Have you ever asked yourself, “What does it mean to show Christian Leadership in the workplace? And am I doing it well?” This is a common question we all think about and is one reason the Cultivate Leadership Institute (CLI) was founded.
Christian leadership is rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, emphasizing humility, service, integrity, and a deep love for others. It means leading from a place of servanthood, where the primary goal is to uplift, support, and guide others in alignment with Christian values. Christian leadership is distinct because it reflects the character and mission of Christ, focusing on spiritual growth, moral integrity, and compassion. Finding a leadership development program that embodies these qualities can be challenging, yet it is available now through CLI.
CLI is a Christian Leadership Development Program that exists to cultivate the purpose and passion for leadership that God has placed in each individual. CLI is passionate about empowering Christian leaders to discover their unique God-given purpose. The on-demand training for leaders equips them to become mature, healthy leaders through instruction, training, and guidance. A recent CLI graduate was asked how she learned to show Christian Leadership in her workplace after completing CLI. She stated, “As I have been in full-time ministry for the last year, it has opened my eyes to see that it is okay that we all do some things differently! This is a positive as we are the body working together in unity, but we are not all the same!”
CLI empowers leaders to learn more about themselves and to show their true selves as leaders. CLI's curriculum highlights five common ways leaders demonstrate Christian leadership in their workplace: service, humility, accountability, leading by example, and compassion.
Service
One of the central aspects of Christian leadership is servant leadership. Jesus exemplified this when He washed the feet of His disciples, teaching that the greatest among them would be the one who serves (John 13:1-17). This model of leadership is countercultural, especially in environments where leadership is often equated with dominance or control. A Christian leader, however, seeks to serve others rather than be served. This can manifest in listening to others’ needs, offering support, and taking the time to understand and care for those being led. A Christian leader who serves others helps foster an environment of trust and mutual respect in the workplace.
Humility
Christian leadership also emphasizes humility. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul instructs believers to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” A humble leader acknowledges their own limitations and is open to learning and growth. They do not seek personal glory but work for the common good, consistently pointing back to God as their strength and guidance source. This humility makes leaders more approachable and open to feedback, allowing them to build stronger, more authentic relationships with those they lead. In Jim Collin’s book Good to Great, he states, “The difference between a good leader and a great leader is humility.”
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Accountability
Accountability is also vital in Christian leadership. Leaders must be transparent in their actions and decisions and hold themselves to a high standard of moral and ethical conduct. Being accountable means admitting mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and correcting course when necessary. It also involves holding others accountable, not in a spirit of judgment but in a way that encourages growth and development.
Leading by Example
Christian leadership is, at its core, about leading by example. Jesus’ life was a model of how to live in obedience to God’s will, and Christian leaders are called to emulate this example in their daily actions. Whether in honesty, integrity, kindness, or patience, a Christian leader demonstrates the values they support. This consistency between words and actions builds credibility and trust, making others more likely to follow. A leader needs to be self-aware and spiritually grounded themselves, regularly seeking God’s wisdom and direction in their own life to lead well by example.
Compassion
At the heart of Christian leadership is love. Jesus commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). A Christian leader embodies this command by showing genuine care and compassion for those they lead. This love is reflected in actions that promote the well-being of others. As Brene Brown states, “Boundaries are a prerequisite for compassion and empathy.” Christian leadership requires healthy boundaries so we can recognize our shared humanity and have empathy and understanding for those we lead.
Conclusion
In summary, Christian leadership means guiding others through service, humility, and love, focusing on embodying Christ's teachings. It is about leading by example, showing integrity and accountability, and nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of others. Christian leaders prioritize the well-being of those they lead, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and compassion. Christian leadership is not about personal ambition or authority but fulfilling God’s will through service and love for others. Join CLI today to learn more about how you can show Christian leadership in your workplace!
References
Collins, J. C. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't. HarperCollins.
