Leading Like Jesus

“Instead, {God’s steward} must be hospitable, in love with what is good, sensible, fair, of holy life; self-controlled.” Titus 1:8

This single verse is in no way a complete description of the desirable traits for Christian leadership. But they are telling. I do not think there is a single one of these six attributes anyone would disagree with. We might even come up with some of them on our own, apart from reading what Paul wrote to Titus.

But it strikes me that, though we agree with these in principle, many times we are looking for something else when we are thinking about a church to attend. I know that no one would say we want an inhospitable, nonsensical, irrational and uncontrolled person at the helm. It’s just that we often look for other things first in terms of whose leadership we sit under.

Because this is not a black and white issue, it is perhaps more difficult to communicate. The problem is not that people want a “good speaker” as opposed to someone who is “hospitable”. Most people would not admit to wanting a “charismatic” leader over someone who is sensible of fair. And very few would choose someone who is “up-to-date” over someone who is devoted to God. I think it is perhaps the weight we apply to each that sometimes muddies the waters.

As a pastor myself, I know I can feel the tug compete with the communication skills of TV evangelists, the flashy presentation of well-known authors or the ability to show I’m contemporary by using the latest lingo. (The last is increasingly more difficult now that my youngest has left home. I’m afraid my “urban speak” will be stuck forever circa 2011.)

Communication is important; staying current is helpful in presenting truth in understandable idioms. But all that must be backed up by a solid and Christ-like character. It is easy to give in to the pull to make the church better or larger at the expense of a personal and growing relationship with Christ.

A leader in the church is not simply a person occupying a spot on an organizational chart. She does not govern as one “above” others, but as Christ did; living out the life-with-God among God’s people.

These are qualities that grace the life acquiring them; jewels well honed over time, a fragrance infused with the beauty of Christ Himself. Hospitable, a leader welcomes each person as if they were Jesus Himself come to visit. Loving what is good, their lives consistently point others to a higher calling than mere self-seeking. A leader can be depended on to be sensible, an example of intellect submitted to God’s guidance. He is able to use his God-given mind to think and reason.

In all things a leader in God’s community seeks to be fair. Though special friendships may develop, these never sway the ability to just and fair, showing impartial treatment to all. A holy life, one directed towards devotion to God at all times, should go without saying. But this is more than mere outward conduct. It is a life motivated by love for God and directed by God’s love for all people. This holiness refrains from seeking its own way, following its own passions, and directs the energy of its life toward the good that God give us in Christ. Such holy devotion leads toward self-control. God’s leader is able to keep emotion, words and actions in check; always submitting them to God’s control. It is consistently true that one who cannot govern himself cannot govern others well.

This list of qualities can seem daunting. Even the most dedicated knows how far short we fall in any of these. But the trajectory of a leader’s life should always be towards each of these attributes. Jesus isn’t looking for more flamboyant speakers; He wants hearts fleshed out in godly love. He doesn’t need more kingdom-builders; He wants humble disciples whose do not care that they have “nowhere to lay their head”. Jesus is looking for leaders who sit and learn at His feet rather than lord it over the precious flock of God.

May I, and any others who aspire to service in Jesus’ church, constantly allow Him to mold us more and more into His image.