The command given in Matthew 28:19 which is to make disciple of the nations talks about leadership, hence, every Christian have received a call to be a leader since man was to have dominion over the earth and subdue it. Christian leadership is exhaustively analyzed and displayed in the lifestyle of Jesus Christ. He is the epitome and zenith of leadership.
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WHAT IS CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
To define Christian Leadership let us take a momentary at the meaning of Leadership. Leadership is the process of influencing and developing a group of persons in order to accomplish a purpose over time. Jesus personified Leadership, He directed thinking, guided people, aimed them toward truth, and showed the way to love, forgiveness and eternal life. The best place to start in defining leadership is with Jesus. Christian leadership involves partnership with Christ, knowing His will and His purpose and driving people to attain to this height by helping them to realize their place in Christ. Christian leaders are Godly people of integrity and passion, who take them; that is, to the place where they should be.
Through this we understand that the moment a person accepts Christ and becomes a new creature, a lifestyle of Leadership begins. Consequently l, Christian leadership involves fully following the example of Christ.
1Corithians 11:1 PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).
ATTRIBUTES OF A CHRISTIAN LEADER
1.)Abiding in Christ and Being a Watchman
Here is the most important characteristic of a christian leader. From the definition above of christian leader, the word "Godly people" indicates having a life of Christ and living it., this is the place of constant fellowship with Christ. Without abiding in him you can do nothing and through abiding, there is productivity and the power of God will infuse you.
Being a watchman indicates hearing and seeing farther from God than the people around and relaying the information.
Ezekiel 33:7 So you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at My mouth and give them warning from Me.
2.) Maintaining Your Integrity
In surveys, integrity is normally the number one character trait that the people want in their leaders. Integrity mean being honest, trustworthy, consistent, faithful and sticking to your principles which is according to the word of God. The slogan is Walk The Talk. David is mentioned as a man of integrity.
1King 9:4 And if you will walk before Me, as David your father walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, keeping My statutes and My precepts.
3.) Seeking to help and empower others
Leaders lead, great leaders train other leaders. Leaders are interested in the growth and wellbeing of people around them. They render help to people wherever they can, thereby pointing them towards Christ. Jesus could have done everything Himself but He chose to empower others to assist Him in His ministry.
Luke 9:1 THEN JESUS called together the Twelve [apostles] and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases,
2And He sent them out to announce and preach the kingdom of God and to bring healing.
4.) Pursuing Wisdom
Wisdom is like the fruit of the spirit. It does not just happen; it comes through conscious study and dependence on the word of God and His spirit. Remember that Leaders are Readers
2Timoth 2:15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
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Nehemiah helps us to understand Leadership and Wisdom;
He asked questions (Nehemiah 1:2);
wise people gather information before making decisions.He knew that wisdom has its source in God (Neh 1:4),wise people pray before making big decisions.
He was patient (Neh2:1);
increasingly we live in a society when everything has to happen now. Wisdom requires patience as we think, pray and seek advice.He was cautious (Neh 2:2);
Leadership involves taking risks but it is not reckless, Nehemiah was human and experienced fear. He overcame fear through wisdom which is cautious and careful.He was prepared;
Nehemiah knew what he would ask the king when the opportunity came. A wise leader plans and prepares what he is going to say and for questions, concerns and objections that others may have.
Nehemiah 2:5 And I said to [him], If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you will send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' sepulchers, that I may rebuild it.
To be continued.
Stayblessed
Brokenbytheword.