Virtues Of An Effective Christian Leader

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The most important part of a minister’s duty, is to insist on the great, fundamental truths of Christianity….

But to be an effective Christian leader, one must also seek and come to possess the following qualities:

1. Humility. This is the guard of every other grace. As someone beautifully observes, other graces, without humility, are like a fine powder in the wind without a cover. Let a man or woman be ever so zealous, ever so laborious, yet if lack humility, such a one will be only like Penelope with her web in the ancient fable, undoing at one time what he does at another. There is something interwoven with human nature, which immediately recoils at the very appearance of pride. But the effective Christian leader is clothed with humility. When no other grace shines forth, still we discern this beautiful vail. We give such a one credit for everything. And when, in spite of all his caution, some hidden gem peeps out, it sparkles with redoubled luster. But, above all, he is a vessel fit for his Master’s use. His eye is single, he or she moves directly on; his only desire is to glorify God and benefit humankind, indeed, the effective Christian leader lives for no other end. The effective Christian leader has a desire to depart and be with Christ, and at the same time, a fervent desire to be a blessing to his fellow-creatures. Such a one is “crucified to the world, and the world to him” (Galatians 6:14). The effective Christian leader’s soul, disentangled from every selfish view, and emptied of every selfish desire, is a fit receptacle of all the divine gifts which God is willing to bestow. The effective Christian leader continually lies at the feet of his Lord, and the language of his heart is, “Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy Name, O Heavenly Father, be all the praise!” (Psalm 115:1). There is no impediment in such a one’s soul to the divine operations. He is as the clay in the hand of the Potter, as the pen in the hand of the ready Writer. His humble spirit simply enquires into the Will of its God, and when that is discovered, confers no longer with flesh and blood, but fulfills it with the most entire resignation and great delight.

2. Meekness. This is a passive grace. It is the sacred ballast of the soul—that evenness, that divine serenity of spirit which “is not provoked” (1 Corinthians 13:5), which nothing can move to wrath—that moderation spoken of by St. Paul, which harmonizes all the passions, and holds every power of the heart in sweet subjection—it ties them all to the horns of the altar. In this the effective Christian leader eminently shines. Amidst all the contradictions of sinners, and the provoking of slanderous criticisms, he still retains his gracious temper, and discovers no emotion but that of pity and compassion—all is softness, all is Love. This is the “quiet Spirit”, whose price is great in the light of God (1 Peter 3:3-4). It is the Spirit of the Lamb, whose voice was not heard in the streets; who was oppressed and afflicted, and was brought as a lamb to the slaughter. Still, as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth (Isaiah 53:7). O how contrary to the spirit of the meek and lowly Jesus, is the turbulence and violence of many who call themselves the ministers of Christ. “But the sheep will flee from such, for they know not their voice” (John 10:5).

3. Gentleness. This is an active grace, which is revealed in social interaction and behavior. It is Christian courtesy. This also the effective Christian leader possesses in a high degree. “Grace is poured into his lips” (Psalm 45:2), for “out of the fullness of his Lord he receives grace for grace” (John 1:16). Nothing that is grating drops from his mouth: his reproofs are dipped in oil, subtle, gradually converting, and the hearer is not provoked to angry response. The effective Christian leader’s words “drop like the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath” (Deuteronomy 32:1-2). His looks, and every gesture, and every feature, beam forth Love. This is a key by which hearts are opened. What an amazing field of action does this attractive and influential disposition, accompanied by the blessing of God, gradually open to his zealous soul! The effective Christian leader makes religion appear amiable even in the judgment of the world itself. And, except when employed in the more sever duties of the Christian leader’s responsibilities, the effective Christian leader knows nothing of the pain of giving pain.

4. Patience. This is the Grace that “endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7)—that flows out in sufferings and trials, and bears up the soul under every difficulty! The more patience is exercised, the stronger it grows. Let us view the effective Christian leader in this respect. Observe the steady pace with which he moves!—equally unshaken by the smiles or frowns of men, he gently moves along, like a mighty river, that bears down all before it, and yet waters every fertile meadow on its sides. His soul “looks to Jesus, who endured the cross, regarding the shame to be negligible” (Hebrews 12:2). The effective Christian leader earnestly endeavors to trace the Lord’s example, the world to disdain, and constantly trample on pleasure and pain. He smiles at persecution, and thanks the Creator for the opportunity of displaying an example to the world of the religion he proclaims. Thus does he continue until the work which God has given him to do is finished. And when the organs of his body have been weakened and enervated by the diseases which sooner or later assault the mortal frame, he still puts forth his/her little strength for the glorious cause in which he has been so long engaged, until having “fought the good fight, and finished his course”, (2 Timothy 4:7), he drops asleep in the arms of God.