What does it mean to be gifted in leadership? A leader is a person God has gifted to inspire and coordinate the actions of others. The spiritual gift of leadership is mentioned in Romans 12:8, as "the one who leads, with zeal." The gifted Christian leader uses his or her gift with a passion to help people grow in the Lord. The Greek word used in this verse refers to one who rules or governs others, which can be applied to many contexts. Biblical leadership is modeled after a shepherd who cares for and protects the flock, emphasizing service over status. Today, godly leaders are called to empower others and direct their efforts toward honoring God and caring for His people.
A godly leader will empower people to work together to achieve goals that honor God and help the lives of others. Believers have a variety of gifts. Leaders help others develop their gifts and work with them to accomplish greater impact. Leaders are called not just to direct others but to serve with humility and passion, recognizing that our authority is a stewardship from God. True leadership means being willing to step in and lift others up, not for our own recognition but to help the whole body grow in unity and strength. Leading with zeal sets the tone for those around us, inspiring them to follow Christ more closely. This requires leaders to remain teachable, to model integrity, and to prioritize the others’ needs over personal gain. In every decision and direction, leaders must ask: Am I leading in a way that reflects the heart of Christ? James, the half-brother of Jesus, led the first church in Jerusalem, yet introduced himself as, "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). Just as a shepherd's goal is to serve and protect the flock, a godly leader’s calling is to guide others toward spiritual growth and wholeness. May we lead not for our own glory, but in a way that points others to the Chief Shepherd—Christ Himself.