1. Character-first leadership
Leadership: “the office or position of a leader; capacity to lead; the act or an instance of leading.”
Lead: “to guide on a way especially by going in advance; to direct on a course or in a direction; to direct the operations, activity, or performance of; to guide someone or something along a way.”

2. Character-first leadership
A Character-First Leader…
…humbles himself to serve others. Mt. 20:26; 1 Cor. 12:11
…admits his mistakes. Rom. 3:23; Jn. 8:7; Jms 5:16
…doesn‘t lord the position over those he leads. 1 Pet 5:3; Rom 12:3
…has a strong reputation of integrity. 1 Tim 3:2,10; Acts 6:3
…practices what he preaches. Mt. 23:3
…leads instead of herds. Jn. 10:3
…cares about those he leads. Jn. 10:14-15
…is always fair to those he leads. Prov. 29:14
…speaks the truth but does so with care and concern. Eph. 4:15
…wants what is best for those he leads. Heb. 13:17

3. Character-first leadership
Why is Character-First Leader Important?
Because others are modeling their behavior after us. Heb. 13:7
Because a negative reputation will harm our influence. 1 Tim. 3:7; Rom. 1:24
Because your ability to lead is hampered if people don’t trust you. 2 Tim. 2:2
Because you can’t do everything yourself. Prov. 30:29-31
Because it will help you get the job done. Mt. 28:18-20

4. Character-first leadership
Character is Important
“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” ~ Paul Bryant
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.” ~ Anne Frank
“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” ~ Stevie Wonder
“Only a man’s character is the real criterion of worth.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

5. Character-first leadership
Character is Important
Colossians 3.
Vs. 4 references the reward for the faithful.
Vs. 6 references the punishment of the disobedient.
Vs. 8-9 describe the type of person who will be punished.
Vs describe the type of person who will be rewarded.
Listen to the type of person that is described.
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:12-14
These verses describe the character of the new man.