerfully accept constructive criticism, and admit when they mess up.
You won’t spot great leaders everywhere because to become one takes commitment and staying power. However, when you do come across one, they’re unmistakable. God’s love and His excellent spirit pour out of them.