What does the Bible say about leaders and leadership?
The Bible primarily mentions leadership in the sense of the church and faith. Leaders of the early Christian church embodied courage, honestly, and submission to God, the chief leader of mankind. Scripture provides essential components of leadership we can all learn from and aspire to.
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7)
Here we have collected important Bible verses related to leadership to guide us as leaders of our family, church, community, and nation. May these scriptures for leaders inspire and edify you in faith and strength.
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7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
12 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.
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
29 Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
21 But select capable men from all the people-men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain-and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
