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.

The Bible - Words of Life

The Psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). We can repeatedly see the followers of God return time and again to His word for guidance, comfort, direction, and peace. The word of God was the place they turned in times of trial, distress, heart-break, and celebration. The word of God literally became their source for all that they needed spiritually and emotionally.

How desperately do we approach the Bible? Do we turn to it for guidance, truth, and direction? This was the habit of both the Old Testament people of God as well as the New Testament followers. In Acts 17, Paul and Silas are led to Berea to share the hope that is in the gospel (Acts 17:10). We are told of the Bereans, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Stated clearly, as the Bereans heard the message of the gospel, they turned to the scriptures to see if these things were true or not. They did not depend upon their traditions or the beliefs of their ancestors. They simply allowed the Scriptures to speak.

As we live our lives, we must follow the example of the Bereans. We must not make our decisions on the basis of our personal desires, long held beliefs, or assumed truth. We must turn to the pages of the Bible and allow it to speak. When we are down or discouraged, we must turn to the Bible for hope and encouragement. When we face a decision, look to the word of God for guidance. When dealing with a difficult circumstance, allow the Bible to define the principles by which you will seek to resolve the situation. As we allow the word of God to inform our lives, we will discover that nothing compares to its ability to speak life.

MISTAKES, FAILURES, AND COMEBACKS

When you face your hour of trial, will you be able to pass the test? Folded within the larger story of Luke 22 is the personal story of Peter. In this chapter Jesus is arrested and the mockery that is His trial(s) begins – false accusations toward Christ are made, Pilate and Herod are trying to decide who is going to do something with Christ, and the Elders, Chief Priest, and Scribes are trying to make sure that Jesus does not make it out of this situation alive. Meanwhile, as the main story line is playing out, Peter discovers that he is not as strong as he thought he was.

Jesus had warned Peter that Satan was going to come after him (Luke 22:31-32). Peter, however, boldly proclaimed, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to the death” (v. 33). Jesus, knowing Peter better than Peter knew himself then says to him, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (v. 34). Fast forward a few hours and Peter had just denied Christ for the third time (v. 60). In the distance, Peter hears a rooster crow and his heart drops (v. 60). The Bible tells us that Peter remembers Jesus’ words and went out and wept bitterly (v. 62).

We know the rest of the story. Peter makes a tremendous comeback and is the key leader in the launch of the church. Peter may have failed in this hour, but his failure was not final. By God’s grace Peter made a tremendous comeback. However, there is still value for us to consider why Peter failed in this moment. It seems that Peter’s failure was rooted in two simple mistakes; he ignored the warning of Christ and he overestimated his own strength.

If we are not careful, we can make the same mistake Peter made. If we overestimate our own strength it can lead to us ignoring the warnings before us. We must endeavor to know the Word of God and live according to it. Do not ignore the warnings in Scripture, even if they seem small and of little consequence. Also, do not overestimate your own strength. Walk humbly before the Lord, trusting Him to lead you and guide you.