Image of God in Christian Leadership
by Jessi Bass III
Understanding humanity from a Christian theological perspective is essential for developing a strong foundation for Christian leadership. The doctrines of the imago Dei (Image of God), the necessity of community, and the sinfulness of humanity each play a crucial role in shaping how leaders approach their responsibilities within the church and beyond. All people are created in God’s image and are called to reflect His character through leadership and stewardship. The relational nature of the Trinity demonstrates that humanity was designed for community, emphasizing the need for leaders to foster unity and cooperation. Additionally, the doctrine of human sinfulness highlights the need for accountability, grace, and redemption in communities. By examining these doctrines, this article will explore how they provide a theological foundation for Christian leadership and shape the way leaders serve others in accordance with God’s purpose.
Image of God
The doctrine of the Image of God, or imago Dei, is foundational to Christian theology and leadership. Rooted in Genesis 1:26-27 (NASB, 1995), this doctrine affirms that humanity is uniquely created in the likeness of God. This passage establishes human dignity, purpose, and responsibility, making imago Dei central to understanding what it means to be human.
The concept of the Image of God has been widely discussed in Christian theology. Some theologians, such as John Calvin, emphasize that imago Dei refers to humanity’s moral and rational capacities, reflecting God’s righteousness and wisdom (Ha, 2024). Others, like Richard Middleton, argue that imago Dei is not merely a static attribute but a functional vocation—humans are called to represent God’s reign on earth through stewardship and communal engagement (Smith, 2009). Biblical and Hebrew scholar Tim Hegg, suggests that צֶלֶם ṣelem (Brown, et.al., 2021), the Hebrew word for “image” or “likeness”, most likely means that man “represents” God (Hegg, 2010). As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, humanity is charged with cultivating and caring for creation (Genesis 2:15, NASB, 1995), exercising dominion with justice and love.
James K.A. Smith (2009) expands this idea further by describing the imago Dei as a task and mission rather than merely an inherent property of humanity. Smith explains that humans are God’s representatives and agents, granted the authority to share in God’s rule over creation (Smith, 2009). He compares this to the ancient Near Eastern practice where an idol or image of a deity was placed in a temple to signify the deity’s presence. In the biblical narrative, however, it is humanity that serves as God’s image, installed in creation to reflect His authority and care. This perspective emphasizes that human beings are not only made in God’s image but are actively called to extend His rule through culture and communal life. Leadership, therefore, is part of this calling, requiring leaders to act as priestly ambassadors who cultivate and nurture the world as God’s stewards.
The imago Dei doctrine provides a crucial foundation for Christian leadership by emphasizing stewardship, servant leadership, and relational responsibility. Leaders, as image-bearers, are not to exercise authority for personal gain but to reflect God’s character through humility, wisdom, and sacrificial service. Yeshua the Messiah, the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15), exemplifies this principle by leading through love and servanthood. His leadership model in John 13:14-15, where He washes His disciples’ feet, underscores that true leadership is about serving others (Matthew 20:26; Philippians 2:3-4). Ultimately, imago Dei shapes Christian leadership by anchoring it in divine purpose, ethical responsibility, and servant-hearted governance. Leaders who embody this doctrine reflect God’s intention for humanity, ensuring their leadership is rooted in love, justice, and stewardship.
The concept of the Image of God has been widely discussed in Christian theology. Some theologians, such as John Calvin, emphasize that imago Dei refers to humanity’s moral and rational capacities, reflecting God’s righteousness and wisdom (Ha, 2024). Others, like Richard Middleton, argue that imago Dei is not merely a static attribute but a functional vocation—humans are called to represent God’s reign on earth through stewardship and communal engagement (Smith, 2009). Biblical and Hebrew scholar Tim Hegg, suggests that צֶלֶם ṣelem (Brown, et.al., 2021), the Hebrew word for “image” or “likeness”, most likely means that man “represents” God (Hegg, 2010). As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, humanity is charged with cultivating and caring for creation (Genesis 2:15, NASB, 1995), exercising dominion with justice and love.
James K.A. Smith (2009) expands this idea further by describing the imago Dei as a task and mission rather than merely an inherent property of humanity. Smith explains that humans are God’s representatives and agents, granted the authority to share in God’s rule over creation (Smith, 2009). He compares this to the ancient Near Eastern practice where an idol or image of a deity was placed in a temple to signify the deity’s presence. In the biblical narrative, however, it is humanity that serves as God’s image, installed in creation to reflect His authority and care. This perspective emphasizes that human beings are not only made in God’s image but are actively called to extend His rule through culture and communal life. Leadership, therefore, is part of this calling, requiring leaders to act as priestly ambassadors who cultivate and nurture the world as God’s stewards.
The imago Dei doctrine provides a crucial foundation for Christian leadership by emphasizing stewardship, servant leadership, and relational responsibility. Leaders, as image-bearers, are not to exercise authority for personal gain but to reflect God’s character through humility, wisdom, and sacrificial service. Yeshua the Messiah, the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15), exemplifies this principle by leading through love and servanthood. His leadership model in John 13:14-15, where He washes His disciples’ feet, underscores that true leadership is about serving others (Matthew 20:26; Philippians 2:3-4). Ultimately, imago Dei shapes Christian leadership by anchoring it in divine purpose, ethical responsibility, and servant-hearted governance. Leaders who embody this doctrine reflect God’s intention for humanity, ensuring their leadership is rooted in love, justice, and stewardship.
Created for Community
John 14 reveals the relational nature of the Trinity. Yeshua states that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him (John 14:10-11, NASB, 1995), signifying their inseparable unity and mutual indwelling. This intimate relationship shows that God is not solitary but exists in eternal communion within Himself. Furthermore, Yeshua promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper (John 14:16-17, NASB, 1995), who will continue God’s presence with believers. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—demonstrates that relationship is at the very core of God’s being. This divine relationship models perfect love, communication, and cooperation, reflecting that God’s nature is inherently communal. As image-bearers of God (imago Dei), humans are also created for relationships, mirroring the unity and love found within the Trinity.
Galatians 3:6-9 highlights that the gospel is fundamentally about delivering the good news of salvation to the Gentiles, thereby expanding the kingdom of God. Paul connects the promise given to Abraham with the justification of the Gentiles by faith, showing that God’s redemptive plan was always intended for all nations. The phrase “All the nations will be blessed in you” (Galatians 3:8, NASB, 1995) reveals that the gospel is not restricted to individual regeneration but also encompasses the expansion of the community. Part of the gospel is that those whose hearts are regenerated come together to demonstrate the love God gave them towards one another (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2, NASB, 1995).
Being created for community is a key foundation for Christian leadership because it reflects the relational nature of the Trinity, and it is the essential goal of the Gospel. Recognizing this reminds leaders that they cannot accomplish their mission alone but must rely on the whole body of Messiah to collectively build the kingdom of God. Additionally, the ultimate goal of the gospel is to establish a community of imago Dei—image-bearers of God—who demonstrate His love toward one another. The health of this community is essential in Christian leadership, as all goals and accomplishments should serve to build up and edify the body of Messiah, fostering unity and spiritual growth.
Galatians 3:6-9 highlights that the gospel is fundamentally about delivering the good news of salvation to the Gentiles, thereby expanding the kingdom of God. Paul connects the promise given to Abraham with the justification of the Gentiles by faith, showing that God’s redemptive plan was always intended for all nations. The phrase “All the nations will be blessed in you” (Galatians 3:8, NASB, 1995) reveals that the gospel is not restricted to individual regeneration but also encompasses the expansion of the community. Part of the gospel is that those whose hearts are regenerated come together to demonstrate the love God gave them towards one another (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2, NASB, 1995).
Being created for community is a key foundation for Christian leadership because it reflects the relational nature of the Trinity, and it is the essential goal of the Gospel. Recognizing this reminds leaders that they cannot accomplish their mission alone but must rely on the whole body of Messiah to collectively build the kingdom of God. Additionally, the ultimate goal of the gospel is to establish a community of imago Dei—image-bearers of God—who demonstrate His love toward one another. The health of this community is essential in Christian leadership, as all goals and accomplishments should serve to build up and edify the body of Messiah, fostering unity and spiritual growth.
Sinfulness of Humanity
Since the fall of Adam in Genesis 3, humanity has been marked by a sinful nature. Although believers have been regenerated through the Messiah and are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, the reality of human fragility to sin cannot be ignored. Scripture reminds us that the human heart is deceptive and prone to corruption. As Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it?” (CSB, 2017). This verse underscores the necessity of continual dependence on God for spiritual renewal and transformation rather than our flesh.
Paul warns believers to remain vigilant against the temptations of the flesh, recognizing that sin remains a persistent threat. He outlines the consequences of living according to sinful desires (Galatians 5:19-21, NASB, 1995). This passage serves as a solemn reminder that the works of the flesh separate individuals from the righteousness of God and hinder their spiritual growth.
The sinfulness of humanity is a key foundation for Christian leadership because it necessitates intentional safeguards and accountability within communities. When establishing and leading communities, leaders must recognize the inherent human tendency toward sin and take proactive steps to protect the weak and vulnerable. This includes creating structures that promote integrity and ensuring that leaders are held to a higher standard to maintain the purity of the community (James 3:1). At the same time, grace and forgiveness are essential for nurturing Messiah-centered relationships (Matthew 6:14-15), fostering an environment where individuals can grow spiritually while supporting one another in their walk with God. By acknowledging both the reality of sin and the power of redemption, Christian leadership can cultivate a community that reflects God’s holiness, justice, and love.
Paul warns believers to remain vigilant against the temptations of the flesh, recognizing that sin remains a persistent threat. He outlines the consequences of living according to sinful desires (Galatians 5:19-21, NASB, 1995). This passage serves as a solemn reminder that the works of the flesh separate individuals from the righteousness of God and hinder their spiritual growth.
The sinfulness of humanity is a key foundation for Christian leadership because it necessitates intentional safeguards and accountability within communities. When establishing and leading communities, leaders must recognize the inherent human tendency toward sin and take proactive steps to protect the weak and vulnerable. This includes creating structures that promote integrity and ensuring that leaders are held to a higher standard to maintain the purity of the community (James 3:1). At the same time, grace and forgiveness are essential for nurturing Messiah-centered relationships (Matthew 6:14-15), fostering an environment where individuals can grow spiritually while supporting one another in their walk with God. By acknowledging both the reality of sin and the power of redemption, Christian leadership can cultivate a community that reflects God’s holiness, justice, and love.
Conclusion
Christian leadership is deeply rooted in theological principles that define humanity’s role and purpose. The doctrine of imago Dei highlights that leaders are called to reflect God’s image through stewardship, servant leadership, and ethical governance. The relational nature of the Trinity emphasizes the necessity of community in leadership, underscoring the importance of collaboration and unity. Additionally, the reality of human sinfulness necessitates accountability and grace within community structures, ensuring that leaders uphold integrity while fostering an environment of forgiveness and redemption. By integrating these theological foundations, Christian leadership becomes a transformative force that not only guides individuals but also builds a Messiah-centered community that reflects God’s love and justice.
References
Brown, F., Samuel Rolles Driver, and Charles Augustus Briggs. (2021) Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew-English Lexicon of the Old Testament, vol 4. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Ha, S. (2024). Because of Who We Are: A Fresh Perspective on Calvin’s Doctrine of the Image of God and Human Dignity. Religions 15: 1162. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/rel15101162
Hegg, T. (2010). Studies in the Torah Vol. I. TorahResource. Pg. 20
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Smith, J. (2009). Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation, vol. 1, Cultural Liturgies. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. pg.163.
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Ha, S. (2024). Because of Who We Are: A Fresh Perspective on Calvin’s Doctrine of the Image of God and Human Dignity. Religions 15: 1162. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/rel15101162
Hegg, T. (2010). Studies in the Torah Vol. I. TorahResource. Pg. 20
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Smith, J. (2009). Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation, vol. 1, Cultural Liturgies. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. pg.163.
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Copyright © 2025
Created with
