The Characteristics of a Leader

Genuine spiritual leadership seems to be rare these days. There are so many different factors and sets of expectations at work that people seem to forget what real leadership looks like. On top of this disregard for genuine leadership, there also seems to be an inability to recognize potential leaders when they are in our midst. This begs the question, what are we to look for in prospective leaders? Or, if we desire to lead, what should we be looking to develop in our own lives?

Acts 18 records the story of Apollos. We are told several things about him that would lead to his effectiveness in ministry. There are certain characteristics that he had that any potential leaders should have as well. Here is a list of these characteristics:

He had a natural competency – Verse 24 says, “He was an eloquent man.”

He also had a working knowledge of the Scriptures – Verse 24, “He was competent in the Scriptures.”

He was passionate – Verse 25, “Being fervent in spirit.”

He was careful – Verse 25, “He spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus.”

He was bold – Verse 26, “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.”

He was teachable – Verse 26, “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

He was available – Verse 27, “He wished to cross to Achaia.”

He was helpful – Verse 27, “When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed.”

He was powerful – Verse 28, “He powerfully refuted the Jews in public.”

While all of these characteristics may not currently be evident in our lives, they certainly give us a standard to attain to. Also, if we are looking for potential leaders in our midst, these characteristics provide us with a test of sorts to recognize qualified candidates. If the church is going to fulfill her mission, we must return to a biblical model and mindset of leadership.