What Biblical Leadership Looks Like

If you love someone, you lead someone.

We say this often in our Freedom Movement trainings and membership.

We live in a hyper-individualistic culture that elevates measurable results rather than the unseen integrity of the heart. As a result, many people disqualify themselves from the title “leader.” 

It's interesting to note that the Bible doesn't really use the word "leader" the way we do today. Instead, it paints a picture of what true leadership looks like through actions and character rather than titles or positions.
 

Servanthood:  Jesus showed us that real leadership is about serving others. Remember when He said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26-28)? He didn't come to be served but to serve and to give His life for us. It’s a powerful reminder that our authority grows to the depth of our service. 

Humility: Humility is a recurring theme in the Bible. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to "value others above yourselves" and to look out for their interests. It’s about recognizing our dependence on God and genuinely valuing those around us.

Integrity: Proverbs 11:3 talks about how "the integrity of the upright guides them." Living with integrity means being authentic and honorable, reflecting God's righteousness in everything we do. It's about being true to our word and our values.

Faithfulness: 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us that "those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Staying committed to God’s purposes, even when things get tough, is a hallmark of true leadership.
Love: And of course, love is at the heart of it all. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 beautifully describes love as patient, kind, and enduring. Leading with love means always seeking the best for others and persevering through challenges together.

How does engaging the pain in out stories help us lead like Jesus?

When the trauma in our story is left unresolved, we lead from a position of defense that can leave us feeling anxious and untrusting. It’s impossible to embody the qualities of a God-honoring leader without allowing God to first lead you into wholeness. It’s not enough to believe in God or perform religious actions to show devotion– the God of the Bible is one of relationships who desires to transform your heart, not just change your behavior. 

Living led by God looks like...

Healing Through Humility: Admitting our struggles and seeking help requires humility. It’s a vulnerable place, but it opens the door to transformation. Just as we show humility in valuing others, we must also be humble enough to acknowledge our need for healing.

Integrity in Healing: Pursuing integrity involves being honest about our past and its effects on us. This honesty allows us to address our wounds and seek God’s restoration, aligning our lives more closely with His truth.

Faithfulness in the Process: Healing from trauma is a journey. Faithfulness means staying committed to this journey, trusting that God is with us every step of the way, even when progress seems slow.

Love as the Foundation: Love is the greatest healer. By receiving God’s love for us and extending it to ourselves and others, we create an environment where true leadership can flourish. This love helps us overcome the barriers that trauma has erected in our hearts.

Ready to grow more humility, integrity, faithfulness, and love in your leadership?

Join us as a guest in our Freedom Cohort Membership or join us in person for one of our upcoming Freedom Academy Trainings this fall.

In it with you,