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QUALITIES OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP (CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LEADER)by Jamie Buckingham
"Quench not the Spirit"
1. GOD's calling (Is. 6:8,9)
One of the tasks of the Holy Spirit is calling leaders consecrated to the kingdom. All men and women are "called" to GOD (Rom. 8:28,30); but only a few respond (Matt. 7:13,14; 22:14; John 15:16). However, the calling that leaders experience is different, and exhibits distinct modalities. 1) Many are called sovereignly. Moses was chosen by GOD, who had spoken to him from a burning bush (Exod. 3:1-4:17). The child Samuel was called while he slept (I Sam. 3:1-18). The young Isaiah was worshiping in the temple when he was called by GOD (Is. 6:1-9). 2) Others are called through human beings. Samuel went to David and anointed him with oil (I Sam. 16:1-13). Paul commanded Titus to designate elders in the churches of Crete (Tit. 1:5). There is a difference between being "a woman or man of GOD", as we are all called, and being "the woman or man of GOD", someone called to leadership.
2. GOD's voice (Matt. 16:13-20)
The pious leader "hears" GOD; rather, his spirit is in tune with the impulses and lessons of the Holy Spirit. In Caesarea Philippi, a bastion of the ancient demon-gods of Syria, Greece and Rome, Jesus asked his disciples about his identity. Peter's answer (v.16) transcended human possibilities; thus Jesus commented that such a response came from GOD (v.17). Then the LORD declared, emphatically, that the leadership in his Church would act and rest, not on human ability to reason, but rather on its readiness and receptivity to hear GOD through "revelatory knowledge", or rather, those things that GOD manifests through the work of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:17,18; 3:14-19).
3. Faith (Gen. 12:1-20; 17:1-27; 22:1-19)
Abraham's ability to lead was proved in three areas of faith: 1) Faith to risk (12:1-5). As a rich man, he risked everything to follow GOD. The dedicated leader is prepared to risk all for his trust in GOD and to adventure into the unknown. 2) Faith to trust (17:1-27). Abraham and Sarah were already long past the age of procreation. The dedicated leader doesn't believe solely in things that he sees but, through faith, he sees beyond those things. 3) Faith to yield himself (22:1-19). Abraham knew that sacrificing his son would destroy any hope of fulfilling the promise that pointed him out as the future father of many nations. The devoted leader is ready to sacrifice everything dear to him to please GOD.
4. High standards of leadership (James 3:1)
Leaders are judged with a higher standard that those who follow them. In I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 much attention is paid to details, but here James reminds those who are in a position of leadership, that they would be considered responsible regarding following the example of Jesus Christ, as much in spirit and the conduct that they manifest, as in their words and attitudes. Governors, soldiers and business leaders, are rarely judged by their personal lives. The leaders of the kingdom, however, are judged not so much by what they achieve, as by the character that they reveal, that is, according to what they are, and not what they do. This high standard is applied not so much to the leader's successes as to the state of his heart and his spirit. It's possible to achieve great successes and even to maintain an orthodox comportment and, nevertheless, manifest an unholy and loveless spirit. But if there are no problems with the leaders' heart, the good behavior will always com after, and good leadership will be manifested.
5. Evaluation of character (I Tim. 3:1-13)
The dominant idea among the leaders of the New Testament was that the ministry belonged to the Christian community in its totality. The ordination of leaders consisted primarily of the selection of individuals of maturity and proven character, to lead in such a way that the entire church could function effectively in worship, service, evangelization and carrying out the individual spiritual gifts. The characteristics that the leaders of the church should possess are carefully outlined in verses 1-13 and in Titus 1:5-9. There is no mention in them of the family lineage or any rite of passage, as occurred with the Old Testament priesthood. Instead, an evaluation is made of the leader's ethic and morals, sustained and proven. More than a dozen significant qualities are mentioned that a leader is expected to possess, among which are included spiritual preparation, self-control, good social disposition, domestic order and living a holy life. The basis for a permanent ministry is a sustained dedication. If a leader abandons these ethical standards, he or she must accept to be stripped of the leadership duties, until an adequate time transpires for a new verification of his character (Gal. 6:1,2).
6. Complete selflessness (Acts 26:19)
Paul was totally dedicated to the task of spreading the gospel and establishing churches in all the then known world. He lived what he wrote, "because the gifts and calling of GOD are irrevocable" (Rom. 11:29). His life demonstrated three basic concepts of leadership: 1) he was dedicated to the goals and spirit of his calling (Phil. 3:7,8); 2) he communicated his convictions to others (II Tim. 2:1,2) and bore all the difficulties necessary to achieve that end (II Cor. 4:8-11; 11:23-33). 3) he was alert to changes. The apostle adapted to cultural, social and political changes and, in this way, never lost his relevant position (I Cor. 9:19-22).
7. Humility (Judges 6:1-8;35)
Gideon demonstrated sever characteristics of the consecrated leader: 1) unwillingness to govern unless GOD called him (6:36-40); 2) continual dependence on GOD (7:1-8); 3) willingness to turn faith into action (6:25-27; 7:15-22); 4) disposition to use the gifts that GOD gave him to lead others. He told the 300 who remained with him to observe and follow his example (7:17); 5) he gave the glory to GOD before and after the victory (7:15; 8:3,23); 6) he humbly gave credit to others who truly deserved it *8:1-3); 7) he refused to establish a dynasty after having fulfilled the divine charge (8:22,23).
8. A spirit susceptible to instruction (Acts 13:32)
Only one man is designated in the Bible as someone close to GOD's heart; the man who enjoyed such happiness was David, the king of Israel. David is better remembered as a very sinful man; he committed adultery, killed others, lied, betrayed his nation, committed several errors of judgment, wasn't an excellent administrator and, finally, couldn't even attend to his home adequately. And, nevertheless, GOD said of him, "I have found David son of Jesse, a man according to my heart, who will do all that I want" (v.22). Almost always when we read about David, he is doing something wrong; however, GOD praised the essence of his leadership. Who is this explained? The answer resides in the fact that after each error David repented; and something equally important: he learned from his own mistakes. Not only was he humble and showed himself capable of learning, but he listened to his critics, as well as his enemies. And, above all, he paid attention and listened to GOD's prophets. This willingness to receive instruction is the character trait the moved GOD to classify King David as the greatest of the leaders of Israel.
9. Vulnerability (Matt. 26:47-54; Luke 22:47-51; John 18:10,11)
Being vulnerable as a leader means staying totally open to everyone else, without hiding anything, and refusing to defend oneself. Few things induce a greater reaction in people than the sense of dealing with someone who sympathizes with and understands their needs, which they find when the leader shows meekness and self-assurance. By Jesus refusing to defend himself on the night of his arrest, Peter's protective action caused the High Priest's servant lose an ear. Immediately Jesus proceeded to cure his enemy, making himself vulnerable, running the risk of being hurt also, and that his action would be interpreted as another hostile movement. Vulnerability can expose us to misunderstandings, but can also bring healing.
10. Security (John 13:1-17)
When Jesus took the towel and washbasin to wash the feet of his disciples, he not only assumed the humble role of the servant, but he evidenced psychological security, essential in a leader. The lifestyle and lessons of Jesus established a model for a new class of leader: the servant-leader (Matt. 20:26-28). The servant-leader fulfills his functions being sure of himself, that is, knowing what GOD has entrusted to him, and resting on the confidence that GOD's hand orders his personal destiny (see this in v.3, in regards to Jesus). The pious leader is one who is inclined to help others, who considers everyone else above himself (Phil. 2:3,4), who gives his life for others (John 10:11), who seeks to serve before being served (Luke 22:27). As long as a person isn't inclined to wash the feet of others, he isn't qualified to be a leader of the kingdom.
11. Lead the way GOD does (Judges 8:22,23; 9:1-57)
Although Gideon wisely refused to serve as king of Israel (8:23), upon his death, his son Abimelech hired some assassins to kill his brothers in the hope of taking the government into his hands. Jotham, his youngest brother and the only one who escaped, climbed Mount Gerizim and prophesied that a kingdom founded on sin would soon be undone, and three years later, this happened. Gideon understood that GOD wanted Israel to be a theocracy (GOD as King). But, even though Abimelech had a natural charisma, he neither had the mind of GOD, nor had he been anointed or designated by Him. Consecrated leaders do things the way GOD does. Evil disqualifies a person from this type of charge. The leader who seeks to benefit himself, at the cost of others, is on the path to self-destruction. In contrast with his humble father, Abimelech was ambitious, believing that the end justifies the means. GOD judges leaders, not in terms of what they achieve, but in the manner that they do things.
12. Resist popular opinion (Num. 13:1-14:45; Joshua 6:1-27; 10:1-43)
Joshua was continually confronted with various alternatives, and the majority of his decisions went against popular opinion. But on each occasion he called the people to put their faith in the promises of GOD, instead of concentrating on the difficult circumstances that they faced. The leader doesn't condition his appeal to the sentiments or moods of the moment. The spiritual advance requires faith, and unbelief never sees anything but difficulties. Unbelief sees "walled cities and giants", rather than the presence and power of GOD. Unbelief sees the obstacles, faith sees GOD. Joshua and Caleb were prepared to do what was unpopular and called the people to a positive faith. Both directed the people toward the future, resisting the adoption of a negative attitude and helping raise a new generation that would serve GOD in faith.
13. Fasting and prayer (Acts 13:1-3)
The leaders of the early church made important decisions unanimously after fasting and praying. In Antioch, the prophets and teachers fasted and prayed in search of GOD's direction for the church. And while they waited on GOD, the Holy Spirit instructed them (v.2). Thus was how the missionary work was initiated, through which, finally, the gospel must be preached to all the world. Pious leaders wait for GOD to instruct them and endow their lives and ministries with the power of the Holy Spirit. The disciplined practice of fasting, and constant prayer, are means already put to the proof to that end, and as such, obligatory in the lives of leaders (Matt. 9:15).
14. Dreams and visions (Acts 16:6-10)
On his missionary journey, Paul planned a journey to the north, to Bithynia. But that night he dreamed about a man who said, "Come to Macedonia and help us" (v.9). Because of this dream or vision, the Apostle changed his route. This manifests a character trait of leaders who are guided by the Holy Spirit. The impious leaders of the world consult the horoscope and diviners, in search of directions for their lives, but pious Christian leaders seek the direction of the LORD 1) through the written Word, the Bible, and 2) through dreams and visions (2:17). Their minds are cleansed of impurity (II Cor. 10:5), and don't conform to the standards of this world, but are transformed by the renewing of their mind (Rom. 12:2). They have to put their sight and affections on the things from above and not on those of the earth (Col. 3:2). For that reason, when the Holy Spirit speaks to them through visions (diurnal mental images) and dreams (revelations during a dream), they hear the message without difficulty (see also Psa. 16:7; Acts 9:10; 10:3,17; 18:9).
15. Signs, miracles and wonders (Acts 2:22)
Without exception, miracles, wonders and signs accompanied the ministry and preaching of the early leaders of the Church. Here Peter reminded the people that Jesus' credibility was based on his miraculous ministry. This same credibility accompanied those who were set apart for the leadership, such as Stephen, Philip, Barnabus, Silas and Paul, and also the first apostles (6:8; 8:6; 15:12; 19:11,12).
Miracles, wonders and signs were commonly accepted in the early church; and the leaders took the initiative in making room for this ministry. Also, the leaders of the early church prayed for miracles (Acts 4:30), and saw them, not as casual acts or occasional successes, but as evidences of the anointing of GOD in those who continually glorified Christ throughout the Church, and that, consequently, should be sought and well-received.
16. Unity and harmony (Acts 1:14)
Being "unanimous" or in accord is a dominant characteristic in the leadership of the New Testament. That the leaders of the early church always gathered in Jerusalem, tells us that they were united and in harmony with each other and with GOD (2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 15:25). The unanimity was spiritual and practical, not just theological, since we see that they shared their lives and possessions. Acts 2:42-47 gives us a description of the leadership in the age of the New Testament: they gathered, studied together, shared their material possessions (2:45; 4:32-37; 6:1). Often they gathered to pray, which put into manifestation not only the good relations that existed among them, but also their total trust in GOD (2:42; 4:31; 12:5; 13:3).
17. Take command (Exod. 27:1-28:43)
GOD called Moses and directly commanded him: "take charge" (from the Hebrew veatta). 1) "And you will command" (from the Hebrew veatta tezave, 27:20). The supervisor should intervene and take charge of the situation, always when the delegated leader moves in the wrong direction or there is some type of confusion. 2) "You will take with you" (from the Hebrew veatta hakrev, 28:1). Occasionally, the leader directs by putting an arm around his subordinates to affirm them, encourage them or identify with them. 3) "And you will speak to all the wise of heart" (from the Hebrew veatta tedeber, 28:3).
Occasionally, to avoid misunderstandings, an administrator needs "to take charge", speaking directly to all the laborers instead of directing them through other subordinate leaders. The wise leader knows when to loosen the reins, but he won't give up full control until GOD indicates it.
18. Authority (Exod. 28:1,2)
Moses' authority came from GOD by direct revelation (33:11), while that of Aaron came from his office, through divine indication. Moses didn't have special vestments, but Aaron needed "sacred vestments", that gave him beauty and glory (28:2). Aaron's office and his attire were essentials to put his authority over the people into manifestation, while Moses didn't need any of those adornments. He was humble and modest, but in crucial moments, when clear and firm decisions were necessary, he was exacting and authoritative. This duality in the spiritual authority gave place to misunderstandings and, sometimes, to conflicts. But, we realize that no confusion exists in the divine order when we see that there are two types of leaders in the Bible, since both are necessary in a healthy and balanced church or organization. Every person who enjoys great popularity, has a strong will, or a prophetic vision, needs an Aaron, the priest who ministers most directly to the peoples' needs. The different levels of authority shouldn't be considered competitive elements, but complementary.
19. Inspiration (Judges 4:1-5:31)
Deborah convinced her followers to go beyond their own vision. The leader who inspires others constitutes a model of integrity and valor. He gives his followers autonomy, and not only deals with them as individuals, but encourages their individual initiative. There is no better way to develop leadership than to give a person a job and let him realize it. This is what Deborah did with young Barak. She assigned him the task of recruiting an army to defeat Sisera; she wasn't afraid to become an example of valor and heroism by offering herself as bait for the ambush.
20. Fearlessness (Luke 3:1-20)
John the Baptist began his prophetic ministry not only with the positive message of announcing the coming of the Messiah, but bravely calling the people to repentance It would have been much easier to simply proclaim the good news, but John was obedient to the prophetic ministry that challenged people in their careless attitude and their sins. His ministry was marked by fearlessness, the boldness of preaching what wasn't popular. John reprimanded the religious (v.8), called people to be generous (verses 10,11), denounced dishonesty (verses 12,13) and demanded a just administration of authority (v.14). Later, he confronted the immorality tolerated by the leaders (Mark 6:18), and was eventually arrested and decapitated for this reason. Jesus' tribute to the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11) and lifted him us as a testimony to faithfulness and boldness as characteristics very worthy of leaders.
21. The administrative leader (I Cor. 12:28)
The New Testament seems to recognize three basic types of administrative leadership: 1) The servant-leader or deacon; from the Greek diakonia, which means "service or ministry" (II Cor. 8:19,20; 9:1,12). These "deacons" follow the model of the men who were set apart in Acts 6:1-6, to serve the widows in Jerusalem. 2) The butler-servant or administrator: from the Greek oikonomos or oikonomis, which means "butler", such as a pastor nowadays. The word says, literally, "administrator of the house", a position generally fulfilled by a slave in the 1st century of the Christian era. The word refers to those who "manage" the church (I Cor. 4:1,2; II Tim. 1:7); 3) The leader who manages the helm or the supervisor who fulfills the role of apostle or bishop. Kybernesis is a Greek term taken from life by the sea, and is used to designate the helmsman or pilot who keeps the boat on course. Here where Paul speaks of the spiritual gift of administration, the word is translated "those who administer" [KJV-helps] (I Cor. 12:28).
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