Leadership core values according to Bible teachings

The Bible teaching about Christian leadership core values is pertinent and necessary. Values are deeply held beliefs that help guide Christian leadership in their behavior and decision making. It forms the culture of the organization.  

I suggest several organizational core values for you in this Bible study. These are the core values of this website. We try to meet them to the best of our ability.

Paul's Example:

Paul expressed Christian leadership core values when collecting money for relief work, “…he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:19-21ff.).

Paul was expressing Christian leadership core values by transparency, integrity and honesty in the handling of money. It guided what he did, and the decisions he made. Let’s examine some core values in Christian leadership below. There may be more. See if you can think of some as we proceed.  Think of how you can apply them to your church, para church organization, or Bible study group – or even at work.

Core value One: Glorify God

As Paul mentioned in the above quote, the number one Christian leadership core value was to glorify Jesus Christ. Christ must be at the center of all activities of Christian leadership. He gives the purpose, power, pattern, and programs of all behavior and decisions. His core values are the core values of you and me.

I submit that the Bible teaches how important it is for Christian leaders to glorify God  by loving God with all our being, loving others as ourselves (Mark 12:29-31), and to wholeheartedly fulfill the Great Commission under the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).

Core Value Two: Integrity

High in the ranking of Christian leadership core values is integrity. This is seen in Paul’s assertion to avoid anything that would discredit the work of Christian leadership, or even appear to be dishonorable. Integrity and honesty are vital, and must be genuine in our plans, goals, and life. 

The Bible teaching about core values in Christian leadership is crystal clear regarding honesty, transparency, and truthfulness.

Core Value Three: Service Before Self

Jesus modeled this core value when He uttered, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark10:45; cf. Philippians 2:3, 4; Matthew 7:33). 

In American society, this is sometimes hard to do, because of the individualized nature of that culture. It is the “me first” mentality that too often prevails. The Bible teaching about core values in Christian leadership places others first – without neglecting our own needs.

Core Value Four: Loyalty

To take a different path on this core value, we look at the example of the man whose name is the byword for betrayal: Judas Iscariot. His loyalty vanished under the hot wind of greed. 

He robbed the treasury of Jesus’ leadership team (John 12:6). Just to pick up an extra 30 pieces of silver, he betrayed Jesus to his enemies (Matthew 27:3). Luke called Judas a traitor – pretty strong don’t you think (Luke 6:16)? 

The actual value of the 30 silver coins is unknown. It could have been about five weeks wages, the price of a slave (cf. Exodus 21:32; Zechariah 11:12) – or it could have been a larger amount. 

According to the Bible teaching about core values in Christian leadership, leaders must be loyal to the organization, program, people, their calling – and of course, the bank account of the organization!

Core Value Five: Excellence

The Bible teaching on Christian leadership core values insists we adopt quality and excellence in all we do for the organization and the Lord. Leaders must constantly strive for greater efficiency. 

In a context of rewards for Christian service, Paul wrote, “…but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor…and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:8, 13; cf. 9:24-27). In Christian leadership or work, mediocrity is simply not acceptable. It is to our disadvantage. 

Core Value Six: Adapatability and Innovation

Christian leadership operates in a multitude of contexts. Circumstances change, and leaders must also innovate and change when necessary. This is a critical in the Bible teaching about core values in Christian leadership.

Paul wrote, “And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, though not being myself under the Law, that I might win those who are under the Law…To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. And I do all things for the sake of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:20, 22, 23). 

The principle is this: use the normal communication channels and dynamics of the target culture without destroying or diluting the absolute meaning of the gospel message. Like someone said, use every available means at every available time to reach every available person for Christ. 

A good example of innovation is the internet. In just the past few years, it has become a major means of communication to the world. The Bible teachings on Christian leadership core values emphasizes adaptation to change and innovation where needed - or the organization will go out of business. 

Core Value seven: Culture Defines Parameters

This Bible teaching about Christian Leadership core values expands on core value six. The culture we minister in determines the strategies and priorities used. For example, in America and the Philippines open and mass evangelism is accepted. The government does not shut down churches, TV stations, Christian book stores, and the like. Mobs don’t seek and murder Christians. 

In contrast, many countries and/or cultures forbid any expression of Christianity. To become a Christian, or trying to convert people to Christ, means jail or death. In those cases, the limitations and rules of the culture determines how best to reach those people for Christ. 

The Bible teaching about Christian leadership is resolute on the use of wisdom. It would be foolish to do open air evangelism in the face of strict government prohibition in a culture that demands death to any belief other than theirs. Better to try another method. 

In this survey of Bible teaching on Christian leadership core values, we have identified seven that can guide the behavior and decisions of Christian leadership. Have you thought of more? 

Esmie and I wish and pray for your continued success. Keep up your study, and stay wise and committed.

Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. In this Bible teaching on Christian leadership core values, how would you define a core value?

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the importance of core values to Christian leadership? Explain your decision in your own words.

3. Read Acts 20:17-38. How many core values can you identify in Paul’s exercise of Christian leadership? List them.

4. Describe fundamental core values in Christian leadership in Mark 12:29-31.

5. Which of the Bible teaching about Christian leadership core values of this study do you think you think you could improve on in your own life and ministry? How could you go about any improvement?

6. What Christian leadership core values are found in 1 Peter 4:10, 11?

7. Evaluate Peter’s sermon in Acts 10:34-43. How many core values in Christian leadership can you identify?

8. How many benefits can you list of having clear, biblical core values in Christian leadership?

9. How many core values in Christian leadership can you identify in the organization you are associated with?

10. What stands out to you the most in this Bible teaching about the core values in Christian leadership?