Freedom to Lead International® (FTL)focuses on ten Christ-centered leadership competencies. Many of these competencies are familiar in the field of leadership/organizational development; however, FTL emphasizes the difference that lies in the goal of each competency.
10 Competencies of Christ-centered Leaders
- Cultivate character
Christ-centered leaders are spiritual leaders. They demonstrate integrity through their personal and public behavior. They emphasize growth and learning for themselves and those they influence. They champion people and standards that embody core biblical values. - Model authentic relationships
Christ-centered leaders treat others with respect, forgiveness, and acceptance. They lead out of humility, honesty, and love. They practice and teach healthy relationships. - Inspire a shared vision
Christ-centered leaders communicate a compelling image of a preferred future. They motivate others to envision and act toward worthy possibilities. - Challenge people and processes
Christ-centered leaders practice innovative ways to improve themselves and the people they lead. They experiment and take risks to release individuals to reach their highest Kingdom potential. - Ensure a healthy ministry culture
Christ-centered leaders align organizational values with biblical virtues. They steward resources so that the ministry becomes self-sustaining and self-perpetuating. They facilitate decisions and lead change in a collaborative environment. - Facilitate effective communication
Christ-centered leaders foster an environment where people are safe to tell the truth. They model and teach effective conflict resolution and people management skills. - Implement strategic planning
Christ-centered leaders build capable teams that discern and respond to God’s initiatives with effective strategies to accomplish a clear, common, and compelling mission. - Consider the individual
Christ-centered leaders understand the diversity of the people they lead. They tailor their leadership approach to others’ cultural, gender, and personal differences. - Develop people
Christ-centered leaders intentionally develop others. They assist those they influence to identify and use their gifts. They challenge and support others in their development. - Advance cooperative partnerships
Christ-centered leaders conduct their lives and ministries under the Lordship of Christ, in partnership with His Spirit, and in cooperation with other Kingdom-minded people.
These core leadership principles from Jesus are complemented by additional leadership lessons from the Old and New Testaments. To cultivate local leaders, we also employ culturally appropriate stories, images, and music to support these biblical principles and practice. Just as Jesus led His followers to do “even greater things” (John 14:12), so leaders today that follow Christ “take the point” to serve those they lead to reach their highest Kingdom potential.
