ACSI Research Fellow Program

John Maxwell once said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” In my experience, this has proven to be true. Every successful school I have had contact with has had strong leadership. Conversely, schools that are struggling often have leadership issues. 

So what does strong leadership in a Christian school entail? The attributes of quality leadership are things dissertations and books are written on; here we will address five aspects of leadership in Christian schools. 

Seek God’s guidance in all you do. Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) declares, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” First pray. This seems obvious for leaders in Christian schools, but it is amazing how often we charge ahead solving problems before we take the time to humble ourselves before the Lord for His wisdom and guidance. God knows way better than we do what is best for our schools, what is best for staff, students, and parents. Take the time to truly seek Him. Including the entire leadership team in this step should be a scheduled part of every decision you make. We should continually seek God’s guidance as we make decisions impacting our schools. Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) states, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” First pray! 

Listen. Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) reads, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Having an abundance of counselors is great advice. Many people listen for the sole purpose of planning what they will say next. That is not truly listening. Listening is not merely the pause between your next opportunity to talk. Listening is giving your full attention to the speaker and digesting what they say. You never learn anything when you are talking, but you can learn a lot when you are listening. Truly listening helps you gather information on what is valued, what is working, and what is not. First listen, then take time to digest what is being said, then work on your response or action plan. Proverbs 18:2 (ESV) proclaims, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” 

Remain calm in all circumstances. John 14:27 (ESV) says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” In times of trouble or emergencies people look to the leader for clues on how to respond. If you have a calm demeanor and react without anger or anxiety, others around you will do the same. If you panic, get angry or anxious it will raise the anxiety level of those around you. Rely on the peace we get from God and respond to situations with a calm peaceful spirit. Don’t let the emotions of others around you cause you to respond poorly. Don’t let the urgency of the situation cause you to act in haste. Your actions need to be clear and decisive, but they need to be done with an unruffled and unflustered temperament. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) sums it up nicely, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 

Demonstrate a Godly work ethic and attitude. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Just as our children look to us for modeling on how they should do things, others do the same toward us as a Christian leader. How do you talk? What tone do you use? How do you act? How do you respond? How is your integrity? Do you tell “little white lies”? Do you help others? Do you put their needs ahead of your own? This list could go on for pages. Do all these things to the glory of God. We serve a higher purpose. We are more than just leaders; we are Christian leaders. That in itself raises the work ethic and behavioral bar for each of us. Everything you do and every action you take should glorify God. 

Value others. Philippians 2:4 (ESV) proclaims, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” When I first started at my school, I met individually with each staff member. The purpose of those meetings was to learn about each of them as an individual. What was their experience? What was important to them? It was an intentional decision to learn about them, the school, and the history. I did it because I valued what they had to say. That should not be a one-time activity. As a Christian leader we should consistently seek input from those around us. The final decision is typically ours, but the process of gathering information shows those around you they are valued. 

Finally, make sure you have a group of people you can reach out to when you have questions, or a concern, or need support, or someone to lift you up. Leadership can become lonely at times, so it is important for you to have a way to stay grounded and healthy. Having a circle of friends, mentors, and advisors provides support when you need it. Leading a Christian school is a great responsibility. Look toward God for guidance and lead well. 

Previously published November 4, 2025.