Marks of a Gospel-Centered Leader Part. 1: Identity

In the coming weeks, I will be rolling out a series here at Develop to Deploy entitled Marks of a Gospel-centered leader.

Today we begin with Mark #1: Identity 

Knowing who you are is a prerequisite for leading anyone.

According to Scripture, Christians are identified with Christ Himself. The New Testament uses the term “in Christ” to describe the identity of Christians.

Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Identity in Christ moves leaders from earners to abiders.

Leaders who are not finding their identity in Jesus will inevitably seek identity in power, position or the praise of others. On the other hand, the leader who is currently resting in the reality that they are “in Christ” leads with humility and confidence as their sense of worth and security is not based on their present position or worldly “success” but is instead based solely on their unbreakable, unchangeable union with Christ by faith.

Our leadership can never earn for us what Jesus has already won for us.

A few questions to prayerfully think through as you examine your own leadership.

Leadership Check:

Q1: How closely do you equate identity (who you are) with what you do?

Q2. How do you respond when your leadership is critiqued by others? Defensive? Combative? Attempt to justify every decision/action?

Chad Williams