{"id":30489,"date":"2021-01-15T10:22:40","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T15:22:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sharefaithblog.wpengine.com\/?p=30489"},"modified":"2021-03-19T14:25:53","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T18:25:53","slug":"50-inspiring-bible-verses-on-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharefaith.com\/blog\/2021\/01\/50-inspiring-bible-verses-on-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Inspiring Bible Verses on Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leadership is integral to any endeavor. Any time people gather around a common goal, it requires some level of leadership\u2014and leadership can follow several different models.<\/span><\/p>\n

While churches and Christian organizations can learn a lot from their secular counterparts, it should only be after they get a firm grasp on the biblical view of leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n

To that end, here are 50 Bible verses on leadership:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Delegate to capable leaders<\/span><\/h2>\n

But select capable men from all the people\u2014men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain\u2014and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Exodus 18:21<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It doesn’t take too long for Moses’s father-in-law, Jethro, to see that Moses is in way over his head. The Israelites have come out of Egypt, and Moses now spends all his time mediating their squabbles and issues. Jethro’s advice is to delegate trustworthy men to even out the burden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quality leadership looks for and empowers other leaders. The adage, \u201cif you want something done right, you have to do it yourself\u201d is nonsense. You’re not a better leader if you’re doing everything yourself. You\u2019re depriving those you’re leading from having their own opportunities to grow, and you\u2019ll stretch yourself so thin you can\u2019t possibly give your best at the things you\u2019re uniquely equipped to do. Leaders can help their church grow<\/a> and thrive when they purposefully build up other leaders and volunteers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Follow the Lord’s leading<\/span><\/h2>\n

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Psalm 32:8<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Walking with God requires an intimate, prayer-filled reliance upon him. Christian leadership is truly impossible if you haven’t prioritized fostering a deep spiritual sensitivity. First and foremost, Christian leaders are Christ followers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Leaders seek delight in the Lord<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trust in the Lord and do good;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> Take delight in the Lord,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> and he will give you the desires of your heart.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Psalm 37:3\u20134<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There are so many temptations for leaders. If they’re not careful, they’ll end up putting their trust in themselves or their strategies. And if they’re doing well, they’ll take delight in it. It seems that the more successful you are as a leader, the more danger you’re in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Successful or not, a leader’s trust and delight should always be in God.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Find stability in the stillness<\/span><\/h2>\n

Be still before the Lord<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> and wait patiently for him;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> do not fret when people succeed in their ways,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> when they carry out their wicked schemes.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Psalm 37:7<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Don’t be distracted by others’ success, even when it seems they’re succeeding in their wickedness. Developing patience, trust, and stillness before God will give you the stability you desire\u2014and he will come through.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. True leadership is content<\/span><\/h2>\n

Better the little that the righteous have<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> than the wealth of many wicked;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> for the power of the wicked will be broken,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> but the Lord upholds the righteous.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Psalm 37:16\u201317<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Godly leadership is grounded in righteousness, and righteousness is its own reward. Sometimes it might feel like your leadership skills would be better compensated in another venue, but you must trust that the Lord will honor your work and sacrifice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. From the overflow of their hearts, leaders speak<\/span><\/h2>\n

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> and their tongues speak what is just.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> The law of their God is in their heart,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> their feet do not slip.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Psalm 37:30\u201331<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus tells us that the things that come out of someone’s mouth originate in their heart. (Matt. 15:18) A leader needs to pay attention to the things they say because their words are an indicator of their spiritual condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good leader’s words will bring light and life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. A leader’s integrity comes from within<\/span><\/h2>\n

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> with skillful hands he led them.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Psalm 78:72<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As we saw in the previous verse, our words are a strong indicator of our heart’s condition. We must pay attention to that because strong leadership will come from the integrity of our hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we know from David’s history, this doesn’t mean that we’re always perfect. But like David,we must be quick to repent when we realize we’re off track.<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Leaders protect themselves from corruption<\/span><\/h2>\n

Above all else, guard your heart,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> for everything you do flows from it<\/span><\/i>.\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 4:23<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We all know the heart is a blood-pumping muscle. Biblically speaking, the heart represents our emotional, intellectual, and moral center. We need to protect it because, as the Proverb says, everything flows from that place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our spiritual condition reveals itself in our actions. A leader understands this and protects their spiritual core at all cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Leadership is integral to a nation<\/span><\/h2>\n

For lack of guidance a nation falls,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> but victory is won through many advisers.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 11:14<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You can’t underestimate the power of leadership. To the writer of Proverbs 11, the nation in peril of falling was Israel\u2014God’s people.<\/span><\/p>\n

The church needs guidance, too. Without strong leadership, a church cannot stand. But as the number of legitimate and godly advisers grows, the stronger she gets.<\/span><\/p>\n

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10. Leadership is rooted in righteousness<\/span><\/h2>\n

Kings detest wrongdoing,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> for a throne is established through righteousness.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 16:12<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Leading requires integrity. If you want your leadership to have deep roots that will eventually lead to healthy fruit, you need to weed out compromise and shortcuts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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11. Leaders are continually improving<\/span><\/h2>\n

Do you see someone skilled in their work?<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> They will serve before kings;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> they will not serve before officials of low rank.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 22:29<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Want to increase your influence? Invest in your abilities. The more skilled a leader is, the more they’ll find themselves in demand. Leaders never stop growing. That means putting yourself in positions that challenge and stretch you, as well as also seeking the wisdom of other leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro-tip: start by checking out these 5 Ways Church Leaders Can Improve Communication<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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12. Leaders are made in troubled times<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you falter in a time of trouble,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> how small is your strength!<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 24:10<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hopefully, you didn’t aspire to leadership to walk an easy path. Leaders are needed when the road gets rockiest, and the way is unsure. A leader’s mettle is truly tested in the most challenging moments. (Like in 2020, when a global pandemic completely upended \u201cnormal\u201d for churches<\/a>.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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13. Leader pay special attention to their resources<\/span><\/h2>\n

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> give careful attention to your herds;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> for riches do not endure forever,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> and a crown is not secure for all generations.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 27:23\u201324<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Resources don’t last forever. Money gets spent, volunteers move on, and facilities and systems break down. The church needs leaders who are keeping track of these resources to make sure they’re plentiful\u2014and healthy!<\/span><\/p>\n

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14. Poor leadership is demoralizing<\/span><\/h2>\n

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> when the wicked rule, the people groan.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 29:2<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bad leadership is terrible for an organization and demoralizing for the people under it. Poor leadership needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly because it can undermine everything if allowed to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

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15. Good leadership offers stability<\/span><\/h2>\n

By justice a king gives a country stability,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Proverbs 29:4<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

An organization finds its security in the strength of its leadership. When it focuses uncompromisingly on mercy and justice, everything flourishes. When they begin looking for ways they can benefit from their position, things start to fall apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

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16. Leaders put their trust in God<\/span><\/h2>\n

So do not fear, for I am with you;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> do not be dismayed, for I am your God.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> I will strengthen you and help you;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Isaiah 41:10<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Leaders find themselves in difficult situations and, if they don\u2019t fix their attention on Jesus, it’s easy to get dismayed. Because leaders find themselves under fire so often, they must always be growing in their awareness of God’s empowering presence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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17. Leaders recognize their limitations<\/span><\/h2>\n

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> neither are your ways my ways,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> declares the Lord.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> As the heavens are higher than the earth, <\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> so are my ways higher than your ways<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> and my thoughts than your thoughts.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Isaiah 55:8\u20139<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Face it: you’re fallible. You don’t have all the answers, even if everyone else thinks you do. Another reason we need to be investing in our spiritual sensitivity is that as soon as we start trusting in our own wisdom, we’re sunk. Good leaders know what they’re capable of and recognize when they need help.<\/span><\/p>\n

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18. God establishes leadership<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cBefore I formed you in the womb I knew you,<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> before you were born I set you apart;<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i> I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Jeremiah 1:5<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sometimes a leader’s struggle isn’t just about remembering that God is with them. There are times that it’s a struggle to believe you’re in the right place. In the thick of it, it’s easy to believe you’ve made a huge mistake.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important to recognize that God has prepared you for leadership. As long as you’re serving faithfully, you can trust that he’s preparing to deliver you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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19. A leader has an intimate relationship with God<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2018Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.\u2019<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Jeremiah 33:3<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Over and over the Bible tries to tell us that spiritual awareness leads to greater insight. A strong leader prioritizes spiritual discipline because they know that their connection to God is where they derive their stamina, strength, staying power, and insight. Without that connection to God, you’re not leading, you\u2019re simply administrating.<\/span><\/p>\n

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20. Leadership is about justice, mercy, and humility<\/span><\/h2>\n

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.<\/span><\/i>\u2014<\/span>Matthew 7:12<\/b><\/p>\n

The golden rule isn’t particular to Christianity, but Jesus adds a new wrinkle to the versions we see expressed in other faiths and cultures. Instead of it being a prohibition (don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you), Jesus instructs us to <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> for others what we wish they would <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

This mindset should epitomize all of our leadership. After all, it sums up the whole law.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Navigating<\/a><\/p>\n

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Navigating COVID-19 and the New Normal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The questions you ask yourself today will determine whether your church merely survives in this period of transition\u2014or thrives. This ebook will help you position your church for the new normal following the pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t