The One Who Leads

Christian leadership is a huge privilege and a massive gift from our good God. For those in leadership, leading ourselves and other leaders demands regular check-ups. These 5 C’s provide a helpful framework in assessing our own leadership and the growth of leaders entrust to our care and oversight.  

Conviction

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28:18-20)

First and foremost, Christian leaders will be growing in their love for Jesus Christ and His gospel mission. They will be more and more convicted by the gospel of Jesus and driven to see disciples made. They will preach the gospel to themselves regularly and ever delight in the death and resurrection of our Saviour King whilst growing in deep conviction to “go and make disciples of all nations”. 

Questions to ask yourself:  What are the deepest convictions of my heart? If someone had a deep dive investigation of my life what would they see my leadership shaped by? Would they see a clear vision and purpose for my life?

Character

“Set an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Secondly, Christian leaders will be growing more and more to be like Jesus Christ in their lives. They will set an example in how they live for Jesus and continue to put to death the ways of this world. There is a high expectation for all Christian leaders to be growing in godliness. If you are struggling with serious any sin then you will be ineffective and unproductive in your leadership. 

Questions to ask yourself:  Has my Christian character grown in the last 12 months? If someone looked at my life at home would they see someone growing in godliness, maturity and love?

Competency

“Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15)

Thirdly, Christian leaders will be growing in their ability to lead effectively and efficiently. They will be working hard to be well prepared and competent in leading God’s people in any context they find themselves in. They will be devoted to “these things”, to getting better at leading the people God has entrusted to their care.

Questions to ask yourself:  Am I more competent in leading God’s people than I was 12 months ago? What areas of my leadership need more training? Where can I get extra training in key competencies in ministry? 

Chemistry

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)

Fourthly, Christian leaders need chemistry. This means we work well with others in our team. We submit to each other and we love one another. This also involves graciously submitting to the leaders who oversee our church and leading with the strategy they are prayerfully seeking to implement. 

Questions to ask yourself:  Do I get along with the other leaders God has placed me with? How can I grow friendships and deeper relationships with the precious people God has allowed me to lead with?

Capacity

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” 

(2 Corinthians 4:7-9)

Lastly, Christian leaders will be growing in their capacity. This means we will be able to cope with more and more demands and pressures in our leadership. Instead of giving up or slacking off when things start to feel like they’re overloading us, we will prayerfully work hard and wisely look to delegate where appropriate. 

Questions to ask yourself: How much can I wisely take on in any given week? Have I written down my normal week and taken a critical analysis of my workload? Is my capacity for leadership growing?