“Real leaders are in short supply.”[1] The question becomes, what is a real leader? What
indispensable character traits should such a leader possess? A classical view of leadership
suggests that the leader should possess “courage, faithfulness, hope, love, wisdom, justice, and
temperance.”[2] These characteristics align with scripture and are evidenced in such passages as
( 1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:7, and Galatians 5:22).[3] Of these characteristics, I believe that faith,
courage, and wisdom are indispensable for the spiritual leader-teacher in their endeavor to
equip others for the work that God has called them to ( Ephesians 4:12).
Faithfulness is indispensable as a leadership characteristic as the trait is indicative of an
individual who has strong spiritual foundations and also someone who is living out faithful
obedience to the calling to which God has beckoned them. Just as important, Faithfulness is
indicative of trust. “Leader-teachers must build trust if they are to have an impact as teachers.
Without trust, they simply become transmitters of information.”[4]
Leaders must also possess courage. “Courage is that quality of mind that enables people
to encounter danger of difficulty firmly, without fear of discouragement.”[5] The apostle Paul
exhibited a great deal of courage throughout his ministry, God told him how much he would
suffer for his name (Acts 9:16) and yet, Paul overcame his fears and took great risks for the Lord.
Leaders who exhibit courage yield credibility which in turn “motivates the heart of the[ir]
follower[s].”[6]
Lastly, a leader should be wise. For the spiritual leader-teacher, “wisdom involves
knowing God and the subtleties of the human heart.”[7] Paul displayed this type of wisdom
when he prayed for the Christians in Colosse ( Colossians 1:9). It is this type of godly wisdom
that “produces purity, peace, a gentle response, a reasonableness, and the good fruits of
impartiality and sincerity. These are the marks of the wise leader-teacher.”[8]
**Note**
If anyone is looking for a great resource on spiritual leadership for the leader-teacher I would
highly recommend the book Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. I used this book as a
resource for a leadership development cohort I am leading-teaching at my church.
