What makes Christian leadership unique?

TL;DR:

Christian leadership is unique because it reflects the heart of Christ—marked by humility, service, and devotion to God, not personal glory. True leaders follow Jesus' example by leading with wisdom, love, and self-sacrifice, not status or power.

what does the bible say?

The Bible guides us on what makes a Christian leader unique, especially as compared to what the world esteems: reverence for God, humility, godly wisdom, and self-sacrifice—are all traits that Christian leaders are called to lead with. Though Moses was not a skilled speaker, he was humble, trusted God, and, when he was leading well, was self-sacrificing toward those God called him to lead (Exodus 3:11-12, 4:10-12, 32:31-32). Moses’ reverence for God pointed to his wisdom, a quality Proverbs emphasizes as vital for believers (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 16:16), including leaders. These and other qualities of Christian leadership are exemplified perfectly in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The New Testament indicates that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, to serve others rather than to be served (Luke 19:10; Matthew 20:28). He left heaven to live among sinful humanity and to minister to the needs of people (Philippians 2:6-8). In letters to Timothy and Titus, the apostle Paul affirms these Christian leadership traits and goes into even more specific detail. Scripture shows that effective Christian leadership is rooted in God’s character and in Christ’s example of service with truth, love, and humility.

from the old testament

The book of Exodus relates God choosing Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian slavery. Moses’ humility (Exodus 3:11-12), obedience to the Lord, and self-sacrificing attitude toward those in his charge (Exodus 32:31-32) made him a leader about which it was said, “there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses” (Deuteronomy 34:10).
After Moses’ death, Joshua was called to lead the Hebrew people. Like Moses, Joshua trusted in God (Numbers 14:8-9) and was “full of the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9).

from the new testament

Jesus explained to His disciples the difference between worldly leaders and godly leaders: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 28:25-26). Worldly leaders often seek their own glory; godly leaders seek God’s glory.
Jesus called Himself the “good shepherd” who “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Like a shepherd, Jesus cared for the sheep, met their needs, and protected them from harm. Christian leaders should emulate His example.
First Timothy 3 discusses the qualifications of a Christian leader, among which are high moral character and spiritual maturity.
Likewise, in Titus 1, Paul outlines characteristics of a proper Christian leader.

implications for today

Leadership expert John C. Maxwell defined a leader as “one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” “The Way” for Christian leaders is Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus explained to His apostles that worldly leaders seek power over others, but that His followers should lead by serving others (Matthew 28:25-26). A true Christian leader will heed our Lord’s words. The apostle Paul is a great example of Christ-like humility and service to others (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 2:3-5). In most of Paul’s letters, he begins by referring to himself as a servant or slave of Christ Jesus. Christian leaders today should also identify themselves first, as servants of Jesus, under His authority, genuinely concerned with reflecting Christ’s values and integrity.

Those who have dreams of glorifying themselves rather than glorifying God are not fit to lead. If you’re thinking of taking on a leadership role in your church, it’s a good idea to ask some self-reflective questions: What are your motives? What are your expectations? Are you ready to work in service to the Lord, oftentimes without overt acknowledgement from others? Effective Christian leadership is rooted in Christ’s example of service with truth, love, and humility.

understand

A Christian leader seeks to glorify God not him or herself.
Christian leadership is marked by humility, service, self-sacrifice, and devotion to God.
Spiritual maturity and godly character are essential for a Christian leader.

reflect

How do you view people in positions of Christian leadership, and how does that line up with what God’s Word says?
How do you evaluate if your own current leadership motives are more centered on glorifying God or being affirmed by people?
How are you growing in spiritual maturity and godly character as you step into—or prepare for—leadership?

engage

How does Christian leadership challenge the world’s definition of success and power?
What can we learn from biblical leaders about leading with humility, integrity, and self-sacrifice?
How can we as believers better support and recognize servant-hearted leaders who reflect Christ’s example?