How To Identify Good Leaders

Not Everyone Who Leads Is a Leader

Leadership isn’t about titles, power, or prestige. 

Every person is called to lead, to bring light, integrity, and hope into the spaces we influence. Leadership isn’t reserved for the few; it’s a call for the faithful.

However, not everyone who holds the title of leader truly lives up to the call of leadership. Real leadership has little to do with control and everything to do with character.

Real Leaders Lead with Virtue

True leaders are guided by a moral compass. They help others rise, not for personal gain, but for the good of those they serve.

Leadership is a moral act—an act of love, humility, and courage.

When a leader lives this way, people thrive. Communities grow. And hearts turn toward something greater than themselves.

But...

Not everyone who calls themself a leader is a leader. And not everyone who wants to be a leader is a leader. And not everyone who is a candidate for an election is a leader.

What do I mean?

Being a leader isn't the same as being a boss, President, or having any kind of formal power, whether at work, in ministry, or in society at large. The world stage is full of "leaders" purely by power. Leadership is more than power.

And leadership is about more than simply leading people.

Four Ways to Recognize a Good Leader

#1: A Good Leader Cares About People.

They see beyond titles, positions, and platforms. Their mission is people; ordinary, everyday people. They listen, serve, and sacrifice for those they are entrusted to care for. Their leadership isn’t an opportunity for control but a chance to love.

If you're reading this, you've probably experienced both types of leaders.

1. The leader focused only on themselves and their personal interests.
2. The leader who's main mission is the good of their people.

Nobody likes a selfish leader — it's a contradiction in terms. That's because we don't trust selfishness. A good leader is willing to forget about themselves for those under their charge. Their title isn't an opportunity to domineer or "lord it over them" as Our Lord speaks of in the Gospels.

The title of "leader" is the opportunity to love and sacrifice for others.

#2: A Good Leader Has a Dream.

Not a dream of personal success, but a vision for the good of others.
Their leadership inspires others to become who God created them to be.

The perfect example to think about this is here in the United States. We have an election year coming up. When you think about our current and potential leadership, ask yourself,

"Which of these men or women has a dream?

And is the dream that (INSERT CANDIDATE) has wrapped up in personal interests or is it a dream for Americans as a people?"

Good leaders are motivated, above all else, by their people becoming great people.

#3: A Good Leader Leads with Heart.

Great leadership begins within.
A leader who loves deeply, forgives freely, and thinks generously creates an atmosphere where others can flourish.

This is the criteria for hiring, electing, selecting, and training people who are leaders and not opportunists or manipulators.

#4: A Good Leader Lives What They Teach.

Integrity is the foundation of trust. Words matter, but actions matter more. Good leaders live out their convictions—consistently, humbly, and faithfully. We trust people who don't only talk a big game but back it up with action.

Anyone with the title "leader" can learn to speak beautifully and enthusiastically, influencing the masses. But the real work is in being a virtuous and moral person.

This is the best way to parse out the true leader from the wannabe. This is the real, raw data that proves a person's character—their track record.

Leadership That Builds the Kingdom

Leadership, at its best, reflects Christ—servant, shepherd, and savior.

That’s why Called exists: to help leaders build thriving, Christ-centered communities that lead people closer to God and to one another.

We do this by:

• Creating tools that make ministry communication simple, safe, and effective

• Sharing best practices for leadership, discipleship, and community growth

• Connecting leaders to each other—because no one is meant to lead alone

You’re Called to Lead. We’re here to help you do it well.