Christian Leadership In The Secular Workplace

Christian leaders are often under an extreme amount of scrutiny in the workplace. Many pastors have had public moral failures that has caused many people to not only lose faith in Christian leadership, but also their faith in God. In many secular environments, the public profession of any faith is not tolerated, but Christians must let their light shine before men so that they might see their good works and glorify the father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Here are three ways leaders can respectfully communicate their faith in a secular organization:

1. Always maintain a level of self-awareness.

Self-awareness and self-regulation are associated with positive outcomes for leaders as well as followers (Sosik, Zhu & Blair, 2011). Authentic leaders are moral oriented, future oriented and true to themselves (Sosik, Zhu & Blair, 2011). It’s important to not exude demeaning qualities to followers. Humility and self-awareness will open the door for conversation, trust, and relationship. Being aware of your short comings, weakness and blind spots and extending grace to the followers, who also possesses weaknesses, is a demonstration of God’s love.

Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:17 NRSV).

2. Be open to life changing conversations

Followers will experience life with you as a leader. You may watch them work while struggling with the passing of a loved woman, marital issues, financial burdens, etc. and it is your responsibility to be a listening ear and a voice of encouragement. Never get to busy to give spiritual guidance to the follower, even if the follower does not know Jesus as their personal Savior. Exude positivity and life despite how dire the follower’s situation may be, your prayers as a Christian can turn their situation around and cause their heart to be tender towards God and eventually receive salvation.

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18 NRSV)

3. Walk in integrity

Christian leaders that walk in integrity in all aspects of their life are truly effective witnesses for Christ. Integrity more than having “post it” notes of scriptures around the desk, this includes: avoiding “short cuts”, paying a person back from that one time they bought you lunch when you forgot your credit card, abiding by company policy, shunning favoritism, avoiding the use of vulgar language and turning a deaf ear to gossip. The world doesn’t need another inspirational facebook quote, the world needs to see Jesus through his children. Leaders who walk in integrity attract moral oriented people who do not know Jesus. In summary, walk in integrity and people will follow you to Jesus.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people (Matthew 4:19 NRSV).”

Sosik, J. J., Zhu, W., & Blair, A. L. (2011). Felt Authenticity and Demonstrating Transformational Leadership in Faith Communities. Journal Of Behavioral & Applied Management, 12(3), 179-199.