A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON LEADERSHIP
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15–17
People often see leadership based on an “It’s all about me” approach. In all kinds of organizations and institutions, the rewards of money, recognition, and power increase as an individual moves up the hierarchy. Self-promotion (pride) and self-protection (fear) dominate today’s leadership style. Many leaders act as if the sheep are there only for the benefit of the shepherd. In personal relationships, leadership based on mutual respect, loving care, self-sacrifice, and openness is often undermined when pride, fear, and indifference replace intimacy with isolation. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that there is a better way. This alternative approach to leadership is driven by four basic beliefs that have become central to our ministry:
• Leadership happens anytime we influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person.
• Jesus is the greatest leadership role model of all time.
• Servant leadership is the only approach to leadership that Jesus validates for His followers.
• Effective leadership begins on the inside, with our hearts.
As you explore these four beliefs, we hope you will gain an entirely different perspective on leadership. May you come to see leadership as a journey that begins with your own transformation and progresses to your leading another person, then to leading a small number of people, and finally to leading an organization. May you also see that leadership is the alignment of four essential domains: the heart, the head, the hands, and the habits.
Let’s get started!