Christian leaders know that they have been commanded by Jesus to preach the gospel to all nations. Such people have dedicated their lives and their resources to serving the Lord and doing whatever it takes to let people know that God is good and that He loves them. They know that serving the Lord is not only for pastors and church leaders to do, but that it is the duty and privilege of every child of God.

Christian leaders know the weight of their responsibility, and are doing their best to meet God's standards for leadership. Yet, these noble people know that they are not doing all of these for personal gain. Are you one of them? If not, would you want to be a leader that God can and will use for His glory?

Here are some characteristics of a Christian leader

1) A Christian leader knows they cannot do anything apart from God

Godly leaders know that without God, they can't do anything. They live by what Jesus said in John 15:4-6: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

2) Christian leaders work excellently for the Lord, not for man

Christian leaders, whatever their field is, give their best efforts because they desire to give the Lord an excellent service. They live by Colossians 3:23, wherein Paul says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

3) Christian leaders rely on God's Word for instruction

Godly leaders know that because they are serving God, they need to get instructions from Him. These instructions come from the Bible, not from some arbitrary source like a voice, the sound of nature, or some website.

To such leaders, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is very important. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

4) A Christian leader's goal is to bring people to Christ and vice-versa

A genuine Christian leader knows that first and foremost they are a Christ-follower, and they only lead others with the goal of helping them follow Christ as well. Paul told the Corinthian believers, "imitate me, just as I imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).

This is done in obedience to what the Lord Jesus Himself commanded: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)