Biblical Leadership Attributes

This post contains notes I made during a training session on this topic at CGD (Bruce and Natasha Martin).

Attendees were asked what they had experienced were key attributes displayed by leaders or people who had inspired them in life. Answers included:

· Leading by example

· Sacrifice

· Inclusion

· Invite others to join

· Show you care (empathy)

· Motivate

· Inspire

· Assume responsibility

· Acknowledge that it is by God’s grace

· Commit to the bigger picture or longer term view

· Consistency

· Listening

· Compassion.

Dictionary definitions of leadership include having an effect on the development, character and behaviour of people.

As is mentioned by Paul in 1 Thessalonians, people imitate good leaders.

Influence as an attribute of leadership

We grow in influence by displaying Humility and Hope.

We need to be honest about our need for grace, and show vulnerability accordingly.

Don’t make yourself look good at the expense of others.

Listen more, and be less opinionated.

Hope is believing that God is at work through Christ, and so anything is possible.

Hope is not complaining so much, but having a positive attitude.

We need to serve, support and believe in people in order to lead with influence.

We need to live with a conviction that attracts God’s authority over your life (see Nehemiah) = allow some things to really matter to you. Have a world view, which includes an understanding of where and how God is at work. God invites us to discover the convictions that He has (in His Word). Step into the gap between what the world is doing and what God’s plan and vision is. Take on God’s burdens and convictions as he calls you into His purposes.

Courage as an attribute of leadership

Courage is the ability to carry fear well. It is not being without fear.

Expressions of courage make a leader = what they did, converting intention into action, creating a surge of possibility, sweeping others up in the wake.

You don’t have to create or invent, or know it all, so don’t create obstacles to taking action; rather trust in God’s wisdom to guide you. Don’t just dream it or envision it; do it! Take action.

“My grace is sufficient and my power is made perfect in your weakness.”

Per Andy Stanley, we are to say ‘No’ to some things so as to have capacity to say ‘Yes’ to others. In addition, we are to see what is wrong or missing and needs to be addressed, and then motivate people to find solutions to these problems or areas of need.

We are to avoid stifling dreams with too many ‘How?’s, and rather energise, encourage and inspire with more ‘Wow!’s