Personality Strengths of 10 Top Christian Leaders
Feb 09, 2024
Our personalities are a gift from God.
- We are each uniquely designed
- Our personality is as unique as our fingerprint!
- Your Personality is not the same as Your Character.
- Our Personality is what we are given.
Our Character is what we do with it!
WHAT IS PERSONALITY?
As a source for Psychology Today summarized it:
"Personality refers to a person's distinctive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It derives from a mix of innate dispositions and inclinations along with environmental factors and experiences. Although personality can change over a lifetime, one's core personality traits tend to remain relatively consistent during adulthood."
- Our core personality is how we are naturally "wired".
- Our life experiences are what we respond to with our personality.
So what happens when a person receives a new life through Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?
The answer can be found in the Bible.
For example:
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it is written, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This signifies a spiritual rebirth, where the old sinful nature is replaced with a new heart and spirit.
Ezekiel 36:26 further emphasizes this renewal, stating, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Through this new life in Christ, believers are filled with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Romans 15:13 speaks to this new hope, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
This transformation brings about a deep sense of peace, joy, and a renewed outlook on life, guiding believers on a path of spiritual growth and fulfillment.
In this article we will explore the personalities of 10 Top Christian leaders. There are many more Top Christian leaders, these are just those that are publicly well known. There are many ways to approach evaluating personalities, however, I find the D.I.S.C. model of human behavior the easiest to understand and remember to apply for personal and relational growth. You can read more about the foundation and value of DISC by visiting my coaching page at http://DISC-GOE.com.
The D.I.S.C. model, categorizes personality styles into four main types: Dominant, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance.
Each of us has a combination of these styles that make up our unique "blend", as unique as our fingerprints, designed by our Heavenly Father with love. If you're not familiar with the D.I.S.C. model of human behavior, here's a brief summary of each personality style:
1. Dominance (D): People with a dominant personality style tend to be direct, assertive, and results-oriented. They are often natural leaders and are driven by challenges and accomplishments.
2. Influence (I): Individuals with an influential personality style are typically outgoing, enthusiastic, and persuasive. They thrive on social interactions, enjoy being the center of attention, and are skilled at motivating and inspiring others.
3. Steadiness (S): People with a steady personality style are often patient, reliable, and supportive. They value stability, harmony, and cooperation. They are excellent listeners and are known for their loyalty and empathy.
4. Compliance (C): Individuals with a compliant personality style are detail-oriented, analytical, and systematic. They prioritize accuracy, precision, and following established rules and procedures. They excel at problem-solving and are often seen as logical and organized.
It's important to remember that individuals are complex and may exhibit a combination of different traits. Our behavior in response to our environment or situations reflect our personality style, as well as the character we have developed with it. It's a matter of personal development, i.e., what we DO with what God has given us.
We can learn about character building, or lack of, from studying the lives of those whose stories are recorded in the Bible. We can also learn by observing the lives and personal journeys of people today. And, honestly, people are watching and observing YOU too, as an example of a person living out a life of faith and leadership.
As a starter, here's a list of Christian leaders who are known for the impact they have made in our world, and some may have impacted you personally,
- What is it that makes them so magnetic?
- What makes them memorable?
- What can we learn from their life stories?
These individuals live by faith in God, and with this foundation they are rooted in promises such as this one found in the Bible for those who believe and received God's gift of freedom through Christ:
PEACE AND JOY
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character;
and character, hope.And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." ~ Romans 5:1-5
At first blush, we may see leaders such as these at their maturity and not realize what they lived through in order to have gained their maturity and notoriety. So - let's take a pause and take a moment to consider the personality styles they have as their "natural wiring" and how their pursuit of God's purpose in their lives developed their remarkable character and impactful influence.
Billy Graham
Personality Style: High "I" (Influencer)
Known For: Renowned evangelist and preacher
Impact: Billy Graham's powerful sermons and evangelistic crusades reached millions of people worldwide, leading many to embrace Christianity and inspiring a new generation of evangelists.
Mother Teresa
Personality Style: High "S" (Steadiness)
Known For: Selfless service to the poor and marginalized
Impact: Mother Teresa's unwavering dedication to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India, and around the world inspired countless individuals to show compassion and care for those in need.
C.S. Lewis
Personality Style: High "C" (Compliance)
Known For: Theological writings and apologetics
Impact: C.S. Lewis's books, such as "Mere Christianity" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," continue to influence and shape Christian thought, providing intellectual and philosophical insights into the faith.
Joyce Meyer
Personality Style: High "I" (Influencer)
Known For: Teachings on practical Christianity and personal development
Impact: Joyce Meyer's ministry has empowered individuals to grow in their faith, overcome challenges, and live a purposeful life through her books, conferences, and television programs.
Rick Warren
Personality Style: High "S" (Steadiness)
Known For: Author and pastor of Saddleback Church
Impact: Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" has helped millions of people discover their purpose and deepen their faith. He has also been actively involved in humanitarian efforts and global initiatives.
Beth Moore
Personality Style: High "I" (Influencer)
Known For: Bible teacher and author
Impact: Beth Moore's passionate teaching and writing have encouraged countless women to study and apply the Bible, empowering them to grow in their faith and live out their calling.
Max Lucado
Personality Style: High "S" (Steadiness)
Known For: Bestselling Christian author and pastor
Impact: Max Lucado's books, characterized by his relatable storytelling and messages of grace, have touched the lives of many, offering hope, comfort, and encouragement.
Dr. Charles Stanley
Personality Style: High "D" (Dominance) and High "S" (Steadiness)
Known For: Founder of InTouch Ministries. Biblical teacher and worldwide ministry.
Impact: Through his sermons, books, and television broadcasts, he has provided practical and insightful guidance for personal and spiritual growth.
Dr. David Jeremiah
Personality Style: High "I" (Influence) and High "C" (Conscientiousness)
Known For: Founder of Turning Point Ministries. Ability to communicate complex biblical truths in a a relatable manner. He also includes a prophetic perspective on current events and their significance in light of biblical prophecy.
Impact: Delivering messages of Hope and Encouragement, in a world of personal struggles and societal challenges. Through his television and radio broadcasts, books, and online resources, Dr. Jeremiah's ministry has reached a global audience, impacting lives in various corners of the world.
These are just a few examples of influential Christian leaders and their impact. It's important to note that the D.I.S.C. model is a general framework for understanding behavior and personality styles, and individuals may exhibit a combination of different traits. The D.I.S.C. personality profile reports include a visual representation of your personality DNA, including two graphs: one representing your basic profile, and the second representing your environmental profile. It includes a measurement of each of the four personality styles that make up yours. If you'd like to get YOUR personalized report, please visit our page at http://DISC-GOE.com where you can learn more about D.I.S.C. and select the best options for you, or get on a call with us.
Now, it's YOUR TURN!
[YOUR NAME]
Your Personality Style: _____________________
Known For: _____________________________ . . . . .
Impact: ________________________________ . . . . .
Thank you for being YOU! the world needs YOUR POSITIVE INFLUENCE.
In His Love and Grace,
Sandy Goe
