Both Called and Capable: 10 Skills We Are Looking For
Biblical Examples of Leadership Beyond Character and Qualifications
Previously we outlined three layers for choosing a church leader. The first layer includes Christian qualities like the fruit of the Spirit and obedience to the commands of Christ—what we’d expect of any believer. The second layer includes leadership qualifications explicitly listed in 1 Timothy 3:1–13, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–4.
The third and final layer consists of distinguishing skills and abilities that set one leader apart from their peers. When all candidates show evidence of the first two layers, this third one usually decides it. The needs of your specific church—or the unique season you're in—often determine which strengths matter most.
What rises to the top? Things like spiritual discernment, courageous boldness, timely responsiveness, clear communication, diverse experiences, responsible authority, agile adaptability, relational intelligence, strategic imagination, and resilient competence. Over time, I’ve noticed that the leaders who stand out in interviews tell stories that show several of these in action.
Of course, not every leader needs all ten of these kinds of strengths. They’re not prerequisites, but rather distinctive capabilities that help a candidate stand apart. There are levels to this third layer. For example, someone leading a whole denomination like the Pope or a General Superintendent needs a mixture of many of them—if not all. But the best leaders know where they’re strong, where they’re not, and how to build teams to cover their blind spots.
Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Spiritual Discernment
Spiritual discernment begins with the first and second layer of leadership: a life that exhibits the fruit of the Spirit and the maturity of Christian character. That’s foundational. But some leaders have a deeper spiritual attunement—an ability to sense what a person, a church, or even a whole denomination needs in a given moment. This kind of spiritual sensitivity must be exercised wisely. An anointed leader must not use it for self-protection or personal gain.
Moses is a model for this as he waked closely with God, interceding for others, and showing discernment in spiritually weighty moments, even though he was far from perfect. In contrast, King Saul started with spiritual sensitivity (he even prophesied) but when his position was threatened, he became destructive.
2. Courageous Boldness
Leading a church requires a remarkable level of courage. The best leaders address issues head-on. They resolve conflict, enforce accountability, and are willing to bear the consequences of hard decisions. A former U.S. president once said, “No decision that landed on my desk had an easy, tidy answer.” That’s true of church leadership, too. Courageous leaders confront injustice, speak truth, and do what's right—even when it's not easy.
Esther risked her life to speak up for her people. She stepped into danger with resolve, even though it could have cost her everything. Her uncle Mordecai’s challenge in Esther 4:14 still echoes today: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” That way of thinking is the heart of courageous boldness.
3. Timely Responsiveness
Sometimes leaders are chosen for a very particular moment. Crisis. Division. Drift. The best ones can discern what that moment requires, and act swiftly but wisely. Timely responsiveness isn’t just about speed, it’s about sensing whether the urgency calls for bold action or patient restraint.
Nehemiah responded quickly to the call to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. He prayed, planned, persuaded, and led. He may not have been the right leader for every season—but he was exactly the one needed in that moment.
4. Clear Communication
A church leader doesn’t have to be the most eloquent preacher or polished writer. But they must communicate with clarity, truthfulness, and impact. They cut through confusion with theological precision and a pastoral heart.
Peter delivered a sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2) that was bold, clear, and Spirit-filled. Thousands responded to the Word. In our era, Martin Luther King Jr. brought prophetic moral clarity through scripture with a justice-fueled vision.
5. Diverse Experiences
Diversity isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about life experience that shapes insight, deepens wisdom, and broadens perspective. Cross-cultural, cross-class, or cross-role experiences forge a kind of leadership that’s more layered and tested. Those who’ve led from minority positions, or underrepresented perspectives, often bring strength shaped by struggle. We should assess that, not as their only contribution, but as something that distinguishes their leadership in meaningful ways.
Paul had a uniquely diverse life for his day: Roman citizen, Jew, Pharisee, tentmaker, missionary, prisoner, scholar, apostle. That mix made him adaptable and effective in his diverse and challenging missionary journeys.
6. Responsible Authority
A strong church leader holds authority without abusing it. They don’t hide behind false humility or shy away from responsibility. Nor do they dominate and manipulate. They steward authority with integrity.
Deborah led Israel with wisdom during wartime. When the military leader wouldn’t act, she stepped into the vacuum, not grasping for power but exercising it faithfully. She balanced strength and humility as a judge, prophet, and even a general. And all this from an unexpected starting point.
7. Agile Adaptability
Church life is rarely stable for long. Change, crisis, and disruption are constant threats. The best leaders don’t break under pressure, they bend with purpose. We need leaders who adapt quickly but faithfully, discerning when to persist, or when the best move is to pivot.
Joseph adapted through every season of his life, from favorite son to slave, prisoner to vizier. He trusted God and led with excellence in wildly different roles. Even in betrayal and obscurity, he stayed faithful and flexible.
8. Relational Intelligence
Some leaders just know how to read a room. They build trust, navigate conflict, and speak words that bring healing. They cross divides and build bridges, often without drawing attention to themselves. You can’t always describe it, but when you see relational intelligence, it’s unmistakable and invaluable.
Barnabas was a bridge-builder. He encouraged new believers, reconciled Paul and John Mark, and brought people together. His relational instincts helped new faith communities form, churches get off to the right start, and kept every community growing.
9. Strategic Imagination
Visionary leaders don’t just dream about utopias. They see what God could do, and they craft a real plan to move toward it. That kind of hopeful strategy builds trust, especially in weary times or in institutions that need to find a new way forward. They inspire by seeing what’s possible, not just what is, and inviting others to step into that future.
Jethro saw the leadership bottleneck of Moses and proposed a new structure with strategic imagination. John Wesley, centuries later, did the same: organizing Methodist revival with field preaching, lay leaders, and small groups. His model still shapes churches today.
10. Resilient Competence
Some leaders just get things done, and they don’t quit when the going gets tough. They have grit, perseverance, and a steady hand. They may not be flashy, but they’re consistent. They do what they say they’ll do, and they do it well. They’re not easily discouraged. They press forward with joy, even under pressure, fatigue, or resistance.
Daniel served faithfully through multiple regimes. He prayed, endured persecution, and led with integrity. He didn’t compromise, and his competence endured through every storm.
Let me invite you to reflect on these abilities and skills in two ways, perhaps leaving a comment in response below with your thoughts.
First, think of a leader you know: maybe of a church or organization. Which of these strengths do they exhibit? Which are areas of weakness? Could you encourage them where they’re strong or come alongside them where they’re not?
Now think about yourself. Which of these ten come naturally? Which need more intentional growth? How could you take a step toward developing one of them in this next season?
For more on getting ready to lead, see this article: Preparing for Senior-Level Leadership
How to Select the Leader of Your Church
When a Pope dies, the Roman Catholic Church enters a stage called interregnum, which even though it sounds like it, has nothing to do with your large intestine. Instead, it means the time between two elected leaders holding a position. In the United States, we don't have a lot of interregnums because we usually elect people for a position prior to the l…
Great stuff Dave! I think it’s important that we name them just like you did. We’ve all sat in interviews where we’ve felt good about a person but we didn’t know why.
Where does theological grounding fit in your thinking?