Christian Leadership

Since the time of Jesus people have been claiming to be "Christian leaders." The idea of leadership as it is currently understood in its many variations and facets would have been little understood by Jesus' earliest followers.

One would have to understand the roots of the word "Christian" before s/he could possibly define "Christian leadership." The Bible indicates that followers of Jesus were called "Christians." A follower of Jesus would then be a Christian. This is the first paradox of Christian leadership: Christian leaders are be definition and the nature of Christianity first and foremost followers.

Modern Theories

Modern Christian leadership theories vary greatly. Some follow the teaching of John Maxwell who uses business-based approaches and loosely attempts to apply Christian principles to them. Others follow stricter biblical theories relying only on the Bible or on a particular Christian leader for guidance. Still others claim to rely solely upon the Holy Spirit for their guidance and theories of leadership.

Popular books such as The Fifth Disciplineand The E-Myth Revisited are used by some Christian leaders as base resources as they scramble to lead in a world that seems to worship strong leaders and diverse methods of leadership. Theologically-minded Christian leaders may prefer to follow the teachings of someone like Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy among others) or Brennan Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospel or The Importance of Being Foolish) who promote a Christ-centered, faith-based, humility-drenched kind of leadership.

Biblically-Based Christian Leadership

Christian laypeople, ministers, and theologians are still trying to develop a more detailed explanation of Christian leadership. Christian leadership can be understood in the context of shepherding: "Jesus referred to Himself as the Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). He indicated that leadership is comparable to shepherding in many ways. Leading is tough, especially when you do not get to call all the shots. Especially when it is not about you or your own authority. Especially when your ego realizes you are a farm hand in the back woods of God's kingdom. God sees you though. Wasn't Moses out for a little walk with the flock when God set the bush on fire?"^{Leading Out of Love, Paul Heier, pp. 117-118, First Books, 2003.}

Various seminaries and Bible colleges are offering courses on Christian leadership and more and more students are pursuing graduate work in the area. The Center for Discipleship Studies[1] is currently researching Christian leadership and working to promote a biblical passion among those who wish to be Christian leaders.

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