God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
The following principles of leadership emerge from biblical teaching:
1. Christian leaders should be certain that their goal is to serve God and others, not to receive the title or honor that comes with leadership.
2. Leaders should not use their position for their own advantage or comfort. No task should be “beneath” them – although some tasks may be delegated. They should not ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves.
3. Leaders will seek to distinguish their own preferences from the will and welfare of the group as a whole.
4. Normally the position should seek the leader. There may be some situations in which persons may apply or volunteer. Nevertheless, when someone strongly desires a particular responsibility, his or her motivation should be carefully examined.
5. We must learn to see each other as valuable to the Lord and basically equal in his sight.
Most Christians believe that men are indeed the method of Jesus, but precious few are willing to invest their lives by putting all their eggs in one basket. Believing this people-orientated philosophy and practicing it are entirely different matters. A large problem in Christendom is that we don't want to take the risk or the time to invest in the lives of people, even though this was a fundamental part of Jesus' ministry. We fear, that the basket is really a trap to ensnare us.
