In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes:
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
At Maranatha Christian School in Melbourne, we believe that every student has the potential to be a leader – not just those who wear a badge or stand on stage. Paul’s words remind us that as followers of Jesus, we are called to be Ambassadors for Christ.In many ways, that’s exactly what leadership looks like in our school setting.
Developing Student Leadership Skills at Maranatha Christian School
Let’s explore how student leadership qualities and activities help our students to grow their skills, serve others, and live out their faith in practical ways:
Leadership as Representation
An ambassador is someone who represents their country while living in another place. They carry the voice and authority of their nation, sharing its values and looking out for its interests wherever they go. In the same way, student leaders represent Christ and the values of our school community. Whether they’re leading assemblies, helping younger students, or simply showing respect to teachers, their actions speak on behalf of the One they follow.
This kind of representation can take many forms, whether through daily interactions, classroom service, or participation in a student leadership program.
Leadership as Influence
Good leaders don’t lead for themselves, they influence others for the good of the group. For our students, leadership is seen in the way they encourage a friend, welcome someone new, or set the tone in the classroom. Even the quietest student can be an ambassador who shapes the culture around them for Christ.
Leadership as Selflessness
A true leader’s priority is not being first or most important, it is serving others. The leadership trait of empathy helps our students see things from another’s perspective and respond with understanding.Student leaders who live as Christ’s ambassadors put their classmates before themselves. This might mean listening patiently, giving up their own time to help, or choosing what’s best for the group instead of what’s easiest for them.
Leadership as Putting God First
Ultimately, Christian leadership is about remembering who we represent. Ambassadors don’t serve themselves, they serve the one who sent them. For our students, this means making choices that honour God, whether anyone is watching or not. It means leading with humility, integrity, and faith.
Student Leadership Tips For Parents
As parents, you can nurture this kind of leadership at home. Remind your children that leadership isn’t about a badge or title, but about service, and pointing others to Jesus. Encourage children to see that in the classroom, playground, or anywhere else, they have daily opportunities to be Christ’s ambassadors.
At Maranatha, our heart is to grow more than just good students, we want to see young people who live as Ambassadors for Christ. Every leadership opportunity, is a chance to practise representing Jesus in real and practical ways.
Jenny Rus
Director of Junior Schools
Maranatha Christian School