By Pr Isaiah White
In today’s world, distinguishing between leadership and mere rule has become increasingly difficult. Rulers command fear from those they govern, whereas true leaders earn respect from their followers. Understanding whether you are respected or feared is crucial, and recognising this difference will help determine whether you are a leader or simply a ruler.
As Christians, we are called to embody a distinct form of leadership, one not shaped by worldly wisdom but by God’s principles. Over 2,000 years ago, when God Himself walked the earth, He demonstrated a leadership style radically different from the prevailing models of His time. He led through service, loved unconditionally, and empowered others to reach their full potential. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus explicitly contrasts worldly leadership with godly leadership:
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Rule by fear
An insatiable need for control breeds fear among followers. When a leader becomes obsessed with micromanaging every detail, it is often a sign of their own insecurity. This insecurity spreads, and soon those they lead become fearful, not out of respect, but due to the leader’s own anxieties. Leadership that relies on fear is, at its core, cowardly.
Anxiety increases when outcomes feel unpredictable. Leaders who do not trust their followers’ ability to make wise decisions resort to controlling their every move, stripping them of freedom and independence. In a fear-based leadership model, people follow instructions rigidly, not out of loyalty but to avoid consequences. Creativity is stifled, and individuals behave like robots rather than thinking, proactive contributors.
A leader who rules through fear creates an environment where people hesitate to share vital information, challenge ideas, or offer alternative perspectives. Instead, they withdraw, avoid engagement, and prioritise self-preservation over collective progress. In such an atmosphere, dishonesty and disengagement become common, as individuals seek to shield themselves from repercussions rather than work towards a shared vision.
Respect as response
The saying “respect is earned” highlights that a leader bears the responsibility for fostering respect. To be respected, a leader must first be respectable. A leader who acknowledges and values the humanity, intelligence, and autonomy of those they lead will naturally inspire respect. Respect is not demanded; it is the organic outcome of leadership rooted in integrity, humility, and love.
A respectful leader cultivates an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered. This type of leadership fosters trust, collaboration, and mutual growth. Respectful leaders demonstrate their values not only through their actions but also through their words. The Apostle Paul often referred to himself as a servant of Christ and a co-labourer with those he led. He encouraged, corrected, and guided with love and respect, always aiming to uplift rather than tear down.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12: “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
Need for respectable leaders
There is a pressing need for leaders to distinguish between being feared and being respected. True leadership does not rely on intimidation or threats but seeks to instil confidence and capability. Fear may seem effective in the short term, but it is ultimately unsustainable. People eventually resist what threatens them, and a leader who is hated will struggle to achieve lasting success.
True Christian leadership is not about wielding power to dominate others but about serving with humility, love, and integrity. Nehemiah, for example, led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls not through coercion but by inspiring people with his vision, faith, and willingness to work alongside them (Nehemiah 4:6). His leadership was marked by deep respect for those he led and an unwavering sense of responsibility to God.
Ultimately, the hallmark of godly leadership is respect, not fear. Those who lead with love and humility will inspire others to follow willingly, creating a legacy of trust, strength, and shared purpose.
