3 Ways to Embrace Your Calling as a Christian Leader

The Unique Call for Christians

Even if you think you’re not a leader, the fact that you’re a Christian puts you in a leadership role. When we come to Christ, we receive a calling to set an example and lead others to the truth of Christ, being an ambassador or representative of God wherever we go. Read what the Bible says about those who are in Christ: “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Why Biblical Leadership?

There are all kinds of leadership theories in use today that remain in a constant state of flux. However, there is one resource that has been around for 2,000-plus years and is unique in its teaching to leaders. The Scriptures have provided direction to millions of people on how we are to live and lead.

3 Ways to Embrace Your Calling as a Christian Leader

1. Good leadership not only points the way, but also leads the way by example.

When we lead, we’re not just telling people what to do. We’re setting an example and saying, “Follow me.” Like Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1); he was leading the way in his relationship with God.

Paul said to Timothy, who was a young pastor, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Peter encourages us to be examples in our lives as well. “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4).

2. Good leaders place a strong emphasis on doing what is right.

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).

Wherever you are leading, look at the culture in context to see what is harmful and ungodly, and be willing to confront it. Be strong enough to make corrections and remove what is wrong as you lead the people under you toward what is right.

King Asa was one of the early kings of Judah. His reign was just a few generations after the reigns of King David and King Solomon. A king by the name of Zerah came out of Ethiopia (Africa) with a large army to do battle against Asa and Judah. Asa went out and set his troops in battle array. As he compared the size of his troops with Zerah’s massive army, he realized, “I’m in trouble!”

Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

As a result of doing what was right, King Asa was given ten years of peace, and he used that time to build a large army and fortify the cities in Judah for protection from their enemies.

3. Godly leaders lead by faith, placing their trust and hope in the Lord when there is a need.

This is a powerful leadership principle. Paul said in Romans 1:16-17:
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

That’s what King Asa did. He put his faith in God, and God actively intervened, allowing Asa to defeat a larger army.

Psalm 34:10 says, “The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”

The Blessing of Seeking God

It’s so important for a leader to start well, but we must remain vigilant and continue seeking God in every area and season of our life so that we will finish well as leaders. This will bring huge blessings to us and to those we lead. Remember 2 Chronicles 15:7: “Be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”

Remain loyal to the living God; put Him first in everything in your life—the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is so important to God, as He is on a search to show Himself strong to those whose hearts are loyal to Him.