Who leaders are matters as much, if not more, than what they do. Leadership skills alone only provide for efficiency and productivity. As Christian leaders, we want more — like spiritual fruit, God’s glory, and that which counts for eternity. As we walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, He builds Christ-like character within us (Gal. 5). When we are who we should be in the inner qualities and attitudes of the heart, we will do what we should do. As we abide in Christ, we will bear fruit, but apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value (Jn. 15:5).
- Being Versus Doing: Which is most important in ministry?
- Why Don’t We Get That It’s About the Heart?
Inner Qualities and Attitudes Affect How We Handle Leadership Tasks and Responsibilities
The inner life of a leader comes out in how they handle their different leadership tasks and responsibilities. Consider these examples:
- Boards and Teams
- Church Discipline
- Church Growth
- Decision Making
- Facilities Management
- Policy Making
- Safety Issues
- Strategic Planning
Resources that Take a Broad Look at Christ-like Character in Christian Leaders
The following resources provide more of an overview of leader qualities and attitudes. In time resources will be provided for specific character traits.
While seeking to choose doctrinally sound resources, we make no claim to total endorsement of any listing. Where possible, links go to merchants with whom we have an affiliate relationship, such as being an Amazon Associate from whom we earn from qualifying purchases. These sites may use cookies to track activity to ensure that Ministry Tools Resource Center gets commissions from any sales. Links open in new pages to keep the list available.
Articles:
- 5 Signs Ministry Leadership Has Turned Christ-like
- Christlikeness: Balance of Grace and Truth
- Church Leader Qualities
- Christian Leadership: 10 Biblical Qualities to Transform Business
- The Pursuit of Christian Character (2 Peter 1:5-7)
Books:
- 21 Qualities of Leaders in the Bible by John C. Maxwell
- Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership by Aubrey Malphurs
- Deep Influence: Unseen Practices That Will Revolutionize Your Leadership by T. J. Addington
- Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence by Crawford W Loritts
- Leadership from the Inside Out: Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader by Kevin G. Harney
- Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership by Gary L. McIntosh, Samuel D. Rima
- Redefining Leadership: Character-Driven Habits of Effective Leaders by Joseph M. Stowell
- The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow by John C. Maxwell
- The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities That Define Great Leaders by Jeff Iorg
- The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset by John C. Maxwell
- The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World by Peter Scazzero
- The Most Excellent Way to Lead: Discover the Heart of Great Leadership by Perry Noble
- Your Character Matters: 10 Character Traits God Calls Every Christian Leader to Demonstrate by J A Johnson, B K Woolsey
Steering Others Toward Christ-like Character
Articles:
- Character Education a Good Thing?
- … Depends on the Purpose
- … Depends on the Standard
- … Depends on the Means
- Emphasis on Character or Commands?
- Objective: Help Students Develop Christ-like Character
- Do This, Don’t Do That When Teaching Character Development
- Teaching Biblical Character Development
Training Resources:
- Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide
- The Teacher’s Role in Discipling Students Toward Christ-like Character & Conduct
- Tips for Teaching About Character Traits
You may also be interested in: Resources about Christlikeness in the Church