Sterling Leadership: God’s Standard for Christian Leaders
I’m passionate about seeing our Christian organizations thrive. I know you are as well. I’m thrilled about what God is doing through His people, and I want my friends, family, and you to flourish. Know that I’ve prayed for you, confident that God is refining you for His great purposes, no matter your age or role in life. God loves you and has incredible plans for you!
This morning, I’m reflecting on what makes a Christian leader truly effective, whether as a parent, spouse, church leader, volunteer, coach, or business executive. Having served on corporate and church boards for many years, I’ve seen the weighty responsibility of assessing leadership candidates. Discernment is critical. Choosing someone with poor character can have devastating consequences, while selecting a leader with godly character unlocks success, growth, and extraordinary potential.
God wants to use us for His purposes, but there’s a biblical principle at play: just as a silversmith removes impurities from silver to make it usable, aspiring leaders must reject sinful behavior and embrace godly character. Sterling leadership is God’s standard—a lifelong journey of growth as His disciples. Skills and experience matter, of course, but character is paramount.
The good news? Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can overcome obstacles and become the leaders God wants us to be. Scripture calls us to "live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:14-16).
Sterling leadership means rejecting behaviors like selfishness, anger, or greed and adopting traits like hospitality, justice, and self-control (Titus 1:6-8).
When assessing leaders, be honest. Do they reflect the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Or do they show signs of arrogance, deceit, or selfishness (Galatians 5:19-21)? In the U.S., churches have the freedom to choose leaders without court interference, a God given right we must steward well. God shows no favoritism (1 Peter 1:17), and we all answer to Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Our choices have an eternal impact.
Poor leadership can cause untold harm in nations, communities, companies, or churches. But when we uphold God’s standards, the potential for good is limitless.
A sterling leader lives with a clear conscience, reflecting our gentle and merciful Christ Jesus. They’re respected for integrity, not for chasing wealth or power. They’re faithful to their spouse, self-controlled, wise, hospitable, able to teach, and not given to excess or violence (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Ideally, they bring seasoned experience—successes, failures, and the humility to share both. Parenting teaches us much about leadership, which is why God requires leaders to manage their families well, raising children who respect them.
Let’s inspire each other to pursue godly standards. Sterling leaders aren’t perfect, but they’re committed to growing in Christ. By God’s grace, may our communities be led by such leaders, and may we strive to be sterling leaders ourselves.
Lord Jesus, move in the lives of all reading this today. Help us become sterling leaders, ready for the good plans You have for us. Guide us to please You alone and bless us with leaders of godly character. Amen.
Kari and Solomon planting tomatoes.
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