Menu Close

GMOL17 – Christian Leadership – Service

TAKE TEST

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP – SERVICE

Christian leadership in God’s kingdom is servant leadership, modeled on Jesus, where greatness is measured by humility, sacrifice, and service to others rather than by status or power.[1][2] Christian leaders influence people toward God’s purposes by loving, equipping, and protecting them as faithful stewards under Christ the true Head.[1][3]

Core Idea: Leadership as Service

  • Jesus redefined greatness: “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26–28 KJV).[2]
  • In God’s kingdom, the leader’s primary posture is that of a servant who lays down personal rights for the good of others, following Christ who “did not come to be served, but to serve.”[2][4]

Purpose of Leadership in God’s Kingdom

  • Leaders are given by Christ “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11–12 KJV).[1][5]
  • Their role is to teach, protect from false doctrine, and help believers mature “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” (Ephesians 4:13 KJV).[1][5]

Character of a Christian Leader

  • Biblical leadership is marked by humility, integrity, and a heart for service that reflects Christ’s character.[1][3]
  • Leaders must live above reproach, as seen in the qualifications for overseers in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, where character, self-control, and sound teaching are emphasized.[1]

Greatness Through Servanthood

  • Jesus taught, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11 KJV), showing that honor in the kingdom comes through taking the lower place.
  • This pattern includes practical acts of service—helping the needy, putting others first, and quietly being faithful—which mirror Christ’s own mission.

All Believers Share Leadership Responsibility

  • Scripture describes believers as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV), meaning every Christian has a part in influencing others toward God.[1]
  • Christian leadership is therefore not just holding a title, but allowing the Holy Spirit to use one’s gifts to serve, encourage, and build up the community for God’s glory.