Are Leaders Born Or Made?: A Christian Theological Perspective

 INTRODUCTION

In addition to being a secular issue, the question of whether leaders are born or made is one that has a significant bearing on Christian theology. The idea that "leaders are made and not born" is in line with the teachings of Christian doctrine and the Bible. By examining biblical evidence, theological reflections, and historical examples of Christian leaders who demonstrate that leadership is cultivated through divine calling, spiritual formation, and discipleship, this essay argues in favor of this viewpoint. By referring to significant sources, this exposition plans to show that, from a Christian philosophical viewpoint, leadership is a product of God's extraordinary work in ordinary men as opposed to an innate quality.

Moses: Israel's First National Leader

Biblical Foundations for Leadership Development

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that support the idea that leaders are made through God's guidance and the nurturing of their spiritual gifts. One of the foundational scriptures that illustrates this is found in Ephesians 4:11-13:

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

This passage highlights that leadership roles within the Church are gifts from Christ intended for equipping and building up the body of believers. It implies that leadership is not about inherent qualities but about the development and equipping process that Christ initiates and sustains.

The Role of Calling and Divine Appointment

Throughout the Bible, it is seen that leaders are often those who have been called and appointed by God, rather than those who exhibit natural leadership traits from birth. For example, Moses, who initially felt inadequate and reluctant to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, was chosen and empowered by God (Exodus 3-4). Moses' leadership was developed through his obedience to God's calling and his reliance on God's guidance.

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah was called by God even before his birth, but his effectiveness as a leader came through his obedience and growth in his relationship with God: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) Jeremiah's example demonstrates that while God may have plans for individuals, their leadership potential is actualized through their response to God's call and their spiritual formation.

Jesus and His Disciples

The Example of Jesus and the Disciples

Jesus Christ himself provides the perfect model for leadership development. He chose twelve ordinary men as His disciples and invested in them through teaching, mentoring, and empowering them for ministry. The transformation of the disciples from simple fishermen and tax collectors into the foundational leaders of the early Church is a profound testament to the idea that leaders are made.

Peter, who initially denied Jesus three times, became one of the foremost leaders of the early Christian community. This transformation was a result of his experiences, the teaching and empowerment he received from Jesus, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Peter's development into a leader exemplifies the process of being made into a leader through divine intervention, personal growth, and communal support.

Theological Reflections on Leadership Development

Christian theology emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace and the importance of discipleship in the formation of leaders. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a notable theologian, highlights the significance of community and discipleship in his book ‘Life Together’. He argues that Christian leaders are formed within the context of community, where they learn to serve and lead others through mutual support and accountability (Bonhoeffer, 1954).

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, also believed in the importance of spiritual disciplines and communal accountability for developing Christian leaders. Wesley’s class meetings and bands were designed to nurture the spiritual growth of individuals, thereby equipping them for leadership within the Church (Henderson, 1997). This model underscores the idea that leadership is cultivated through intentional discipleship and spiritual formation.

Historical Examples of Made Leaders

History provides numerous examples of Christian leaders who were made rather than born. Augustine of Hippo is one such example. Augustine's early life was marked by waywardness and skepticism, but his encounter with God and subsequent conversion led to his development into one of the most influential theologians and leaders in Church history. His Confessions detail his journey of transformation and the ongoing process of being shaped by God's grace (Augustine, 2006).

Mother Teresa is another example of a leader who was made through her dedication to serving the poor and her deep spiritual life. Her leadership was not the result of innate qualities but of her profound commitment to living out the gospel. Her work with the Missionaries of Charity and her influence on global humanitarian efforts were products of her sustained spiritual discipline and response to God's calling (Spink, 1997).

Practical Implications for Contemporary Christian Leadership

Understanding that leaders are made has significant implications for contemporary Christian leadership. It encourages a focus on discipleship, mentoring, and the development of spiritual disciplines. Churches and Christian organizations should prioritize creating environments where potential leaders can grow through education, practical experience, and spiritual guidance such as:

Leadership Training and Mentorship Programs: Many Christian organizations have implemented leadership training programs that focus on spiritual formation and practical skills. For instance, the ‘Global Leadership Summit’ provides training that combines biblical principles with leadership techniques, helping individuals develop into effective Christian leaders.

Spiritual Disciplines and Personal Growth: Encouraging the practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Bible study, and service is essential for leadership development. Richard Foster’s book ‘Celebration of Discipline’ outlines various spiritual disciplines that can help individuals grow in their faith and leadership capabilities (Foster, 1978).

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

While some might argue that certain individuals possess natural leadership qualities that make them inherently suited for leadership roles, Christian theology suggests that these qualities alone are insufficient. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 highlights that God often chooses those who are not wise or powerful by worldly standards to lead, so that their leadership is a testament to God’s power rather than human ability: "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." This passage suggests that leadership in a Christian context is more about God's calling and equipping than about innate abilities. Additionally, even those with natural leadership qualities must undergo spiritual growth and development to lead effectively in accordance with Christian values.

 

CONCLUSION 

The assertion that "leaders are made and not born" is strongly supported by Christian theology and biblical principles. The process of being made into a leader involves responding to God’s calling, engaging in spiritual formation, and participating in community and discipleship. Biblical examples, theological reflections, and historical leaders all demonstrate that effective Christian leadership is cultivated through God's transformative work and the intentional development of spiritual disciplines and practical skills.

By embracing the perspective that leaders are made, the Church can focus on nurturing and equipping individuals for leadership roles through education, mentorship, and spiritual growth. This approach not only aligns with biblical teachings but also ensures that leadership within the Christian community is rooted in faith, humility, and a commitment to serving others in the name of Christ.

 

 

 References

1.      Augustine. (2006). 'Confessions'. Oxford University Press.

2.      Bonhoeffer, D. (1954). 'Life Together'. Harper & Row.

3.      Foster, R. J. (1978). 'Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth'. Harper & Row.

4.      Henderson, D. M. (1997). 'John Wesley's Class Meeting: A Model for Making Disciples'. Beacon Hill Press.

5.      Northouse, P. G. (2018). 'Leadership: Theory and Practice' (8th ed.). Sage Publications.

6.      Spink, K. (1997). 'Mother Teresa: A Complete Authorized Biography'. HarperCollins.