There are spiritual leaders, there are biblical leaders, but what is a biblical-spiritual leader?

1. BIBLICAL
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
Dr. Jerry Smith, ThD
Faith School of the Bible
Cell: 0926-494-6406
Email: jfrsmth@gmail.com

2. Q: What is a leader?
A leader is someone who brings people from
where they are, to where they need to be.

3. Q: What makes a good leader?
Q: What makes a good spiritual leader?

4. In this course, Biblical Spiritual Leadership, we will
examine and seek to answer the following:
• What is our example?
• What are the requirements for a biblical spiritual
leader?
• What is the biblical spiritual leader's attitude?
• What does the biblical spiritual leader do?
• What is biblical leadership?
• Case studies of leaders from the Bible
• Misinterpretations from Scripture about spiritual
leadership
• Human behavior in organizations

5. Follow me as I follow Christ
1Corinthians 11:1
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ.”
A spiritual leader FOLLOWS CHRIST
*Follow : imitate

6. Who is our example of spiritual
leadership?

7. Christ, our Example
1Peter 2:21
“For even hereunto were ye called: because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps”
Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated for us how
we should behave in leadership positions.

8. Christ, the Servant-Leader
Matthew 20:28
“Even as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give
his life a ransom for many.”

9. A Practical Example
In John 13:1-17 Jesus washed the feet of his
disciples:
(v3) He was NOT worried about keeping His power.
(v13) He did not BOAST in His authority.
(v14-15) He DEMONSTRATED what he taught.

10. John 13:1-17
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into
his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to
God; (4) He riseth from supper, and laid aside his
garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. (5) After
that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash
the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel
wherewith he was girded … (12) So after he had washed
their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down
again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to
you? (13) Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for
so I am. (14) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed
your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. (15)
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I
have done to you. (16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The
servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent
greater than he that sent him …

11. Christ had self-awareness
• Our Lord Jesus Christ was SECURE and SELF-AWARE
that He was God’s appointed leader (v3).
• Many leaders try to KEEP and HOLD ON TO their
power, but Christ was secure in His leadership role:
– He didn’t spend time and energy trying to KEEP His
power, but used His power to HELP others grow (v4-5).
• He was motivated by love for others, and a desire to
do God’s will / to see God’s will done.

12. Christ did only the will of the Father
John 4:34 “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the
will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
John 5:30 “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I
hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I
seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father
which hath sent me.”
John 6:38 “For I came down from heaven, not to do
mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

13. Christ sought the glory of the Father
John 8:50
“And I seek not mine own glory: there is one
that seeketh and judgeth.”
John 7:18
“He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own
glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent
him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness
is in him.”

14. Christ did NOT seek recognition
Luke and Mark's gospel about the disciples on the road
to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35, Mark 16:12-13).
• In walking along with the Cleopas and his
companion, Jesus met them at their point of need,
journeyed with them, teaching them as he did so,
without them recognizing Him.
• Self-awareness: Jesus had perfect self-awareness,
rooted in his relationship with God, his father.

15. Mark 16:12
“After that he appeared in another form unto two
of them, as they walked, and went into the
country.”
Lu 24:15, 27
“And it came to pass, that, while they communed
together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near,
and went with them … (27) And beginning at
Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto
them in all the scriptures the things concerning
himself.

16. Christ was a prayerful leader
Luke 6:12
“And it came to pass in those days, that he
went out into a mountain to pray, and
continued all night in prayer to God. (13) And
when it was day, he called unto him his
disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom
also he named apostles”

17. Christ is a gentle leader
• Isaiah 40:11 “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he
shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
• Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the
throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living
fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes.
The Lord teaches us that spiritual leaders should not
expect or demand the blind obedience or blind loyalty of
others but gently lead them

18. Christ was a teacher
Luke 4:15 “And he taught in their synagogues”
Luke 5:3 “And he sat down, and taught the people
out of the ship.”
Luke 19:47 “He taught daily in the temple.”
2Timothy 2:24 “And the servant of the Lord must not
strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach,
patient”

19. Christ was a preacher
Matthew 4:23 “preaching the gospel of the kingdom”
Matthew 9:35 “teaching in their synagogues, and
preaching the gospel of the kingdom”
Mark 1:14 “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the
gospel of the kingdom of God”
2Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season,
out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine.”

20. Christ also cared about the physical
needs of the people around Him
Matthew 4:23
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in
their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of
the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness
and all manner of disease among the people.”
Mark 6:37
“He answered and said unto them, Give ye them
to eat.”

21. Christ is compassionate to the needs of
others
Matthew 9:36 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved
with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were
scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
Matthew 14:14 “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude,
and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed
their sick.
Mark 1:41 “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his
hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou
clean.”
Mark 6:34 “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and
was moved with compassion toward them, because they were
as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them
many things.”

22. Christ developed His disciples
Luke 9:1-10
“Then he called his twelve disciples together,
and gave them power and authority over all
devils, and to cure diseases. (2) And he sent
them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal
the sick … (10) And the apostles, when they
were returned, told him all that they had done.
And he took them, and went aside privately
into a desert place belonging to the city called
Bethsaida.”

23. Christ didn’t just say it, He DID it!
Christ, exemplified spiritual leadership
John 13:34
“… love one another; as I have loved you, that
ye also love one another.”
Matthew 20:28
“Even as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give
his life a ransom for many.”

24. Jesus, the Model Servant Leader
• Jesus SUBMITTED his own life to sacrificial service under
the will of God:
– Luke 22:42 “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup
from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
• He SACRIFICED his life freely out of service for others:
– John 10:18 “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of
myself.”
• He came to SERVE:
– Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom
for many.”

25. Christ contrasted with worldly leaders
• Jesus is selfless, they are selfish
• Jesus is concerned with freedom, they are
concerned with control
• Jesus is concerned with service, they are concerned
with status.
• Jesus is concerned with the needs of others, they are
concerned only with their own needs and wants
• Jesus is concerned with the development of his
people, they seek to manipulate
• Jesus is filled with compassion balanced by justice,
they are so often filled with harshness and injustice

26. What is Servant Leadership?
• It is the focus on the growth of the individual,
that they might flourish and achieve their full
potential and not primarily the growth and
potential of the organization
• Other leadership styles care only about getting
the job done.
• The primary concern of the servant leader is
developing PEOPLE NOT the TASK

27. Who is our Example for biblical
spiritual leadership? Jesus Christ
• He was a Servant-Leader
• He gave us an Example of servant-leadership to follow
• He had self-awareness
• He always did the will of the Father
• He always sought the glory of the Father
• He did NOT seek recognition
• He was a prayerful leader
• He is a gentle leader
• He was a teacher
• He was a preacher
• He cared about the physical needs of His people

28. BREAK!

29. What are the requirements for a
biblical spiritual leader?

30. Follow me as I follow Christ
1Corinthians 11:1
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ.”

31. A. Following Christ
What requirements to follow Christ?
1. A personal RELATIONSHIP with Christ
2. WALKING AFTER Christ
3. EYES ON Christ

32. A. Following Christ:
1. A personal relationship with Christ is a
biblical leader’s FIRST need
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth,
and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me.”
In order to FOLLOW Christ, you have to be in the
SAME WAY.

33. A. Following Christ:
1. A personal relationship with Christ is a
biblical leader’s FIRST need
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he
that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?
and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? (23) And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

34. “Have we not … in thy name done
many wonderful works?”
A leader must take care not to rest (or boast)
in their works
A biblical leader RESTS in the FINISHED work
of the Lord Jesus Christ

35. “I never knew you”
Romans 8:29
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren.”
Are we being conformed to the image of Christ?
Yes? Then you are leadership material.
No? You must examine your faith.

36. A. Following Christ:
2. Walking after Christ is his SECOND need
Revelation 2:4-5
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,
because thou hast left thy first love. (5)
Remember therefore from whence thou art
fallen, and repent, and do the first works …”

37. “First love … fallen”
• Jesus Christ is to be our heart’s desire
• He is to be the “love of our lives”
• This passage describes anything less as “falling”
(into sin) . . . So there is a command to “repent”
• Once we get back to our “first love,” the works
will follow
• The point: Delight yourself FIRST in Christ,
nurture your relationship with Him, and
everything else will follow

38. A. Following Christ:
2. Walking after Christ is his SECOND need
Philippians 3:8, 10
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for
the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord … (10) That I may know him …”

39. “…all things but loss for the excellency
of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord … (10) That I may know him …”
• Whatever accomplishments we have must NOT be
considered as more important
– Education / Degrees
– Ability
– Other (?)
• Q: What other things do people boast in?
– What things did Paul mention in this passage?
• The biblical leader follows Christ FIRST

40. Galatians 6:14
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the
world is crucified unto me, and I unto the
world.”

41. A. Following Christ:
3. Eyes on Christ are his THIRD need
Philippians 3:12-13
“Not as though I had already attained, either
were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I
may apprehend that for which also I am
apprehended of Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I
count not myself to have apprehended: but this
one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before”

42. “I follow after … reaching forth”
• A biblical leader does NOT consider himself to
be PERFECT
• A biblical leader understands that he can
IMPROVE and CONTINUES to improve

43. A. Following Christ:
3. Eyes on Christ are his THIRD need
1Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among
you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

44. “… Jesus Christ”
• A biblical leader does not get easily distracted
by other topics – everything relates to Christ
• A biblical leader keeps his eyes (heart & mind)
on Christ (“the mark”)

45. What are the requirements for a
biblical spiritual leader?
1. A personal relationship with the Lord Jesus
Christ
2. Walking after Christ
3. Eyes on Christ

46. ASSIGNMENT
Paul says, “mark them …” in Philippians 3:17
• In light of Paul’s statement to “follow me as I
follow Christ,” who is someone you can
“mark” as an example to follow?

47. BREAK!

48. What is the biblical spiritual
leader’s attitude?

49. Follow me as I follow Christ
Phlippians 3:17
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark
them which walk so as ye have us for an
ensample.”
EVERYTHING in the Bible written to believers
applies ALSO to biblical leaders
A biblical leader’s life demonstrates / exemplifies
maturity.

50. B. What is the biblical leader’s ATTITUDE?
1. He SUBMITS to Christ
1Timothy 6:3
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not
to wholesome words, even the words of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is
according to godliness (4) He is proud, knowing
nothing, but doting about questions and strifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings,
evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men
of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,
supposing that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself.”

51. “… from such withdraw thyself.”
Brethren are under NO obligation to follow a
leader who is NOT following Christ

52. Christ is the HEAD of HIS church
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church:
who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the
preeminence.”
A biblical leader is subordinate to Christ
*Subordinate : Lower in rank or importance; Subject or
submissive to authority or the control of another

53. B. What is the biblical leader’s ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ’s Words (right doctrine)
2Timothy 1:13
“Hold fast the form of sound words, which
thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus.”
*Hold fast : <echo> ; remain stuck to; keep in place
*Sound words : right doctrine (Titus 1:9, 2:1)

54. Paul’s instructions to Timothy
1Timothy 3:15
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how
thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house
of God, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and ground of the truth.”

55. B. What is the biblical leader’s ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ’s Words
a) Qualifications of Biblical Leaders
1Timothy 3:1-7
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a
bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must
be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of
good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not
given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but
patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth
well his own house, having his children in subjection with
all gravity … (6) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (7)
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are
without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the
devil.

56. “Bishop”
• The word “bishop” means overseer; in the
church, it infers management
• The word “elder” means a senior; in the
church, it infers spiritual maturity
• The word “pastor” means shepherd; in the
church, it means caretaker of the sheep

57. a) Qualifications of Biblical Spiritual
Leaders
i. A man*
ii. A good testimony
iii. Apt to teach
iv. Cares for family
v. Not a novice
*Reference to biblical spiritual leaders within the New
Testament church: Pastor & Elder levels in Peniel PC

58. B. What is the biblical leader's ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ's words
a) Qualifications of biblical leaders
i. A biblical leader should be a MAN
1Timothy 3:1-2
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of
a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop
then must be blameless, the husband of one
wife …”

59. A biblical leader should be a man
1Corinthians 11:3
“But I would have you know, that the head of
every man is Christ; and the head of the
woman is the man; and the head of Christ is
God.”
God’s order in creation is that the man leads.

60. A biblical leader should be a man
1Timothy 2:12
“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to
usurp authority over the man, but to be in
silence.”
Anything else goes against God’s plan and does not
promote God’s plan.

61. When a woman leads …
Q: Is a man leading?
Q: Is a man doing what he is designed to do?
When women are silent, they are gently forcing
men to behave like men.
God uses the women’s silence to teach the men to
lead.

62. B. What is the biblical leader's ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ's words
a) Qualifications of biblical leaders
ii. A biblical leader has a GOOD TESTIMONY
“(2) … blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to
hospitality … (3) Not given to wine, no striker,
not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a
brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well
his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity … (7) he must have a good report
of them which are without …”

63. B. What is the biblical leader's ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ's words
a) Qualifications of biblical leaders
iii. A biblical leader is APT to TEACH
(2) “A bishop then must be … apt to teach …”
Apt : naturally disposed toward; mentally quick
and resourceful;
Greek: <Didaktikos> instructive

64. “apt to teach”
2Timothy 2:24-26
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but
be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25)
In meekness instructing those that oppose
themselves; if God peradventure will give them
repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
(26) And that they may recover themselves out of
the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by
him at his will.”

65. B. What is the biblical leader's ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ's words
a) Qualifications of biblical leaders
iv. A biblical leader is cares for family
1Timothy 3:4-5
“One that ruleth well his own house, having
his children in subjection with all gravity; (5)
(For if a man know not how to rule his own
house, how shall he take care of the church of
God?)”

66. cares for family
1Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and
specially for those of his own house, he hath
denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel.”
Q: How has he “denied the faith?”

67. B. What is the biblical leader's ATTITUDE?
2. He SUBMITS to Christ's words
a) Qualifications of biblical leaders
v. A biblical leader is NOT a NOVICE
1Timothy 3:6
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he
fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
Novice : <neophutos> newly planted, i.e.
(figuratively) a young / new convert

68. What is the biblical spiritual
leader’s attitude?
1. He SUBMITS to Christ
2. He SUBMITS to Christ’s words

69. BREAK!

70. What does the biblical spiritual
leader do?

71. C. What does a biblical leader DO?
1. He CARES for the flock of God
1Peter 5:1-3
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who
am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings
of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed: (2) Feed the flock of God
which is among you, taking the oversight
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3) Neither as
being lords over God's heritage, but being
ensamples to the flock.”

72. “oversight”
Management by overseeing the performance or
operation of a person or group
To supervise

73. “willingly, not for filthy lucre”
John 10:12
“But he that is an hireling, and not the
shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth
the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and
scattereth the sheep.”
The hireling only cares about the hire and will
leave the sheep (figuratively or literally)
unattended when trouble comes

74. “Neither as being lords...”
Mark 10:42-43
“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto
them, Ye know that they which are accounted
to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship
over them; and their great ones exercise
authority upon them. (43) But so shall it not
be among you: but whosoever will be great
among you, shall be your minister…”

75. “… exercise lordship over … exercise
authority upon…”
How does a BOSS behave?
• Orders
• Commands
• Little concern for the workers
• Other?

76. “… so shall it not be among you …
minister”
• The Lord says, the biblical spiritual leader is
NOT to behave that way
• A biblical spiritual leader will NOT behave like
a “boss”

77. Biblical leadership is NOT “lording”
1Corinthians 3:5
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but
ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord
gave to every man.”
Romans 12:3
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to
every man that is among you, not to think of
himself more highly than he ought to think.”

78. John condemned that kind of behavior
3John :8
“We therefore ought to receive such, that we
might be fellowhelpers to the truth. (9) I wrote
unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to
have the preeminence among them, receiveth
us not. (10) Wherefore, if I come, I will
remember his deeds which he doeth, prating
against us with malicious words: and not content
therewith, neither doth he himself receive the
brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and
casteth them out of the church.”

79. Paul’s leadership style
1Corinthians 16:12
“As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto
you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time;
but he will come when he shall have convenient time.”
2Corinthians 1:24
“Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for
your joy...”
Ephesians 3:8
“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints … ”
Of all people, Paul could have claimed dominion over another’s faith but
instead considered himself a “member of the team,” charged with
helping people mature in their faith. Paul led by example not by militant
rule.

80. C. What does a biblical leader DO?
2. He FEEDS for the flock of God
1Peter 5:1-3
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who
am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings
of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed: (2) Feed the flock of God
which is among you, taking the oversight
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3) Neither as
being lords over God's heritage, but being
ensamples to the flock.”

81. “Feed my sheep”
John 21:15 -17
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He
saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (16) He saith to him
again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love
thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (17) He saith
unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third
time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou
knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus
saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

82. “lovest thou me…”
The Lord equates “love” for Him with feeding His
precious “lambs” (v15), whom He bought with
His own precious blood (1Peter 1:19)
One way to show love for the Lord, the leader
will FEED the Lord’s sheep

83. What FOOD for the sheep?
Jeremiah 3:15
“And I will give you pastors according to mine
heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding.”

84. “knowledge and understanding”
2Peter 3:18
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory
both now and for ever. Amen.”
Nehemiah 8:8
“So they read in the book in the law of God
distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them
to understand the reading.”

85. Go beyond the basics of the faith
Hebrews 6:1
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine
of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not
laying again the foundation of repentance from
dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the
doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands,
and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal
judgment.”

86. C. What does a biblical leader DO?
3. He PROTECTS the sheep
Philippians 3:2
“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers,
beware of the concision.”

87. Acts 20:26-30
“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am
pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not
shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
(28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all
the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made
you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood. (29) For I know
this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them.”

88. “…take heed … speaking perverse
things”
The best protection the leader can offer, is to be
well-rooted in good doctrine
1Timothy 4:16
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;
continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt
both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

89. C. What does a biblical leader DO?
4. He PREPARES the next generation
2Timothy 2:2
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among
many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
2Timothy 2:14
“Of these things put them in remembrance,
charging them before the Lord that they strive not
about words to no profit, but to the subverting of
the hearers.”

90. “commit thou to faithful men … teach
others also”
• The biblical spiritual leader trains others
• There is NO spirit of competition in his heart
• There is a sincere desire for the welfare of the
brethren

91. “put them in remembrance”
• The biblical leader does NOT BEAT the
brethren with the Word of God
• He only REMINDS the brethren of what God
says in His Word and lets God deal in their
hearts

92. C. What does a biblical leader DO?
5. He DEVELOPS the flock of God
Ephesians 4:11-16
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity
of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to
and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait
to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up
into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From
whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual
working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the
body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

93. “pastors and teachers”
• A biblical spiritual leader is able to both lead
and teach (“apt to teach”)
• The two terms go hand-in-hand

94. “… perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ”
• Why does the biblical spiritual leader EXIST?
– To be used of God to bring the brethren into a more
MATURE walk of faith
– To be used of God to bring UNITY of faith
– To be used of God to BUILD UP the church

95. “children … tossed to and fro … every
wind of doctrine …”
• Without a biblical spiritual leader, brethren are
susceptible to FALSE doctrine
• The biblical spiritual leader is used of God to
provide brethren a DEEPER understanding of
doctrine
*Susceptible : more easily yielded to something

96. “speaking the truth in love”
• The biblical spiritual leader teaches the Word of
God out of LOVE for the brethren
• The biblical leader SINCERELY desires to see the
church GROW
• The biblical leader uses knowledge ARIGHT:
1Corinthians 8:1
“… Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.”

97. C. What does a biblical leader DO?
6. He directs the flock TOWARD Christ
1Corinthians 11:1
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ.”
• Paul’s was a life that was spent perfecting this.
• He always pointed the brethren to Christ
• The biblical leader wants the brethren to have a
closer walk with the Lord

98. John1:15
“John bare witness of him, and cried, saying,
This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh
after me is preferred before me: for he was
before me.”

99. Conformed to the image of Christ
God wants His people to be conformed to the
image of Christ (Rom 8:29), i.e. to grow in
maturity and unity of faith (Rom 12:2):
• The biblical leader guides others to be
conformed to the image of Christ
– FIRST, in his personal walk
– SECOND, as an example to others
– THIRD, by convincing them that it is best

100. Where are we leading people to?
A leader guides
• A guide knows the way – he’s been there before
• A guide shows others the way so they can get
through to
• A guide is aware of the nice spots and the pitfalls
The biblical spiritual leader is an experienced
brother who can show others the way to go

101. Where are we leading people to?
The leader brings people from where they ARE, to
where GOD wants them to be:
• The leader helps brethren understand Scripture
• The leader is used of God to get people to desire
His will for them
• The leader does NOT push

102. What does the biblical spiritual
leader do?
1. He CARES for the flock of God
2. He FEEDS the sheep
3. He PROTECTS the sheep
4. He PREPARES the next generation
5. He BUILDS UP the flock of God
6. He DIRECTS the flock of God toward Christ

103. Q: What leadership role do you
already have?

104. BREAK!

105. D. Misinterpretations from Scripture
about spiritual leadership

106. “Touch not the Lord’s anointed!”
Psalm 105:13-15 “When they went from one nation
to another, from one kingdom to another people;
(14) He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he
reproved kings for their sakes; (15) Saying, Touch
not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
Many church leaders will use this verse to warn and
intimidate brethren not to challenge their authority.
But that is NOT an accurate interpretation.

107. Psalm 105:8-12 “He hath remembered his
covenant for ever, … (10) And confirmed
the same unto Jacob for a law, and to
Israel for an everlasting covenant: (11)
Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of
Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: (12)
When they were but a few men in
number; yea, very few, and strangers in
it.”

108. Touch not the Lord’s anointed
This is NOT speaking about pastors, but speaks of
God’s people, Israel. The they in this passage is a
reference to the Lord’s people, the nation of
Israel.
God is warning other nations not to hurt His
people.
“Anointed” is a reference to “they,” the people of
Israel – God’s people … NOT ONE MAN

109. In the New Testament,
EVERY believer is "anointed."
2Corinthians 1:21
“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ,
and hath anointed us, is God”
No one believer can claim any special status as
God's "untouchable anointed" over other
believers.
In the NT, ALL believers are “anointed.”

110. “Obey me!”
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit
yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they
that must give account, that they may do it with joy,
and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
Some church leaders use this verse to show that
brethren are supposed to obey orders.
But, this is a misinterpretation of this verse.

111. • The teaching of Hebrews 13:17 must be taken in
context with all that the New Testament teaches
on the subject.
• It is addressed to brethren in general NOT
pastors
• In Matthew 20:25-27, and 1 Peter 5:3, leaders
are specifically forbidden to exercise lordship
over their flocks, as worldly leaders do.
• Hebrews 13:17 is given with the understanding
that these leaders are following the biblical
example of servant-leadership.

112. “Obey” <peitho>
• “A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true
or false); to assent (to evidence or authority), to
rely (by inward certainty):--agree, assure,
believe, have confidence, be (wax), make friend,
obey, persuade, trust, yield.”

113. “Obey” <peitho>
• In other words, let yourselves be convinced or
persuaded; agree with, the biblical spiritual
leader:
– Because he has a responsibility to care for your souls
– Because he is more mature in the faith
– Because he may have a greater understanding of the
subject and Scriptures at hand
– Because God has placed him in the church as a
leader
NOT because he is the COMMANDER

114. Paul did NOT rebuke the Bereans who searched the
Scriptures to see if what Paul said was so (Acts 17:11).
Paul did NOT rebuke Apollos for not going where he asked
him to go (1Corinthians 16:12).
• In some churches, some pastors may have condemned
Apollos for that
• If Jesus is the Lord and head of HIS church (Ephesians
5:23) then who is the head of a church where the pastor is
giving orders and demanding absolute obedience?
– How could this be a dangerous situation?
– Has this pastor usurped the Lordship of Christ?

115. Title or Ministry?
• The Lord rebuked the Pharisees for loving the
recognition of men:
Matthew 23:7 "And greetings in the markets, and to
be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi."
• A pastor is FIRST a brother, and a member of the
local body where you have been placed:
– 1Corinthians 12:27 "Now ye [all] are the body of Christ,
and members in particular."
– That includes the pastor of the church.

116. Titles or Ministry?
Job 32:21
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's
person, neither let me give flattering titles
unto man.”

117. Ministry or Title?
Ephesians 4:11
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For
the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ."
These are GIFTS for MINISTRIES, not TITLES.
In the NT, no ONE member is more important than any other
member:
1Corinthians 12:14 "For the body is not one member, but
many."

118. “Paul an apostle” (ministry) NOT
“I am the apostle Paul” (title)
• Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle ...“
• 1Corinthians 1:1 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through
the will of God ...“
• 2Corinthians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ...“
• Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle ...“
• Ephesians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ...“
• Colossians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ...“
• 1Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ...“
• 2Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ...“
• Titus 1:1 "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ ...“
Paul did refer to himself as "an apostle," but in ministry, not in title

119. PETER did not refer to himself as:
• "Apostle,"
• "Elder"
• "Bishop"
• "Pastor"
• "Reverend“
• "Father”
He referred to his ministry and not a title:
1Peter 5:1 "The elders which are among you I
exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ ..."

120. BREAK!

121. E. Human Behavior in Organizations:
Empowerment

122. God made us with purpose and design
Psalm 139: 14-16
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully
made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul
knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid
from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously
wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine
eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and
in thy book all my members were written, which in
continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was
none of them. (See also Gen 1:26 and 5:3)
In light of this, we can reasonably understand human
development and behavior

123. Traditional Leadership Ideology
• Command
• Control
• Do as I say
• Point and go
• Assembly line
mentality

124. POWER
• Power: something we can use to get others to
do what we want
– Popular view (among leaders)
– An incomplete view
• Uses
– Power OVER (dominance)
– Power FROM (resistance)
• Protects us from the powers of others
– Power TO (empowerment)
• Give others the means to act more freely
Aldag, Ramon J. & Kuzuhara, Loren W. (2002). Organizational Behavior & Management. p.297-298

125. Empowerment:
A leadership tool
Leads to a greater EFFICIENCY
within an organization
Aids the organization in
accomplishing it’s GOALS

126. The Elements of Empowerment
• Information
• Knowledge
• Power
• Understanding
• Rewarding
Adapted from Daft, Richard L. (1999). Leadership Theory and Practice. p. 256

127. Elements of Empowerment
1. Employees receive INFORMATION about
company performance
A. No Secrets (knowledge is power)
B. Example: SEMCO SA
1. Including Salaries of employees at ALL levels
Adapted from Daft, Richard L. (1999). Leadership Theory and Practice. p. 256

128. Elements of Empowerment
2. Employees receive KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
to contribute to company goals
A. Example: Chrysler Canada
I. Regular quality awareness workshops
Adapted from Daft, Richard L. (1999). Leadership Theory and Practice. p. 256

129. Elements of Empowerment
3. Employees have the POWER to make
substantial decisions
A. Example: Prudential Insurance Co.
I. Claims adjuster-level (customer-service level)
approval of funds disbursement for claims
Adapted from Daft, Richard L. (1999). Leadership Theory and Practice. p. 256

130. Elements of Empowerment
4. Employees UNDERSTAND the meaning and
impact of their job
A. They will fit their action into the overall vision
of the organization
B. Example: Xerox Co.
I. “Line of sight” training
a) How employee jobs fit into the overall function of the
company
Adapted from Daft, Richard L. (1999). Leadership Theory and Practice. p. 256

131. Elements of Empowerment
5. Employees are REWARDED based on
company performance
A. Example: W. L. Gore & Associates
I. Focus on the performance of the group over the
individual
a. Salary
b. Profit Sharing
c. Stock Ownership Program
Adapted from Daft, Richard L. (1999). Leadership Theory and Practice. p. 256

132. The Elements of Empowerment:
As applied to LEADERS
• Information
– e.g. about status of the CHURCH
• Knowledge
– e.g. LEADERSHIP training
• Power
– e.g decisions/implementations at lower levels
• Understanding
– e.g. regular feedback from BRETHREN
• Rewarding
– e.g. recognition of individual/group efforts

133. NEEDS-BASED THEORIES OF MOTIVATION AS
APPLIED TO HBO
• Maslow
– Hierarchy of Needs

134. Albert Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

135. Applied to HBO

136. Interdisciplinary Thoughts:
Needs-Based Theories
• Empowerment ties into Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
• Psychologically speaking: It could be argued that
leaders who deny “needs” are suppressing an adult’s
psychological development
– A denial of human needs could be considered abusive
• These leaders are unwittingly promoting an unhealthy,
dysfunctional environment within their organizations

137. Unless these needs / factors are
considered…
• Members will have unfulfilled needs in the org.
• De-motivated members
• Frustration
• Low productivity
• Undesirable behavior
– Can you give any
examples?

138. Micro-management:
(The Opposite of Empowerment)
• Micromanagement is the extinguisher of
motivation, interest, and creativity in an
organization.
The leader watches
and directs every
minute aspect of the
organization, choking
the members, and
denying them the
freedom to excel.

139. Personal Experience
• BAD
• An organization where the leader
was a micro-manager
• Stagnant environment
• Stunted growth of members
• Not enjoyable (oppressive)
• Quite honestly the worst leader I
have ever known
– But, I learned what NOT to do

140. Personal Experience
• GOOD
• Granted the freedom within my realm to make
decisions and implement
• Exciting!
• Freeing (i.e. liberating)!
• Enjoyable!
• Fulfilling!
• Motivating!

141. Empowerment by any other name
• Participative management
• Participative decision making
• Traditional term: Delegation
• By any other name = the decentralization of
power
Kreitner, Robert J. & Kinicki, Angelo. (1998). Organizational Behavior. p. 325

142. Steve Kerr
Chief learning officer, General Electric
(GE)
Pioneer in employee empowerment
“We say ‘empowerment is moving
decision-making down to the
lowest level where a competent
decision can be made.’”
Kreitner, Robert J. & Kinicki, Angelo. (1998). Organizational Behavior. p. 325

143. How to motivate employees?
• Ask them what THEY think
• Ask them what THEY need
• Ask them what THEY want
Murrell, Kenneth L. & Meredith, Mimi. (2000). Empowering Employees. p. 102

144. Example: 1998-99 U.S. General Accounting
Office survey of Navy and Air Force pilots
• They had recently received a pay raise
• The survey was conducted to determine if
their level of morale had improved
• It HAD NOT!
• Why?
– They would have preferred spare parts for their
planes
– They simply wanted the resources needed to do
their jobs well.
Adapted from: Murrell, Kenneth L. & Meredith, Mimi. (2000). Empowering Employees. p. 98

145. Empowerment is BIBLICAL
If you are a “one-man show.” You are going to
burn out and or become too fatigued to think
clearly and get the job done.
Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law) rebuked Moses for
the same thing, several thousand years ago in
the wilderness in Exodus 18:13-27

146. 17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The
thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people
that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art
not able to perform it thyself alone.

147. 21 … place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of
hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be,
that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small
matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they
shall bear the burden with thee.

148. This is the essence of delegation: sharing the
burden of leadership with others.
Empowerment is sensible, and it is BIBLICAL
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then
thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to
their place in peace.
We see that this method benefits the leader, AND the people are
content.
It is in yours and the organization’s best interest to have help in
leadership. Every little thing does not need to be brought to you.
Share the load for everyone’s sake. This allows you to focus on more
important matters.

149. Spiritual Leadership: Quotes
“Great leaders do not focus on achieving their
goals. Rather, they concentrate on building
great organizations. … Modern leaders cannot
and should not do all the thinking for their
organizations. … It is critical that today’s
leaders develop their personnel in order to
build a healthy organization.” (p. 121)
Blackaby, Henry T. & Richard. (2001). Spiritual Leadership. Broadman & Holman, Nashville, USA.

150. GOD and HBO
• He CREATED us
– He knew “Maslow’s Hierarchy” before ANYONE
was made
• He KNOWS how we function in organizations
– He designed us this way
• He TEACHES us in His Word how to function in
His (favorite) organization – His church
– All believers are empowered with the Holy Spirit

151. The Lord’s Church in
HBO
The BODY is a fully functional organization of
believers that work together to glorify the Lord
A BODY of believers: Eyes, ears, hands, feet, nose,
etc. (1Cor 12:14-16)
Cox, Rodney. Trent, John. Leading from Your Strengths. Christian Courses.com [Open Domain]

152. “For the body is not one member, but many.”
-1Corinthians 12:14

153. … 17 If the whole body were an eye,
where were the hearing? If the whole
were hearing, where were the
smelling?
… 21 And the eye cannot say unto the
hand, I have no need of thee: nor
again the head to the feet, I have no
need of you.

154. Anti-empowerment leadership is also
addressed in the Bible as: “Lording”

155. JESUS exampled &
taught
servant-
leadership
Matthew 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but
whosoever will be great among you, let him be your
minister; … 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a
ransom for many.

156. Empowerment: The Bottom Line
• Increased CUSTOMER satisfaction
• <Who is YOUR customer?>
• What can I do to maximize THEIR satisfaction?
– Do I need to:
• Seek others’ input?
• Empower others?
• Delegate?
Adapted from: Murrell, Kenneth L. & Meredith, Mimi. (2000). Empowering Employees.

157. Empowerment
• FREES people to get
involved
• ENERGIZES an organization
• Is a MOTIVATIONAL tool
• The bottom line: HAPPIER
people = HEALTHIER work
environment = greater
PRODUCTIVITY of the
organization.

158. Empowerment:
A win-win situation
Increased productivity and satisfied members
in organizations

159. BREAK!

160. F. Case studies of leadership from the
Bible

161. What is biblical spiritual leadership?
• Influencing God’s people toward God’s
purposes.
– Robert Clinton, The Making of a Leader
• Moving God’s people on to God’s agenda.
– Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership

162. Pharaoh
Be willing to change
His major weakness as a leader, however, was
his unwillingness to change.

163. Lesson
• An effective leader has to be willing to admit
defeat and try a new approach.
• Pharaoh was not going to change his mind
regardless of the consequences.
• Also, oppressing one's followers will ultimately
lead to disaster.
– In fact, when the Hebrews left Egypt, a "mixed
multitude" of slaves joined them (Exodus 12:38).

164. King Rehoboam (1Kings 12:1-15):
Do not treat followers harshly
• Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon.
• He was approached by the people after the
death of his father and asked to lighten the
huge tax burden placed on the people to
finance the extravagances of Solomon (I Kings
12:4).

165. Rehoboam sought counsel from two
different sets of advisors
• The ELDERS advised him (I Kings 12:7) to take a gentle
approach with the people and thereby ensure their eternal
loyalty.
– The advice of the elders affirmed that a leader is a servant of
his followers and his role is to serve them.
– This advice would be consistent with many management
theories of today.
• Rehoboam's YOUNG FRIENDS advised him to take a tough
line with the people and say to them (I Kings 12:14): "My
father made your yoke heavy, and I shall add to your yoke!
My father chastised you with sticks; I shall chastise you
with scorpions!"

166. Rehoboam followed the advice of his young
friends and responded harshly to the people.
• The people rebelled against Rehoboam.
• Israel was thereafter split into two kingdoms:
Judah and Israel

167. Lesson
• A tough leadership approach demanding
obedience from followers can easily cause a
rebellion.
• Leaders can accomplish more by inspiring
followers with kind words than by threatening
them with harsh words.

168. King Joash
(2 Kings 11 - 12; 2 Chronicles 22:10 - 24:27)
• At the age of seven Joash, who was of the
kingly line of David, became king of Judah.
• Mentored by godly Jehoiada the priest, he
eliminated many of the evils instituted by his
forebears.
• He supervised the reconstruction of Solomon's
temple.

169. • BUT, when Jehoiada died, Joash abandoned the
LORD, and entered into cult worship and the sins
associated with it.
• The LORD sent prophets to warn the king, but he
refused to hear.
• The LORD sent Jehoiada's son Zechariah to rebuke
Joash.
– But rather than repent, Joash coldly plotted the murder
of his rescuer's son.
• Not long after, Joash himself was killed by his
servants who respected Jehoiada

170. Lesson
• Train others well
• Departure from God brings misery

171. King Jeroboam
1Kings 14:8-16; 17:21
• Abolished the national worship of the LORD and
inaugurated the golden calf cult.
• 19 times scripture calls Jeroboam the man
“who caused Israel to sin.”

172. Lesson?

173. King Josiah
(Kings 22:1 - 23:30; 2 Chronicles 34:1 - 35:27)
• Josiah took an interest in the LORD, and early in life he
instituted reforms and took steps against idol worship.
• At 25 years of age, Josiah decided to rebuild the LORD's
temple, deteriorated with age.
• As the workers were cleaning, they found an obscure
book that no one had ever heard of — the Bible,
forgotten by previous generations.
• As the king listened to his secretary read the Bible, he was
struck with grief and terror, certain the LORD was furious
with Josiah and his people for their disobedience.

174. • Immediately, Josiah eliminated pagan worship
and renew the ancient covenant of the LORD.
• He toured the land, destroying pagan shrines,
and celebrated the Passover for the first time in
decades.
• The revival was wonderful.
• But as soon as Josiah died, the people returned
to their evil ways, and before his sons reached
middle age, the LORD's judgment for centuries
of evil practices came, and Judah was no more.

175. Lesson?

176. King Uzziah
(2 Kings 15:1-7; 2 Chronicles 26)
• Uzziah was faithful to the LORD for a long time, and
during that time he and his nation prospered.
• He restored to Judah much of the strength and influence
that had been Israel's in the days of David and Solomon.
• He fortified Jerusalem, whose walls had been broken
down just before he took office, and he built military
outposts throughout the land as well.
• Being an inventor, he constructed turreted crossbows and
catapults, mounting these in towers at his outposts. He
was also active in agriculture, digging wells and planting
vineyards throughout the land.

177. • Later in his 52-year reign Uzziah presumed to
alter the worship of the LORD, placing himself in
the spotlight by entering the temple and
burning incense, a duty reserved by the LORD
for the priests only.
• The LORD showed his support for the priests by
afflicting Uzziah with leprosy, which became
immediately visible on his forehead.
• Uzziah never recovered from leprosy.

178. Lesson?
Power brings pride – guard your heart!

179. King Hezekiah
(2 Kings 20:12-21; 2 Chronicles 32:25-33; Isaiah 39)
• He became proud and selfish.
• Diplomats from Babylon brought from their king
a message of congratulations on Hezekiah's
recovery from sickness.
• Their intention was apparently to find out how
Hezekiah's God had defeated Assyria, for they
too wanted to defeat Assyria.

180. • Passing up this God-given opportunity to publish to the up-
and-coming world power his reforms and revivals, his prayers
and the LORD's answers, Hezekiah instead showed them his
armories and treasuries. By doing this, he demonstrated that
his trust in the LORD had deteriorated, and he now trusted his
military and economic strength.
• The prophet Isaiah, foreseeing Babylon's rise, reprimanded
Hezekiah's lack of faith, telling him that in generations to
come, Babylon would abuse Hezekiah's descendents — and
that Hezekiah, by his faithless influence on the diplomats,
helped spur their evil cause. But Hezekiah, having grown
selfish, took this as a good sign that during his own lifetime,
peace and prosperity would continue — and he didn't care
about future generations.
• Also during the years following his recovery, Hezekiah fathered
his heir, King Manasseh, who was recorded as the most wicked
king ever to be enthroned in Jerusalem.

181. Lesson?

182. Moses:
Be a servant-leader
• Moses was arguably the greatest leader who
ever lived.
• Moses had a strong sense of justice and little
interest in power and wealth.
• Because Moses was not power hungry, he had
no problem sharing power.

183. • Years later, Moses told God that the burden of
taking care of the Israelites was too much for
one person (Numbers 11:16-17).
• The Lord instructed Moses to appoint seventy
elders to a council that provided Moses with
guidance and help in leading the people.

184. • Moses was not envious of the seventy elders.
When he heard that Eldad and Medad were
prophesying in the camp his reaction was quite
different than Joshua's.
– Joshua told Moses to make them stop.
– Moses' reaction was (Numbers 11:29): "Are you
jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people
were prophets and that the Lord would put his spirit
on them!"

185. • Moses was a servant-leader.
• He wanted to help others in the organization
reach their potential.
• Servant-leadership is the antithesis of
autocratic, authoritarian, and hierarchical
leadership.
• Both Moses and David are referred to as
servants of God numerous times in the Bible
(see, for example, Numbers 12:7, Joshua 1:2, II
Samuel 7:5).
– This is the highest praise in the Bible that one is a
servant of God

186. Lesson
• Servant leaders care for their employees and want them
to succeed.
• Good leaders should not be afraid to share power or be
jealous of other individual's achievements.
• The desire to lead then is a natural consequence of this
need to continue to find ways to provide service to
individuals and the organization.
• Only a leader with great humility and patience could have
kept defending a "stiff-necked people" who did not know
how to show any gratitude or appreciation.

187. Nehemiah
• Nehemiah had vision
• Nehemiah did something about a situation
• Nehemiah understood the power of working
in groups.

188. Lesson?

189. BREAK!

190. F. Wise words regarding leaders:
Proverbs – “Rulers”
8:16
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the
earth.
12:24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful
shall be under tribute.
28:15
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler
over the poor people.
29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:
but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

191. Biblical Spiritual Leadership: Review
• FOLLOWS Christ
• SUBMITS to Christ and His Words
• He CARES FOR the flock
• He FEEDS the sheep
• He PROTECTS the sheep
• He PREPARES the next generation
• He UNIFIES the flock of God
• He POINTS his followers to CHRIST
• Does not LORD over the sheep
• Common MISINTERPRETATIONS
• HBO
• CASE STUDIES in biblical leadership

192. Follow me as I follow Christ
1Corinthians 11:1
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
#1 A leader who does not follow Christ has lost the
“right” to lead…
*Follow : imitate (1Co 4:16; Eph 5:1; 1Thes 1:6,
2:14; Heb 6:12)

193. Follow me as I follow Christ
Phlippians 3:17
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark
them which walk so as ye have us for an
ensample.”
#2 EVERYTHING in the Bible written to believers
applies ALSO to biblical leaders
#3 A biblical leader’s life demonstrates / exemplifies
maturity.

194. END!