Jesse was just as surprised that his older children were not elected. He had not even considered inviting shepherd boy David to the ceremony. But even though David was a “ruddy” young boy, “. . . the LORD said, ‘Rise and anoint him; he is the one!’” (1 Samuel 16:11-12)
God tends to use the “ruddy, young boys” that are fully committed to Him. Our tendency is to hang educational nooses around budding leaders. Yet, the harvest is so plentiful and the laborers are so few that God would have us look at all leadership possibilities around us.
Characteristics of Leaders
What kind of characteristics should the perfect leader possess? Don’t worry too much if you get as many answers as those attending your group. Most authors do the same. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find an exact definition of leadership. The study of leadership is broad and varied. The numerous definitions of leadership provide validity to this quote by Bennis and Nanus: “…leadership is the most studied and least understood topic of any in the social sciences….Leadership is like the Abominable Snowman, whose footprints are everywhere but who is nowhere to be seen.” These experts in the field of leadership go on to say:
Literally thousands of empirical investigations of leaders have been conducted in the last seventy-five years alone, but no clear and unequivocal understanding exists as to what distinguishes leaders from non-leaders, and perhaps more important, what distinguishes effective leaders from ineffective leaders and effective organizations from ineffective organizations.
If you’re contemplating future leadership, be encouraged. God uses all kinds of leaders. There is no such thing as the perfect leader, nor is there one mold labeled “leadership.” God wants to use you in your uniqueness. Leadership has many personalities. Although the Bible doesn’t promote one “personality type” for great leadership, it does give us the characteristics of effective leadership. The following provides clues to Biblical leadership.
Old Testament Principles
When I do cell training, I know that I need to share the following leadership requirements because God requires them. Several of these traits can be summarized in one phrase: dependence upon God. God is looking for leaders who have the right heart attitude. The following Biblical references actually mention what God expects of leaders:
- Exodus 18:25
- Virtuous
- Delegates responsibility
- Deuteronomy 17:15-20
- Elected by God (v. 15)
- Committed believer (v. 15)
- Dependent on God (vv. 16-17)
- An obedient student of the Bible (vv. 18-19)
- Manifests humility (v. 20)
- I Samuel 16:7
- Has a heart dedicated to God
- II Samuel 23:3 & Leviticus 25:43-53
- Demonstrates reverence for God
- Dependence on God
A godly Christian leader must desire God above all else. This quality of hungering and thirsting for God will guide all the other skills. Jesus says to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you (Mt. 6:33). The strongest disciples are those who long for the presence of God. The Holy Spirit will be hindered if the leader is spiritually indifferent. A person who is not allowing the Holy Spirit to work in his or her own life can hardly be a channel for His working in the group. The Holy Spirit is the great Leader, so we need Him in our ministry to be effective. His will and glory should be above all else. “My food,” said Christ, “is to do the will of my Father and to finish His work” (John 4:34).
