Running head: CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
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Essay: Theology of Christian Leadership
Wilma Hampton
Liberty University
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Essay: Theology of Christian Leadership
Theology can be defined as a study of religious faith, practices, and experiences or even
the study of the nature of God and God’s relation to the world. However, when specifically
talking about Christian theology, we are focusing on the study of Christian belief and practices.
It is pertinent that all leaders have a clear understanding of this concept as well as their beliefs
and practices.
Leadership is comprised of four important components. These components are a leader, a
group, a goal, and method or steps necessary to reach that goal. Leadership is influenced and
impacted by the theology of the leader. This essay will further discuss my theory and practice of
leadership as it aligns with the Holy Scriptures.
The Leader
In reading and study the Bible, I have come to the understanding that some leaders are
“called” and some are “chosen” for a specific position and intended purpose (“For many are
called, but few are chosen” Matthew 22:14). Everyone may not have the qualifications
necessary to be an effective Christian leader. According to Malphurs (2003), Christian leaders
possess eight distinctions: a Christian leader is a Christian, a committed Christ-follower, the
source of truth is divine revelation, emphasizes godly character, understands the importance of
motives, serves through the power of the Holy Spirit, practices Godly servant leadership, and
have the gift of leadership (pp. 15-21).
I believe that I have a particular vision, inspiration, purpose, and duty in this world as it
relates to the Kingdom of God. Paul stated to the Church of Corinth, “whatever you do, do all to
the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Scriptures support that we are in this world physically,
but we do not live accordingly to worldly principles. I teach that we are in a world system,
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influenced by Satan, that opposes God, his principles, his will, and his plan for man’s life
(Ephesians 6:11,12).
As a Christian leader, I believe that I have been given an assignment with the resources
(God’s Word and Holy Spirit) and abilities (strength, qualifications, and directions) to
accomplish the will of God for my life, the life of the people, and for God’s eternal plan. I have
been spiritually gifted with this special ability to carry out a specific part of God’s plan. I was
encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s writing:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy,
let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that
giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8, KJV).
I focus mostly on the bold print which says that as a leader, I have to lead with all diligence
(constant and with an earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken).
The Group
Unlike the belief of some that Christian leadership should be for Christians only, I
disagree. It is my belief and my practice that Jesus died for all (For God so loved the world that
he gave his only begotten son…, John 3:16). Not only is it my responsibility, but should be the
responsibility of all leaders, to serve and care for all of God’s creations and be champions of
human life and propagation. In order to do so, I had to learn to work with all people, in all ways
that glorify God and fosters the betterment of humanity.
I lead by the same instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples in Mark 16:15: “And he
said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. Jesus stated
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that he came to seek and redeem the lost. Jesus further declares, that he was anointed by the
Spirit of the Lord to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to
the captives, recover the sight to the blind, and set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18).
This scripture has led me to work with many different folks from various walks of life. I have
been led to work with drug addicts, the prostitutes, the HIV+, the homeless, the gays, the
lesbians, and all who are lost and will allow me the chance to restore hope by leading them to
Christ. So, it is my goal to reach, teach, and preach to all who God affords me the opportunity to
encounter.
The Goal
My theory consists of a vision of “reconciliation and restoration”. It is my belief that
God chose me to restore hope to those that have grown weary and faint and reunite them back to
God, who is the Father of Grace and a forgiving God. It is further the goal to tell all about the
eternal new life in contrast to the temporal life of this world. I’m reminded of the question asked
by Jesus in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and die and loose his
soul?” Like Paul teaching to the Corinthians regarding affliction and adversity, I have to remind
people not to give up but allow the spirit and power of God to strengthen and renew them. The
afflictions are only temporary, but at the end the glory of God will work on their behalf (2
Corinthians 4:16-18).
My theory not only lines up with the scripture, but it also agrees with Johnathan
Edwards’s “Theology of Revival”. We are in a time when it appears that the “church” has lost its
zeal and fervency. It appears that the “fire” has gone out and people are no longer thirsting and
hungering for the truth, which is the word of God, the message of Jesus Christ, the cross, the
crucifixion, the resurrection, and the redemption. When we as leaders turn to and direct our
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followers back to a state of revival, God will pour out his Holy Spirit, equip men to carrying on
the work, fill them with the wisdom, knowledge, and fervency for promoting the kingdom of
Christ (Shaw, 1997, p. 126).
Method
In my walk through this life, the method I use for displaying my Christian leadership is
by spreading God’s values through good example, persuasion, and influence. Matthew 5:13-16
talks about us being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. It is never my desire to cast
sight on me, but to represent God at all times so that all sees Christ in me.
I was called to serve. Jesus even acknowledge that he came not to be served, but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for all (Matthew 20:8). I, too, came to serve. As a leader, the
vision, plan, and goal must be in line with God’s purpose and for the welfare of the ministry and
people I serve. It is my strongest desire to please God and to do his will. I desire to lead as Jesus
led, by example and through humility. It is the use of these Christian principles that have greatly
impacted, influenced, and increased my success in life and in the ministry.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh,
when no man can work. John 9:4
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References
Malphurs, Aubrey (2003). Being leaders: The nature of authentic Christian leaders.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Shaw, M. (1997). 10 Great ideas from church history: A decision-maker’s guide to shaping
your church. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
