WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN LEADER IN BUSINESS
No matter what you do for a living, you’ve likely been challenged on the job. When you take your faith to work, though, you’ll have the strength to make it through. Whether your career is in ministry or with a secular organization, integrating your Christian values into your position sets the stage for moral performance and service.
That’s how we at ICTSP approach graduate business education. Our programs prepare future Christian leaders to make ethical decisions and use their faith to guide their companies and employees to success.
Here are some traits you’re likely to find in Christian leaders—and perhaps see in yourself:
Christian Leaders Are Modest and Humble
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” — Philippians 2:2-4
Humility matters. Successful people can sometimes get caught up in the glory of their achievements. But, Christian business leaders are often humble, choosing not to let pride get in the way of decision-making. In fact, they’re more inclined to praise and empower others, just as Jesus did in his teachings. A faithful leader also knows he or she still has a lot to learn and remains modest of their knowledge and know-how.
Christian Leaders Are Enthusiastic and Energetic
“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” — Ephesians 6:7
Spiritual leaders are known to make good use of their time. They put their energy toward meeting goals and deadlines; downtime on the job is rare. Likewise, many Christian leaders are committed to staying healthy in mind and body in order to maintain the mental clarity and physical strength required to do their respective work. Their enthusiasm for what they do is contagious, and it sets a good example for their employees and colleagues.
Christian Leaders Are Peacemakers
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” — Colossians 3:13
Christian leaders may not like conflict, but they also do not shy away from it. Rather, they look for ways to bring and maintain peace when issues arise. For example, if a disagreement between employees arises, a Christian leader may be inclined to initiate reconciliation and also turn it into a learning experience. Leaders who are guided by their faith can also create and nurture environments of mutual respect, atmospheres less likely to see conflict arise.
Christian Leaders Are Visionary
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Perhaps it’s their sense of calling, but Christian business leaders are known for always thinking “what’s next?” They consider beyond the here and now, what a person or organization can become. While understanding the reality of a workplace situation or current constraints, they’re also optimistic for the future. You’re likely to find many spiritual entrepreneurs or managers strategizing for continued growth, improvement, and innovation.
Christian Leaders Are Kind and Compassionate
“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” – Psalm 145:9
Treating other humans with dignity should be commonplace, but kindness is a trait not everyone regularly exhibits at work. You’ve seen it: disrespect, gossip, games. Christian leaders tend to be naturally compassionate toward others, and they recognize that empathy and genuine care can go a long way in team-building. When someone leads with kindness, others follow.
Being a Christian leader doesn’t always equate to working in a church or faith-based organization. You can also use your faith to lead with integrity and manage and motivate people of any religious background in companies of all kinds.
At ICTSP, our programs blend professional education with Christian values, encouraging future managers and entrepreneurs to lead by example.