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The Christian Church is the community of all the believers or disciples of Jesus Christ. It is not a place but a people. Some of the believers are appointed as overseers and deacons (Philippians 1:1). They are leaders.
The sad reality, however, is that many have shallow or wrong understanding about Christian leadership. They still hold on to the practices and principles of worldly leadership even after being saved.
This article, therefore, aims to expose leadership practices in the Church today that are not Christ-like or Christian. It is hoped that the teaching will help shape the understanding most Christians have about leadership today.
Christian Leadership is Not Positional
First of all, it is important to point out that when a church is built, some of the believers are appointed as pastors, deacons, deaconesses, choir directors, Sunday school teachers and intercessors.
Many view their appointment as elevation of position in the church to rule others instead of a call to serve others. With this wrong understanding of leadership, many pay attention to who they have become instead of what they must do in the church.
It is important for every believer to understand that making a Christian leader is not placing him above others. All disciples of Christ are equal before God by virtue of their common calling, faith, baptism and salvation.
Christian Leadership Is Not About Titles
I am never tired of writing against the use of hierarchical titles of nobility in the church. The reason is simple: it is not Christ-like and biblical. It promotes the evil of clericalism in the Church.
Many Christians were simple, modest and humble until they were appointed leaders and pre-fixed their names with lofty titles. What is sad is that they intentionally overlook the fact that none of the earliest disciples of Jesus attached flattering titles to their names.
You can read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation for yourself. No leader ever used titles particularly reverend, archbishop.
Christian Leadership Is Not Lordship
I recently read about a Christian leader addressed as “Most Eminent Reverend” and “Most Holy Lord.” Immediately my heart throbbed. How should Christ Jesus be regarded if a mortal man could be addressed in this manner.
In the Church of Jesus Christ, no believer is set as “lord” over others. Scripture affirms that only God is Lord in the Church, and Jesus Christ is the sole Head and supreme authority. All believers—regardless of their roles or functions—are disciples and worshippers of Christ, not lords over one another.
Jesus is called the “Lord of lords” (Revelation 17:14), signifying that while there may be individuals with delegated authority in various contexts, Christ alone holds supreme and sovereign lordship. His title emphasises that any earthly or spiritual authority is subordinate to Him.
In the Church, leadership is defined by servanthood and stewardship, not lordship (Matthew 20:25–28). Ministers are entrusted with responsibilities, but they do not replace or rival the Lordship of Christ. Therefore, all authority in the Church is derived, not inherent, and must be exercised in submission to Christ’s lordship.
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, Peter, the apostle, also warns church leaders not to carry themselves as lords over God’s heritage (people) (1 Peter 5:3). This is to remind church leaders that they are not superior to the other believers. We are all brothers and sisters.
Christian Leadership Is Not About Seats
Finally, true Christian leadership has nothing to do with sitting on cathedra (throne) as many do in churches today. It is not concerned with sitting on better, big seats.
It is everything to do with identifying the task and the place God has given you to function for His glory.
The points aforementioned and others have given cause for widespread criticisms against the Church today.
It is, therefore, in the interest of believers to renew their minds and view Christian leadership from the perspective of the Bible especially the teachings of Jesus Christ and the earliest apostles.
In the next article, I will focus on what true Christian leadership is all about.
By James Quansah
