Scriptural Examples of Christ-Centered Leaders
Christ-centered leaders strive to emulate God’s motives and methods, as described in the scriptures. For instance, the Book of Mormon text intentionally contrasts the motives and methods of Christ-centered leaders with their contemporaries.
Exemplifying the Christ-centered Leader Model, individuals in the left column of the chart demonstrated (1) love by focusing on the welfare of others, (2) respect for others’ agency, while continually helping them to understand consequences, and (3) the promotion of personal accountability. The individuals in the right column demonstrated (1) ambition without regard for the consequences to others (the opposite of love), (2) flattery, shaming, and violence to force their will on others (the opposite of honoring agency); and (3) laissez faire lack of accountability or else imposition of external consequences to motivate others (the opposite of inviting internalized accountability).
The scriptures repeatedly affirm that Christ-centered leaders do all within their power to benefit others. In our own spheres of influence, we are invited to enact the Model and prepare the world to receive the Lord Jesus Christ through the principles of love, agency, and accountability.
