8. Leaders Use Their Resources Wisely

Optimizing resources and receiving a return on investment is something secular leaders expect. Well, guess what? Christian leaders must make proper use of God-given resources as well. Get to know your congregation, for some members may have skills and talents but may feel shy or in need of a little encouragement to begin growing and serving. If your facilities are small, analyze adding another service or bible studies at different times, as some members, due to family or work responsibilities, may be able to attend only at certain times. Ask for wisdom and be creative. As Christians, we can be strategic and besides the main key elements of praying and walking by faith, leaders should plan the use of resources, working the  plan, and checking to see if you are getting the outcome expected, and then taking action to make necessary adjustments focusing on your goal. (Proverbs 27:23–24, 1 Peter 4:10, Colossians 4:5, Proverbs 10:4, Luke 14:28, Titus 1:7).

9. Leadership Is About Service

Christian leadership is about serving others, it is decreasing ourselves so we can reflect Him and His love to others. The greater you want to be, the more you must be willing to serve. It is about adding value and contribution to your family, church and community. Washing others’ feet may take form in different ways.  (Matthew 20:26, Mark 10:42–45, John 13:12-16, Romans 1:1, 2, Peter 1:1, James 1:1).

10. Leaders Are Accountable

Leaders must use their resources, gifts and talents for His services. With authority comes responsibility. The more leaders receive, the more will be demanded from them. Leaders are responsible for the people that have been entrusted to them, such as family, neighbors, colleagues, etc. Are you making a positive impact?  (Luke 12:48, Luke 19: 11-27).

11. Leaders Grow In Challenges Outside Their Comfort Zone

Leaders, when facing challenging experiences, ask themselves: What can I learn from this situation? Commit to do activities outside of your comfort zone, and you will gain more confidence as practice makes progress. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7, Luke 18:27, Philippians 4:13, Joshua 1:9, John 15:16, Proverbs 3:5-6).

12. Leaders Are Not Self-Centered

Leaders give glory to God in everything they do. They are not looking to promote themselves. They are not about self-branding but shining brightly for others to see Jesus. Think about John the Baptist.  Leaders know when to step down for others to grow, they know it is all about Jesus and fulfilling the mission. Leadership is about taking care of God’s children. (Colossians 3:17).

13. Leaders Work Diligently

Leaders know what they are working for and more important for Whom. Leaders use their time and resources wisely and diligently aiming to produce fruit. They equip and build other leaders to produce even more. They also acknowledge that results don’t happen in one day. (Ephesians 4:11-12, Daniel 6:4, Colossians 3:23, 3. Romans 12:11, Hebrews 6:11, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 12:3–8).

14. Leaders Start Serving At Home

Leaders start by serving their family. A father is the pastor of the house. Applying the principles at home is the first step in becoming a leader. (1 Timothy 3:2–7, Ephesians 6:4, John 13:34-35, Luke 22:25-26).

15. Lead With Love

Lead with cords of human kindness, with ties of love, with all humility, gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.  After all, Love for one another is how Christians are recognized. (Hosea 11:4, Ephesians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15, John 13:34-35 , 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

16. The Lord Chose You To Lead!

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (John 15:16)

 Carmen A. Rivera