Christian theology contemplates the model of a triune God. From this comes the powerful image of relationships and being in community. Christian leadership is about spirituality, character and community. A good name for this would be servant leadership. The idea of the presence of God’s Spirit gives us a very strong notion of our inclusion in and empowerment for the community of God. Spirituality is the center, heart and beginning point for Christian servant leadership. This spiritual position determines everything, from the character formation of the leader, to the interpretation of the leaders’ vision, to the understanding that most issues of leadership can be resolved only at the spiritual level.
As Christians we lead out of who we are in Christ. Our relationship with Christ forms and shapes our person. This is a lifelong process and relies on the bumps and bruises of life to make markings that define who we are when no one is watching. We cannot separate our service and leadership from this composite picture of our values, beliefs and godly nature. The Christian leader’s obedience to Christ produces service. We are drawn to God’s vision of eternal life, and we know that bringing God’s kingdom to life on earth is a primary goal of leadership. This is our highest calling, our driving vision.
We also know that the primary focus in this process is making disciples of Christ and bringing them into fellowship with God and God’s community. But also central is extending justice and compassion in and through every arena of life and every place where we work. God is a partner in this process and shares with us divine “power” to help us accomplish this goal. The presence of God is actively engaged in this kingdom-making process. Building community might be the most sacred of leadership pursuits, for leaders are attempting to bring their communities into full service to each other and God.
Our Christian framework understands sin and the nature of evil. It also takes a very different position when it comes to the notion of self-sufficiency. Dependence on and obedience to God is the highest and best use of a Christian leader’s time and energy.
In a sense all believers are leaders in that they have a sphere of influence in which they can encourage people in a Godward direction and assist in drawing out the spiritual gifts and service in others. This means that the real task of leaders is to unleash and develop the leader that is in every person.
Thus leaders are also followers, followers of Christ, and willing to accept the leadership of others. This turns out to be the harder discipline. Almost all aspire to be leaders; few aspire to be followers. Following involves the recognition that we must operate not as a cluster of independent individuals but as the body of Christ. God has designed the body for interdependence, not codependence or independence.
On a deeper level, following requires personal humility and the crucifixion of pride. Jesus uses himself and his own acts of service as an example for others to follow. Whenever we desire to understand this idea of servant leadership, we can turn to the example of Christ. Take for example Jesus’ foot washing in John chapter 13. In John 13:3-5 we read, “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” Jesus knew that he had all the power of the universe in his hands, but he did not use the power in those hands to inflict control over his disciples. He instead got up and washed his disciples’ feet. In verse 15 of this chapter Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” Jesus exemplified servant leadership, and his is a model we should follow.
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