The Leader No Church Can Live Without
The Top 3 Traits Of A Leader Who's On Fire For God
Have you ever wondered why some churches thrive while others slowly fade away?
That’s a sobering question. It’s easy to point to any number of factors when we see churches dwindling, floundering, or closing their doors. But more often than not, the difference between thriving churches and dying churches comes down to leadership. Truly, one of the greatest needs in the church is faithful, Christ-honoring leadership. The church needs leaders who will lead God’s people in God’s way!
Jesus is certainly the true head of His church, making Him the ultimate spiritual authority over His body (cf. Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18). However, the Savior has entrusted the work of shepherding and leading His people to human leaders. It’s God’s design for each congregation to have a group of qualified men—called elders, pastors, shepherds, or overseers—leading His flock (cf. Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–11). Their work is to shepherd God’s church just like a physical shepherd would care for his sheep.
The impact of leadership in the local church cannot be overstated. Leaders influence what the church values and determine what the church prioritizes. They are like thermostats for the congregation, setting the spiritual climate of the church. Whether intended or not, their attitudes and actions filter down into every ministry, relationship, and activity. As go the shepherds, so go the sheep. Additionally, church leaders determine how fast or slow the church moves forward. Leaders have the ability to lead a church into revitalization, growth, and greater health—but they also have the power to keep a church stuck in neutral, or even lead it backwards. Revivals always run on the tracks of faithful leadership! In short, leadership isn’t just important—it’s essential. The future of every local church will ultimately rise or fall on the quality of its leadership.
But what kind of leaders do local churches actually need? Simply put, churches need leaders who are on fire for God! Churches are starving for leaders who have a deep, passionate, wholehearted devotion to God—one that is visible in their words, attitudes, and actions. A life on fire for God is fully surrendered, energized by God’s love, and driven by His Spirit. Being on fire for God means you’re burning for Him at the core of your being, even when challenges arise and the burden of leadership is heavy. When a person is on fire for God, they will be like Jeremiah who said, “There is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9). A man on fire for God will lead the church with both passion and purpose.
No church can expect to survive—much less thrive—without leaders who are on fire for God. But what exactly does that look like? Here are three key traits of a leader who’s on fire for God:
1 — They Have a Courageous Faith
Fearful leaders avoid risk and shut down under pressure, but men who are on fire for God choose boldness because they trust in Him. As Paul told Timothy, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Long before that, God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Every church leader must develop a courageous faith—one that acts in trust rather than standing still in fear.
Fear paralyzes, and it often feels like the safe route when challenges arise or difficult decisions loom. Sometimes leaders worry that a bold step will flop, harm the church, or even damage their reputation. Other times, they avoid making decisions altogether because they fear upsetting long-time members, major contributors, or influential people. Taking risks feels dangerous—especially without seeking God’s guidance or crafting a clear plan. On top of that, some leaders are just plain weary. After enduring criticism and betrayal, they’ve reached the brink of burnout. Understandably, they become hesitant and gun-shy.
Fear may be natural, but it’s a dangerous threat for church leaders. It silences, neutralizes, and takes the church nowhere. No wonder God so often told His leaders, “Be strong and courageous.” Courageous faith is clear evidence that a man is on fire for God.
2 — They Are Watchfully Aware
In Acts 20:28, the apostle Paul told the Ephesian elders, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” As shepherds of the church, these men were to watch over the congregation, be aware of its spiritual needs, and care for the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood. Elders must be watchfully aware of the condition of the church—and that means being honest about reality, even when the truth hurts.
In Revelation, Jesus addressed the church in Sardis, saying, “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1–2). The Savior saw signs of spiritual disease and reasons for concern, but the church (and others) seemed unaware of their true condition. This same danger exists today. It’s easy to make excuses, ignore problems, and insist, “We’re doing fine,” even when decline is evident. Great leaders, though, are willing to evaluate themselves and the congregation. They welcome hard conversations, ask tough questions, and take action to correct any area of disobedience or deficiency.
Leaders in denial will not help the church. It takes men who are on fire for God to watch over the flock with spiritual discernment and faithful awareness.
3 — They Are Urgent and Motivated
Comfortable, complacent leadership is one of the most subtle yet dangerous threats in the church. It’s subtle because it doesn’t appear rebellious—but it’s dangerous because the church of Jesus wasn’t built to coast on spiritual cruise control. We’re called to run the race with perseverance! Jesus rebuked the Laodicean church for being complacent and lukewarm (see Revelation 3:14–22).
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for leaders to grow comfortable. We start prioritizing our own desires over God’s mission. We stick to familiar methods without evaluating their fruitfulness. Churches often live in the glow of the “good old days.” Sermons and Bible classes become routine. Leaders may be physically present but spiritually disengaged. Ministries continue out of tradition rather than purpose. Unhealthy trends are ignored, sin is unchecked, and peace is prioritized over progress. New ideas are dismissed, and passion fades.
But leaders on fire for God will never settle for that. They are active, alert, and ready to move where God is leading. They don’t chase change for change’s sake, but they also refuse to settle for less when God calls for more. They challenge the church with vision, pursue new goals, and help the body of Christ become more fruitful and faithful. It takes spiritually ignited leaders to keep the church zealous and mission-driven.
Conclusion
Fearful leaders stand still, afraid to confront, act, or innovate. But men on fire for God choose bold and courageous faith.
Leaders in denial ignore decline, make excuses, and overlook sin. But men on fire for God pursue truth and obey God no matter the cost.
Complacent leaders coast in neutral, clinging to the comfort of the familiar. But men on fire for God burn with urgency and are willing to adapt for long-term fruitfulness.
That’s the difference. This is the answer to the question that began this article. Leadership is what separates thriving churches from declining ones. That’s why having leaders who are on fire for God is something no church can live without.
So here’s a question each of us should ask:
If others followed my example, would their walk with God burn hotter—or grow colder?
The apostle Paul said it best: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)