Nowadays, it is important to encourage leaders to excel in any field; whether I church or society. However, how does one develop a good Christian leader through the Bible and what traits should these leaders have?
These questions were given an answer in the analysis and experience of Dr. James Lampher. Dr. Lamper is an international educator with a mastery and doctorate degree in Christian education. He is also a former chairman of the Committee of Association for Biblical Higher Education and is now the leading the academic work for the Columbia International University in the Philippines as a teacher.
Dr. Lamper has been in China recently and according to his experience and analysis, in order to develop Christian leaders that would exemplify the teachings and values written in the Bible; three factors must be taken into consideration first.
1. Time
In order to cultivate future leaders, time must be invested. Without time given to training, one cannot develop a good leader.
2. Money
Investing money for training is also an important factor to consider to develop future leaders. If budget is cut, training these leaders would be cut as well. The budget for training leaders must be ascertain and not added in financial debt.
3. Energy
While time and money are essential, energy must also be invested. No one knows what the future might bring and future leaders must have a guide which would help cultivate one’s devotion.
When it comes to the difference of Christian and secular leaders, Dr. Lamper identifies fourteen factors that sets Christian leaders differently from secular leaders.
1. Integrity
A leader can observe a scenario and identify if the situation if its true or not. Leaders must also show that their daily lives also show their adherence to the teachings of God. “But let your communication be, yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37)
2. Servant Will
This aspect is also applicable to secular leaders because they must also show they are servant leaders, serving others. Jesus Christ is a perfect example of a servant leader.
3. Spirit Life
Christian leaders must have strong spiritual energy and they must exemplify good behavior. Does he read the Bible every day? Does he actively pray?
4. Humility
Humility is considerable and even Jesus Himself showed this trait when He was human. He served the people and died on the cross for the people. Leaders must exemplify this trait and they must not be proud. If they are proud, they do not exemplify the character of Christ.
5. Healthy Family life
Even leaders have families who are not exactly perfect. However, if one looks for a future leader, their family must also be taken into consideration.
6. Vision
Leaders must have a clear vision, especially when it comes to the things he can do and will do in the future. He must also be able to convey these visions to others clearly. As leaders are being honed, they must be trained in expressing these visions clearly and if there is incentive.
7. Confidence
Leaders must be confident and show the people that he can be depended on. He must not be conceited. A person cannot be a leader if they lack confidence.
8. Spare no effort
Is he devoting himself as a leader for the near future? Is he always on time on meetings and events? If he is, he is a leader that can be counted on and has a strong sense of fulfilling God’s calling.
9. Thinker
For this aspect, it is important to consider leaders who are well-versed with various issues and topics. Have they done research or constantly read? Have they considered the future?
10. Knowing how to judge and use people
Good leaders must learn that they should not handle things on their own. Every member must be given the chance to assist their leaders so they can also grow.
11. Communicative
Leaders must be able to clearly pass his ideas to his followers in every medium, not just in writing but also verbally.
12. Prompt others
Leaders must be able to stand by their members and encourage them to do better. This person must be able to lead people even in times of adversity.
13. Resolve conflict
In every group, there is also a possibility of a dispute. Leaders must be able to solve disputes as they appear. Do not seek for leaders who would create disputes.
14. Has the courage to decide.
Leaders need to listen to every member; but they must also have the courage to decide when the time comes.
In order to develop these fourteen factors for future leaders, Dr. Lamper cites Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples as an example. Within the group, there is a tight-knit group within them – Jesus Christ, Peter and John. Jesus often call them aside teach and speak with them privately. We must learn from this model and if this leader appears before us, here are things that must be done.
1. Selecting
If this person has leadership traits, it is good to check their skills and traits by assigning them tasks and befriending them. When undertaking in Bible study or prayer, we can prompt them to take part and lead. If they manage to do all of this, we must take note and consider them as a leader in the future and which areas they still need to develop.
2. Instruction
One must spend time with these potential leaders and discuss various issues. We must learn how to receive instructions from these potential leaders and allow them to learn in the future.
3. Gift ability
Leaders must be given time to make their own decisions and they must also learn from their mistakes. However, the time given for these leaders to decide and learn from their mistakes must be enough and people must assist them to understand how to improve from failures.
4. Support
If these potential leaders have done well, they must be supported even if they are stronger than us in some aspects. According to Dr. Lamper, “The main goal in training future leaders is equipping them with what they need and let them stand in times of need.”
