In a fast-changing world with varied and competing ideologies, young Christian leaders face the critical task of seeking to lead in ways informed from a biblical worldview. Impact 360 Institute exists, in part, to equip young adults in this very way.
Influence in the workplace and in culture does not sit apart from how one might lead in a church or ministry setting. Impact 360 seeks to challenge young leaders to apply a biblical worldview lens onto every decision, action, and interaction. This culminates in what we refer to as Spirit-empowered Influence. This framework flows through Impact 360’s mission and values.
Influence Principle #1: Know Jesus More Deeply
Leading with a biblical worldview begins with knowing Jesus intimately. These two cannot be disconnected. As Christian leaders, our decisions must flow from our relationship with Him. At Impact 360 we believe followers of Christ are called to inspire others to a deeper knowledge of Him while being transformed in our own character. This means prioritizing two areas: spiritual disciplines and biblical community. Spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Scripture, and worship allow us to discover God’s heart and align our values with His teachings. These should be pursued within the context of biblical community through active membership of a local church and a small group. These important affiliations provide not only accountability, but wise insights and counsel from other mature leaders and believers.
Influence Principle #2: Be Transformed in Character
Character transformation is a natural outcome for leadership rooted in biblical worldview. As we study and properly understand Scripture more deeply, the more we should also grow to become more like Him. The attributes of Christ-like thoughts and actions Impact 360 teach are designed, in turn, to foster Christ-like character development. Whether practicing attributes as courageous integrity or servant-hearted collaboration, our leadership should reflect Jesus’ humility and compassion. The world needs examples of those who lead through challenges with attributes such as joyful grit and resilience inspired by and grounded in the hope found in God’s promises.
Influence Principle #3: Live with Spirit-Empowered Influence
Effective Christ-like leadership requires us to live and lead with Spirit-empowered influence. This begins with humility demonstrated through the willingness to put aside our desires to elevate self and seek where and how the Lord wants us to use our influence. This involves taking responsibility (and sometimes our mistakes), seeking growth in effectiveness, and offering solutions to problems. At Impact 360 we teach a growth mindset that allows us to risk intentionally and learn continuously while seeking to develop others. Such leadership reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
As one seeks to lead with these three principles of leadership through a biblical worldview in mind there are two clear actions we can take that will undergird our efforts and help grow our influence: collaborate with clarity and kindness and leading with hope and courage.
Biblical leadership also hinges on clear collaboration.
Impact 360 encourages leaders to communicate truthfully and ensure clarity of next steps. Team members need to know they can hear honest truth shared in kindness from their leaders with clear expectations set before them. By and large team members will do what is needed and expected of them as long as they have a good understanding of what that is from their leaders. It is the leader’s responsibility to make sure the path is clearly communicated, not the team members’ responsibility to seek it out.
With these elements in place then a leader can be a positive influence by leading in light of hope and courage. A leadership style formed through a biblical worldview is one of hope and strength because of God’s promises to grow and sustain us. It’s not always natural to us, therefore, leading with a biblical worldview demands intentionality, perseverance, and faith. By embodying the attributes learned through an informed biblical worldview, however, we can rise to the challenges before us and bring glory to our Creator in the process.