What Does The Bible Say About Leadership? Powerful Bible Verses On Leadership

God wants all of His people to be leaders, but what does that mean? What does the Bible say about leadership? Leadership is not a rank that someone holds or an office that someone fills. Leadership is influencing. It’s taking the lead in thought and action. It’s being first in character and decision-making. It’s being the one others look to and follow.

10 Bible Verses About Leadership To Help You Become A Great Leader

Great leaders are not born, they are made. Anyone can become a great leader by learning and applying the principles of leadership. The Bible has many valuable lessons about leadership. As we study what the Bible says about leadership, we can learn how to become better leaders in our homes, churches, businesses, and communities.

Here are some verses to help guide you in the right direction:

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 (NIV)

This verse speaks to the heart of what it means to be a leader. A good leader puts the needs of others above their own and is always looking for ways to serve. This doesn’t mean that leaders should never think about their own needs or goals, but they should always keep the best interests of others in mind as well.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that being a leader isn’t always easy. There will be challenges and trials along the way, but leaders need to remain focused on their goals and stay the course even when things get tough. Leaders need to have courage and strength to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that age doesn’t necessarily equate to leadership ability. Just because someone is younger doesn’t mean they can’t be a great leader. In fact, sometimes the best leaders are those who are willing to learn and grow. Leaders should always set an example for others to follow in all areas of their life, including their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)

This passage tell us that leaders should have humility and think of others before themselves. Leaders should never make decisions out of selfishness or pride, but should always look out for the best interests of others. When leaders can put aside their egos and serve others, that’s when true greatness can occur.

“Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” Exodus 18:21 (ESV)

This verse reminds us that leaders need to be honest and have integrity. They should be men (and women) who are trustworthy and who will do what is right even when no one is watching. Leaders should also be able to delegate authority and responsibility to others. This ensures that the leader isn’t bogged down with too much work and that tasks are carried out efficiently.

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

A good leader should be able to seek out and take advice from others. No leader is an island and it is important to surround oneself with wise counsel. When leaders can listen to the advice of others, it can help them avoid making mistakes and poor decisions.

“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:3 (NIV)

A respected leader should lead by example. They should never expect others to do something that they themselves are not willing to do. Leaders should be willing to get their hands dirty and do the hard work that is required of them. When leaders lead by example, it sets a standard for others to follow.

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.”
Matthew 20:26-27 (NLT)

Once again this scripture reminds us that good leaders are always willing to serve others. They are willing to do the dirty work and sacrifice their own time and energy for the good of others. When leaders are willing to serve and sacrifice, it shows that they truly care about those they are leading.

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Proverbs 29:2 (NIV)

This proverb teaches us that people will have either joy or discontent, depending on who is leading them. When the righteous are in charge, the people will be happy and prosperous. However, when the wicked are in charge, the people will suffer. Leaders need to remember that they have a responsibility to lead with integrity and compassion to help their followers flourish and thrive.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

A true leader never gives up, even when the going gets tough. They persevere and press on, knowing that their efforts will eventually be rewarded. A good leader sets an example for others to follow and motivates them to keep going even when times are tough.

3 Great Leaders From The Bible And What We Can Learn From Them

The Bible is full of great leaders. While their styles may have differed, they all had one thing in common: a heart for God. As Christians, we can learn a lot from these Biblical figures and what it means to be a leader.

The Leadership of Moses

When we think of great leaders, Moses is certainly one who comes to mind. He was a chosen leader of God who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. He was also a humble man who always gave glory to God. Let’s take a look at some of the qualities that made Moses a great leader.

Moses was a great leader because he was obedient to God. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery, Moses could have refused. He could have thought that he wasn’t good enough or that it was too big of a task. But he didn’t. Moses obediently followed God’s call on his life, and because of that, he was used by God in a mighty way.

Moses was also a great leader because he had faith. Even when things got tough, Moses continued to trust in God. He knew that God would never leave Him or forsake Him, and because of his faith, he was able to persevere through difficult times.

Finally, Moses was a great leader because he was humble. He didn’t seek glory for himself but always gave glory to God. He understood that it was only by God’s grace and power that he was able to do anything at all.

Moses was truly a great leader who demonstrated faithfulness, obedience, and humility. These are qualities that we can all strive for in our own lives. As we follow God’s call on our lives, let us remember to always keep our eyes focused on Him and give Him all the glory!

Deborah: A Fearless Leader

Another great leader from the Bible is Deborah. Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge in Israel at a time when women weren’t even allowed to serve as witnesses in court. Despite the odds being stacked against her, Deborah was a fearless leader who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in.

She used her position of influence to rally the Israelites against their enemies, the Canaanites, and secure victory. This was a significant victory because the Canaanites were a people who were opposed to everything that God stood for. They were idol worshipers and engaged in all kinds of sinful practices. By defeating them, Deborah and her army not only saved the Israelites from being enslaved by the Canaanites but also prevented the spread of these sinful practices throughout the land. 

Deborah was a great leader who served God faithfully. She is an inspiration to women today who may feel like they are not equipped to lead. As we see from Deborah’s story, however, it is not our qualifications or experience that matter most; it is our faith in God and strength of heart. We can learn from Deborah to be bold and fearless in our own lives. When God calls us to do something, we should trust Him and go for it!

King David A Great Leader

Many characteristics make up a great leader. Some say a great leader is born, not made. But even great leaders need to start somewhere.

When looking at the life of David, we see someone who was always looking to improve. Beginning as a humble shepherd, and ending as a revered king. With each victory and each setback in his life, David learned and grew. He made mistakes, but he also recognized them and sought to correct them.

Another quality that made David a great leader was his passion. David had a passion for God and for doing what was right. This passion drove him to fight for what he believed in, even when it was difficult. It also inspired others to follow him.

We also see that David was not afraid to take risks. When facing Goliath, everyone else ran in fear except for David. He had faith that God would give him the strength to defeat Goliath. And he did! Not only did he defeat Goliath but he also became a national hero in the process. This event gave him the confidence to lead his people into battle and emerge victorious time and time again.

David was certainly a great leader but more importantly, he was a good man who always strived to do what was right. He listened to God’s guidance and used his experiences to become the best leader possible.

The Bible is full of stories about great leaders who were obedient to God, fearless in the face of adversity, and committed to using their talents for His glory. As Christians, we can learn from these examples and apply them as inspiration in our own lives.

Jesus: The Ultimate Leader

Jesus was the perfect example of a leader. Consider some of these things He said and did:

John 13:13-15 – Washing His disciples’ feet. Jesus took the lead in servanthood and set an example of humble service.

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (NIV)

Matthew 16:24 – Denying self. Jesus put others before Himself. True leadership always puts others first.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (ESV)

Mark 10:45 – Giving His life as a ransom for many. Jesus was willing to lay down His life for the good of others—that’s true leadership!

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)

Luke 6:40 – Jesus led by example—He didn’t just tell us what to do, He showed us. As we seek to grow in our leadership skills, let’s look to Jesus as our ultimate example!

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (NIV)

Conclusion To What Does The Bible Say About Leadership

To conclude, being a leader is not easy. It takes courage, strength, humility, and selflessness. But if you can embody these qualities, then you have the potential to be a great leader. So don’t be afraid to step up and take on the challenge of leadership. Remember, it is not about your title or position. It is about who you are as a person and how you can inspire others to be their best selves.

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