Spiritual leaders & teachers come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, rank, stations of life, intelligence, experiences, education, gender, race, nationality, geography, looks, age, up bringing, church affiliation, heritage, and address. The key is that spiritual leaders & teachers are called of God to lead and/or teach in His appointed time and place.
The vision shaper, the godly leader follows this biblical model: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” (Proverbs 28:18) As a Christ-following leader, the spiritual leader obeys God’s Word: “If you will fear the Lord and listen to His voice, . . . then both you and your king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God.” (I Samuel 12:14) The spiritual leader is also a learner-motivator: “He gave some as . . . teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Effective leaders are those whose inspiring influence prompts others to follow. While their style, level of intelligence, method of motivation, and personal involvement may differ widely, those people who are most successful possess the same trait–they have the ability to care about and for people. For example, a great leader follows Paul’s advice to be a role model: “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the Gospel of God amid much opposition.” (I Thess.2:1-2) An effective godly leader intercedes for those whom he leads: “Then falling on his knees, he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them. Having said this, he fell asleep”. (Acts 8:60) A great leader is also a behavior-changer: “And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as everyone had need.” (Acts 2:45)
A Scripture-wise leader sees those who follow him through the eyes of Christ. Helping them develop their Kingdom value must have priority over their value to their leader or his organization. The leader is a planner: The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5) A spiritual leader is a Scripture-searcher: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) And finally, the spiritual leader is a value-shaper, as Jesus said: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, . . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21)