The world needs godly leaders now more than ever. Many men and women have claimed to be godly leaders, but their actions have proven otherwise. In the name of Christ, congregants have been taken advantage of by rogue ‘church’ leaders. Churchgoers have dealt with many unfortunate issues because clergy members have opted to preach water and drink wine. In our humanity, we are indeed fallible and frail. Be that as it may, the responsibility placed upon the leader does not allow them to take matters lightly, only to plead ignorance and weakness when caught in the wrong. Therefore, it is right for anyone seeking to excel as a leader to ask: ‘How do I lead well?
Be a Servant Leader
In many ways, leaders are individuals entrusted with the mandate to serve others by guiding them. It is the very essence of what Jesus directed his disciples to focus on–serving others (Mark 10:45). He called them to service because that’s what he did for them–and all of humanity (Philippians 2:3). Paul affirms that Jesus did not consider his deity as something to be grasped. Still, instead, he let it go so he could become like us (Philippians 2:4-11). The godly leader should serve those he leads instead of acting like an insufferable boss (Luke 22:25-27). We need to pursue godly leadership more than anything because it eventually results in servant leadership. To know if you’re a servant leader, examine how quick you are to do the small tasks for those in your charge. Is it easy for you, or do you find it almost repulsive to do things for them?
Have a Clear Vision
Proverbs 29:18 is a statement that all leaders need to pay attention to. The wise man says that without vision, people perish. But why is this so? Vision paints a picture of the end one intends to achieve—individually, organizationally, or wherever we lead. You cannot claim to lead anyone if you do not know where you are headed. People, the led, will always want to know where they are headed and how they will get there. The role of showing direction rests upon the leader. So, as a leader, one needs to know their destination before coming to the people. Whatever picture they develop in their hearts needs to be communicated to the people as clearly as possible. It must be so clear that the people also envision and run with it. Lastly, the leader must understand how to get the people to the desired destination (vision). A good leader knows the destination and takes people there confidently, providing them with a clear vision guiding their actions and decisions.
Be Accountable
As believers, we know the Christian journey was never meant to be taken solo (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). We are called to walk with others on this path of salvation, holding each other accountable even as we stir up one another to love and good works (Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24). Accountability is necessary for us all and not just a punitive reserve for some. Good leaders realize that before they judge others, they must judge themselves according to God’s standards (Romans 14:12, Hebrews 4:13). Those we lead are not our ultimate judges since they are mortals like us. God is the one to whom we present ourselves and give an account of our thoughts, words and actions. Wise leaders will maintain constant, consistent communion with God through regular scripture intake (Joshua 1:8), meditation (Psalm 1:1-3) and prayer (Ephesians 6:18). After God-ward accountability, the good leader needs to submit to a team or a group of brethren to share about life’s challenges vulnerably. Brotherly accountability is a biblical expectation because we do need each other in this life. We can enjoy such accountability in fellowships (Hebrews 10:24-25), where people meet regularly and share in the joys and tribulations of the gospel. Being accountable also has an aspect of friendship (Galatians 6:2), where we strive to bear each other’s burdens. A good leader must have a circle of friends with whom they share their faults and failures. It is in the multitude of counsel that we find success (Proverbs 15:22).
Depend on God
Good leaders show total dependence on God. As believers, we follow the example of our Good Shepherd, who said that he does nothing of his own accord (John 5:19) but everything he saw his Father do. Jesus wholly depended on God during his life and ministry. Whether it was during the temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) or in feeding the hungry (Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:31–44; Luke 9:12–17; John 6:1–14), Jesus modelled how leaders can rely on God’s providence. Why is it crucial for us to depend upon the Lord? Because our wisdom is fallible. James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we must request it from the God who generously gives it. Good leaders always go back to the Lord for guidance. They know better than to depend on their understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Depending on God means throwing all our ‘weight’, as it were, upon him so that he can hold us up with his strength for his glory (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Have Integrity
A good leader must be a person of integrity. The Cambridge Dictionary defines integrity as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. The Bible Study Tools website equates integrity to honesty, sincerity, and genuineness, which are fundamental to good character. Good leaders pursue integrity and guard it at all costs (Hebrews 13:8). As much as it is commonplace for people to trip and fall (Romans 3:23), leaders of integrity take responsibility for their actions and refuse to point fingers at others. People tend to follow a leader who has clear standards and executes what they set their minds to do. Also, you will hardly find straightforward people following a leader who is not morally upright since such cannot be trusted. A leader of integrity is steady, balanced, and dependable. We must not act like shifting shadows since we are guiding lights.
Character is closely tied to integrity. Character is who you are when no one is watching you. Our character is the fuel for integrity. Peter Cain says, “Develop your character so that you are a person of integrity.” Good leaders allow themselves to be reproved by others because it helps them grow. Character grows as we are sharpened by others (Proverbs 27:17). Like all other virtues, character and integrity take time to nurture. If we tarry a little longer, we shall reap the fruit of discipline (Hebrews 12:11). Integrity is critical for leaders because it sets the ground for trust and confidence in our leadership.
Leadership is not all about giving instructions and commands; what we make others do. It is about responding to God’s call within us as he prepares us to lead his people. May we be led of God to lead others well.
Reference
Bible Study Tools dictionary
