What Makes A Great Leader
Live a Spiritual Life
The first step is to walk the walk. Some of the best examples of leadership come when someone who has already made the journey comes back to show everyone else the way. Think about the personal journey that Moses made that prepared him to lead God’s people out of Egypt.
Setting a godly example for your children is just one more reason to devote yourself to your own relationship with Jesus. Receive your identity as a Son of God. Commit to daily prayer, studying Scripture and seeking God’s will in your life. Spend time with Him. Hold yourself accountable and let it shine through your actions.
Model Christ-Like Behavior
Your example of what it looks like to live a spiritual life will speak louder than your words ever will. The Apostle Paul directs in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” As a spiritual leader to the church in Corinth, Paul modeled Jesus for them as best he could.
Do the same for your family. Model Jesus’ example of positive, secure masculinity. Show them how to live in God’s light with love, patience, forgiveness and kindness. And, maybe most importantly of all, show them the servant-leadership that Jesus showed his disciples. If he had the humility to wash their feet as God incarnate, then you too can lead with humility by serving your family in the most practical of ways.
Teach Them About Living A Spiritual Life
Walking the walk and modeling a spiritual life lays the groundwork for spiritually leading your family. But it’s going to take instruction, too. Think of how your Dad or Mom taught you to ride a bike. They didn’t just bike in front of you and expect you to get it. They described the actions you’d have to take and held the seat until you were able to pedal on your own. Then, they helped you up when you fell and encouraged you to try again.
The same is true for guiding children in faith. Talk to them about God, about scripture, about the behaviors and actions they must take to strengthen their relationship with God. And remember, just like riding a bike, you can’t do it for them. Let them “fall off the bike,” and be there to help them back up and encourage them when they do.
Keep God’s Word At The Heart of Everything
Too often, Christians confine their engagement with scripture to specific times—during morning devotionals or Sunday services. But God’s Word, and obedience to it, should be a consistent, guiding light in every area of your life, especially as you lead your family spiritually. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God commands parents to “Impress [my commandments] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Your home should revolve around God, just as Joshua declares in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Leading your family spiritually means building habits like family prayer, reading the Bible together, and establishing faith-based traditions. It also extends beyond your home—teaching your children to serve others through outreach programs, feeding the hungry, and clothing those in need, just as Jesus described in Matthew 25:35-40.
Lead with Prayer, Patience Humility and Wisdom
As a father, it can be easy to get anxious and overwhelmed with all the important decisions you have to make. You might be tempted to repress these insecurities and put on a brave face. But that will only lead to an explosion later on. Instead, embrace the call to lead your family spiritually by modeling prayer and surrender. Whether it’s financial troubles, sickness, family challenges or uncertainty, do what Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Don’t expect everything to be fixed right after you pray, either. Show your children how to patiently, faithfully wait for God’s answer and how to respond—especially when it’s not the one you want. Be patient and steady. Your consistency and security will create the safe, stable environment they need for their faith to grow.
When you make mistakes (and you will because you’re human), don’t double down and rely on your authority as the head of the household. That will only cause resentment and distrust. Apologize and learn from your mistakes with humility and wisdom.
Want to learn more about Christian leadership? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship today.
