Top 7 Bible Verses About Leadership

Top 7 Bible Verses About Leadership June 29, 2015

Leadership is important to pretty much everyone, even if you do not think of yourself as a typical leader. When you think of leadership, you may think of a top executive of a fortune 500 company, a coach or captain of a professional sports team, or perhaps certain pastors within a church. Though they are all certainly leaders, it’s important for you to know that there are other aspects of being a leader. For example, parents lead their children in their lives, husbands are to lead their wives, and even some friendships can yield leadership opportunities. The point is: leadership is something that everyone should know about. And where better to go for wisdom on leadership than the Bible? Here are the top 7 Bible verses about leadership.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 NKJV

Now, before we get into some sort of egalitarian debate, I would just like to note that I am not using this verse as ammunition for husbands to be dictators in their homes or for wives to be walking doormats all their lives. Instead, I’m using it to show that, according to the Bible, husbands have a natural leadership role (which, of course, does not mean they are superior. Different roles, but same equality.) The thing about leadership is that someone has to be assume a leadership role and someone needs to be a submitter. This happens in all walks of life and it is important that we all determine, in every situation we find ourselves in, which role we are going to take.

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money…” Titus 1:7 NKJV

Although 1 Timothy is dealing with leadership roles within the church, these applications can carry over to any leadership position. They are, after all, great moral qualities to adhere to which should put you in a position to be above reproach. People are always looking for the leaders to fail in some way or to give themselves excuses in their own life to do wrong—so prove them wrong and be above reproach!

“he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8 NKJV

This verse teaches that leadership always involves diligence. A leader cannot be half-hazard with anything that they do, no matter how difficult or tiring it may become.

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” Hebrews 13:7 NKJV

A leader naturally has followers, whose job it is to look closely at the leader and do as they do. Being a leader is no small task, not in the slightest! Every leader needs to realize the legacy and influence they leave on other people’s lives.

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17 NKJV

Although this verse is spoken as an encouragement for people to be submissive to their leaders, it also clues people in on an aspect of being a godly leader: watching out for people’s souls.

The Book Of Joshua

This may seem odd to throw in, since other parts of the lists have been actual verses—but the book of Joshua does a great job at showing how Joshua was leading Israelites in victory against nations on their way to the promised land. He was a faithful person, yet God always reminded Him to follows closely to the Word of the Lord, to be courageous, and to lead the people righteously.

“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant” Matthew 23:11 NKJV

Let’s not forget that the greatest leader in history was also the most humble servant of history. Ultimately, people should not aspire to be leaders for money, fame, or glory—it should be to serve others.

Conclusion

Being a leader can be difficult, but the Bible certainly gives much wisdom on how to do it well and in a godly manner. From character studies of the life of Joshua, David, Jesus, and even Moses, to the many verses listed above, there is a wealth of information on leadership found within the Holy pages.

Article By Michael Krauzer

Michael Krauszer is the founder of ChristianLitReview.com, a website dedicated to providing a Christian perspective on all forms of literature. Additionally, Michael has been a full-time staff member at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge for the last four years, working as a Ministry Assistant and Pastoral Intern. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of New Jersey and is currently in pursuit of his MA in Theological Studies from Veritas Evangelical Seminary.


Browse Our Archives