In a world full of different leadership styles, what truly sets apart a godly leader? Which of these qualities resonate most with you, and how have you seen them displayed in your life or others? Share your thoughts and experiences!
In my view, the most important qualities of a godly leader are humility, integrity, and the ability to serve others selflessly. Humility is essential, as we see in (Philippians 2:3-4), which encourages us to value others above ourselves and look to the interests of others.
A godly leader should also demonstrate integrity, embodying (Proverbs 11:3), “The integrity of the upright guides them.” This quality fosters trust and respect among followers. Lastly, servant leadership, exemplified by Jesus in (Mark 10:45), reminds us that true leadership is about serving rather than being served.
I’ve witnessed these qualities in mentors and leaders at fellowship gatherings and conferences who prioritize the well-being of their teams and community over personal gain, profoundly impacting my understanding of effective leadership. Their commitment to these principles has inspired me to strive for the same in my life.
A godly leader should be - wait for it - godly. I think it’s a mistake to try to parse what “godly” means into particular “qualities.” By that approach, pretty much everyone agrees Ravi Zacharias and Steve Lawson would’ve checked all the boxes; Ravi was described (really) as “the godliest man in the world” and Lawson was at the pinnacle of his branch of Calvinism. NO ONE was blessed with the discernment to see they weren’t “godly.”
A godly leader is not conformed to the world. The typical approach in the West is to overlay supposed “godly qualities” onto a life and lifestyle that looks and is little different from any secular pursuit of the American Dream. It just doesn’t work. Friendship with the world is enmity with God, or something like that.
