If it hasn’t happened already, it won’t be long before a new generation of leaders are being tapped on the shoulder to step into service in their church or organization. In November 2022, the Federal Reserve shared an article titled “The Great Retirement Boom,” which details the rise in retirement during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic and what that means for the future labor force. In many industries and across various organizations, including the church, there is a pressing need to elect new leadership.
Meanwhile, a 2019 study from The Barna Group revealed that 82% of young adults between 18 and 35 years old affirmed that “society is facing a crisis of leadership because there are not enough good leaders right now.” With the number of societal changes happening at a rapid rate and a vast uncertainty in the future of many organizations, it is time to look within. How confident are you with your own leadership skills?
Secular thinking would lead one to believe that additional education and on-the-job training would be enough to get one ready for a leadership position. But as Christians, we know there is much more. Jesus Christ is our greatest example of leadership, and our spiritual development will help us become better leaders. Here are seven things you can focus on to become a better Christian leader:
1. Spend Time with God Daily
Log on to social media, and you may easily find multiple influencers preaching about a morning routine and the importance of it. Whether you choose to pray in the morning or practice gratitude in the evenings, making a conscious effort to spend time with the Lord each day will set you up for success. Talking to him, sharing your intentions, and asking him to guide you will make your day go smoother, and you will be able to see more clearly where your areas of improvement are.
2. Read a Bible Translation You Can Understand
There’s no better place to start looking for leadership inspiration than the Bible. Reading the Bible and understanding God’s story will help you become a better leader because it is full of characters and lessons that can be applied to issues faced in our personal and professional lives. However, if you often find yourself getting frustrated because you can’t pronounce certain words or you can’t make sense of how a sentence is structured, you can easily lose sight of the story’s big picture. Reading a Bible that’s clear and easy to understand, like the New Living Translation, will help you find deeper meaning and purpose in your life as you seek to be a faithful servant of God.
3. Seek Solutions in Scripture
Have you ever had a manager or teacher tell you “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions?” Well, this is your chance to be more intentional with your Bible reading and to gain from the wisdom in its pages! Rather than stumbling into new situations without any guidance, let God lead you through Scripture. Find passages that relate to your daily struggles. Many Bibles today have additional tools to help you. A simple study note or devotion can give you more confidence in your decision-making.
4. Get Serious About Your Bible Study
Get serious about your Bible study by trying a new, robust study Bible like the Student Life Application Study Bible, which contains a wealth of information, and it includes the Filament Bible app. Simply scan any page number with your mobile phone or tablet to connect to a vast library of related content. This visually engaging Bible gives you access to more than 27,000 on-page and in-app notes; over 300 maps, infographics, and illustrations; and over 350 videos, along with audio content and much more. Studying the Bible in this new way, with so many resources included, will help you connect what the Bible says with your life today.
5. Prioritize Your Holistic Health
Good Christian leaders will prioritize their spiritual health because they recognize that God is their anchor. However, to become a better servant of God and of those around you, a sound body, mind, and spirit are needed. Taking a holistic look at your health, including your physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health, will help improve your life and leadership skills greatly. Setting specific, measurable goals—like walking 10,000 steps a day, getting at least eight hours of sleep, or sticking to a monthly budget—will enable you to see the benefits. You will feel stronger, be in a better mood, and be ready to tackle the hard things that leaders manage daily.
6. Discover New Perspectives
Leaders often serve people who are diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, and political viewpoint, among other differences. When decisions need to be made for a diverse group, having background knowledge on a variety of topics and perspectives is helpful. With much more content available at your fingertips than ever before, go in search of new viewpoints through a blog, podcast, or social media influencer. You don’t have to agree with everyone; think of it as research. You will be amazed at how much this will help you grow your relationships with others because you will be able to understand various perspectives.
7. Spread the Word
You can certainly share with others the Good News about God’s love. But you can also share your experiences. What has worked for you, and what hasn’t? Share what you’ve learned with others so they can improve as well. Share your favorite Bible verse and why it has made an impact in your life. Volunteer. Become a mentor or counsel someone if you feel like you have the capacity. Lift someone in prayer—that can make all the difference in their day. And if you’re ever stuck regarding how to lead others, just remember: What would Jesus do?
Need additional inspiration? Read the Book of Psalms.
Psalm 119:15-16, NLT:
I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Psalm 100:5, NLT:
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 40:8, NLT:
I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.
