As to leadership principles, there are a number of non-negotiable values that I firmly believe to be indispensable biblically: the headship of Christ, servanthood attitude, modeling, team leadership, relationship-oriented fellowship, and anointed service and administration. It is foundational that all Christian leadership endeavors should submit to the will of Christ. Whether this leadership takes place in churches, Christian organizations, secular vocations, or personal lives, Christ is and should be the Lord of all believers (Acts 2:36; Eph 1:15-23). There is no point in leading oneself and others if, first and foremost, the direction is not Christ-ward. From the spiritual perspective, there is zero eternal significance when the leadership influence is not directed under the headship of Christ for the purposes of God’s Kingdom (1 Cor 3:5-15). Jesus said that no matter how much believers can seem to accomplish by their own resources and strength, they could do nothing as far as God is concerned when they are not abiding in His Word, presence, and will (John 15:4-6). On the other hand, when we seek God’s glory and Perfect Will only by abiding in Jesus, we will bear much fruit and never burn out (John 5:1-8). Churches and Christian organizations can come up with programs after programs, but if they do not first go after God’s own heart and will, they will never be successful leaders in the eyes of God. Before the commandment to go and make disciples of all the nations (Matt 28) is the commandment to come and abide in Jesus (John 15).
Secondly, I believe a true Christlike leader should exemplify a servanthood attitude. The very own words of Jesus is unequivocally straightforward:
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’” (Mark 10:42-44; emphasis mine).[1]
