The Bible is full of verses about leadership. Bible verses about leadership can be found in many different places, including the Bible itself and quotes from famous authors.
Leaders are fearless. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Great leaders know what they are capable of doing and when they do and believe they can conquer whatever challenges they face.”
Leadership is the ability to influence others’ actions. It can also be defined as the ability to persuade a group to achieve a common goal.
Leaders must develop future visions, who must also motivate organizational members to want to achieve them. It is the human factor that binds a group together and drives it to achieve its objectives.
This post is focused on Bible verses about leadership, Le qualities such as faithfulness and integrity; Bible verses about the role of a leader in government; Bible verses about leadership responsibilities such as guidance and protection.
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What is leadership according to Bible?
According to the Bible, leadership is seen as the ability to serve others. Matthew 20:26 says, “Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant.” Jesus speaking in this scripture clearly shows us that the path to leadership is to become a servant. There are several other scriptures that.
What did Jesus say about being a leader?
When Jesus taught His ambitious disciples something unexpected, he mentioned being a leader. They must become servants to others if they are to be great. They must become slaves to one other if they are to be first (Matthew 20:25–27)
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NLT).
Bible verses about leadership
There are certain qualities and that make a better leader as the Bible says in Proverbs 29:2 (ESV) “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Let’s consider these amazing Bible Verses about leadership listed below are biblical leadership guides with examples from our savior Christ Jesus.
Act 20:28 – Leaders are concerned about their followers.
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church [of God which He purchased with His own blood. Act 20:28 (NKJV)
Every true leader is genuinely concerned about their subordinates. It is the responsibility of the leader to know the affairs of his followers.
The elders of Ephesus are encouraged to follow Paul’s good leadership in leading the church, protecting their people from false teachers, and sacrificing worldly prosperity in order to bring others to faith in Christ.
Luke 12: 48 – Much is expected from a leader.
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12: 48 (NIV)
Leaders must understand the scope of their responsibilities in their service. Being a true leader over people means you have been found worthy. Therefore much is expected from you by those who choose you.
The principle of “to whom much is given, much will be asked” means that as good leaders, we are held accountable for what we have.
It is expected that if we are blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and other resources, we will utilize them to honor God and help others.
Matthew 20:26-28 – Leaders see themselves as servants and also delegate to capable leaders
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)
True leadership is centered on serving others. Anywho wants to lead others must first take the posture of a servant. Jesus speaking in this scripture, gave us the template for leadership both in church and in the secular world.
The call to leadership is a call to serve. Quality leadership considers and empowers others. Leaders can purposefully assist their church’s growth by bringing in others and empowering volunteers to support and motivate the leaders and volunteers.
You will not be a better leader if you do everything yourself. You’ve denied those you lead of development opportunities.
Proverbs 11:14 – Leaders are willing to take and receive advice.
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)
Leaders don’t seek to rule by themselves but are always willing to seek advice from others at a higher level. It is dangerous to be in a country or kingdom with no wise leaders who are always ready to give and take advice.
A leader, though expected to be righteous speaks wisely and brings joy and blessing to others. The wicked leader, on the other hand, speaks foolishly and causes difficulties.
Ephesians 4:11-13- Every leader has a role.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. . Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
In every establishment or organization, different leaders have their specific role in ensuring the establishment keeps running. The scripture above shows how various offices were made with unique responsibilities that help to equip and edify the body of Christ.
Philippians 2:3-4 – Leaders are not supposed to be selfish.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
Leaders are not supposed to be selfish in their dealings with their subordinates. Leaders are expected to value and respect others.
James 3:1- Leaders have significant work to do.
Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. James 3:1 (NLT)
Matthew 24:45-47- Leaders are expected to be faithful.
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. Matthew 24:45-47 (NIV)
Leaders are expected to be faithful in the work entrusted to their hands. We will treat it as our own business in serving others.
Exodus 18:21- Leaders delegate responsibilities.
Moreover, you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Exodus 18:21 (NKJV)
1Timothy 3:2-3 – Leaders must be blameless.
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 1Timothy 3:2-3 (NIV)
Anyone who desires to be a leader must be blameless. His capacity to rule others must first be seen in his abilities to control and manage his personal affairs and family.
Luke 6:31 – Leaders are mindful of their actions.
Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Luke 6:31 (AMP)
The golden rule says, do to others what you would like others to do to you. Leaders are meticulous in treating and responding to others because this can affect their leadership style.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 – Leaders are conscious of what they listen to.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (ESV)
Leaders must avoid listening to irreverent talks that are unprofitable and will only bring negative energy.
Bible Verses about Leaders of Nations
May God stir us up today with a prayer for their nation’s leadership. If our country’s history has taught us anything, it is that we need togetherness and prayer now more than ever.
We pray for unity in our country, that despite our differences, we would be willing to stand together and live a peaceful, compassionate, and gracious life.
Whatever the world’s political elite accomplishes, Christ continues to rule supreme in heaven. He is superior to all others. He will always be the ruler of the world.
For us, the tight links are there. Only He has the power to transform the hearts of leaders and lead them to follow in His footsteps.
Let’s consider these Bible verses about leaders of nations.
Hebrews 13:7 – Leaders are to be admired and emulated.
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebrews 13:7 (KJV)
A good leader is someone the people admire so much because of the impact they have created in the life of others.
Romans 12:8 – Leaders lead with diligence.
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8 (KJV)
Every leader must be diligent in their leadership. A dynamic leader will be effective and produce the desired result.
Hebrew 13:17 – Leaders give must account of their service.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watching 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. Hebrew 13:17 (NIV)
Followers must learn to submit to their leaders because they rule over them and give account at the end. Leaders are accountable for the affairs of their followers.
Psalm 133:1- Leaders must strive for unity among followers.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1(NIV)
One of the primary aims of a leader is to ensure peace unity reign among the followers. Without the unity of heart, one goal can be achieved.
Proverbs 29:2 – A righteous leader brings joy to the people.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)
When a leader is righteous, it brings joy in the heart of the people because through honest will, peace, justice, and holiness reign.
Bible Verses about Leadership and Authority
According to Jack Wellman, the leadership of our Church should not be afraid to form those who are being mentored in order to help them become the leaders of tomorrow when we’ve all died.
Our ultimate goal is to imitate Christ, but this is not our earthly model. The best servant, according to Jesus, will become the great congregation leader. You can’t lead if you don’t first serve.
what does the bible say about leadership and power
Jesus the Good Shepherd is the head of the Church, but the people who are placed in his ministry at the town church, in general, are under-shepherds who must become everyone’s first servant.
Galatians 6:9 – Leaders must remain persistent.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
Leading humans can sometimes be frustrating, but we need to persist, so our aim for leading will be achieved, and the work will be done. Persistence is a virtue every leader must possess.
Proverbs 29:4 – Leaders must avoid taking bribes.
By justice, a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Proverbs 29:4(NIV)
Leaders who accept bribes and are greed will not always produce the desired result in any organization. Leaders must lead with honesty and clean hands.
Proverbs 24:10 – Leaders must stand firm in times of tribulation.
If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. Proverbs 24:10 (NLT)
A leader who falls in a time of trouble is considered someone whose strength was insufficient from the onset. A leader must stand firm in all circumstances.
Proverbs 16:32 – Patience is key to any successful leader.
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)
Patience is a vital key to any leadership. Leaders must learn to be patient with their followers. If a leader must achieve a specific goal or produce a tangible result in his leadership, they must be patient.
Titus 1:7-9 –Leaders lead by example.
Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:7-9 (NIV)
Every leadership begins with the leader. If you must lead, inspire, and motivate others to achieve the same goal, you must practice it.
Leaders are expected to lead by example. Don’t expect your followers to do what you are nothing doing or become who you are not.
1Timothy 2:1-2 – Leaders need prayers.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)
Leaders are flesh and blood, just like we are. We must learn to pray for leaders and not disrespect them. Just they are working tirelessly and prayerfully for us, and we must do the same to them.
Numbers 12:3 – Humility helps leaders work effectively.
Now Moses was very humble, more humble than any other person on earth. Numbers 12:3 (NLT)
Proud leaders cannot create an impact in the lives of people. Moses was able to lead the people well because he was humble.
James 1:12 – Leaders endures temptation.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love. James 1:12(NKJV)
Any leader that must be approved and awarded must endure temptations. A leader’s ability to overcome temptation will help become a more effective leader.
1 Corinthians 10:33 – Leaders seek the profit of others.
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1Corinthians 10:33 (KJV)
It is wrong for leaders to use their position to exploit others. Leadership is all about serving others, not extorting from others.
Bible Verses about Leadership Qualities
This section cover verses on Christian leadership and qualities expected from Christian leaders, which bother around careful attention about how to exercise authority and how high officials exercise authority
Daniel 6:3 – Excellence Spirit.
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Daniel 6:3 (KJV)
A leader must possess an excellent spirit. Daniel was more preferred in a strange land because he had an excellent spirit. The Spirit of God is what makes an exceptional leader that does not come with dishonest gain.
Proverbs 16:12 – Hate evil and fear God
It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness. Proverbs 16:12 (NKJV)
Every true leader must hate evil and always strive to do the right things at the right time. Righteousness is a key to any successful leader. A leader must live, do, and support the right things.
2 Timothy 2:16 – Decent in speech.
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 2 Timothy 2:16 (NLT).
Effective leaders are mindful of their words. Every true leader understands the power of words, so they are careful to use them wisely.
Psalm 78:72 – Possess a Heart of integrity and skilled hands.
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72 (NIV)
David led the people with integrity and skilled hands. People will only follow a leader who stands by his words.
Good Leaders are skilled in handling difficult situations, which is also achieved through physical training whose teaching show integrity.
As the commanding officer and King of Israel, David who was a
1 Peter 5:2-3 – Lead by example and sound doctrine.
Shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (AMP)
True leaders lead by example. They don’t do the opposite of what they say, and they do what they say. Our ability to lead ourselves will help us show others well.
2. Proverbs 27:23 – Concerned about their followers and not own interests
Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds. Proverbs 27:23(NKJV)
Leaders are concerned about the needs of their followers. Leaders are not just to command and rule over others but to care and show love to their subordinates.
Bible Verses On Service And Leadership
This section of Bible verses on Leadership and Service exposes leaders with selfish ambition and those pursuing dishonest gain, which is seen even among church leaders, which is not biblical leadership.
See these leadership bible verses as listed below.
Matthew 23:11 – Leaders are servants without selfish ambition.
The greatest among you will be your servant. Matthew 23:11 (NIV)
Leaders are servants. They are given the responsibility to serve others, not to command people to achieve their selfish goals.
Romans 12:7 – Leaders have no other option than to serve.
If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach. Romans 12:7(NIV)
Leaders have no other option than to serve others. Leadership demands you serve others no matter the cost.
You are not occupying the position for yourself but others.
Bible verses about leadership in the Church
Revelations 5:10 – You are meant to be a True Leader.
“You let them become kings and serve God as priests, and they will rule on earth.” Revelation 5:10 (CEV)
Christ Jesus did not establish a separate order of true leaders, such as the Levites. Instead, He elevated all believers to the status of priests before God.
Corrupt governments and cruel dictators will not be tolerated during Jesus’ reign on earth. The redeemed will be used by King Jesus to protect His rightful dominion over the nations.
Priests are also among the redeemed. As such, they are responsible for directing people to God, teaching the Word of God, counseling, and praying for others.
Revelation 20:4 – Leaders will be accountable for their deeds.
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4 (ESV)
Christians will reign with Christ, and overcomers will be given control over the nations, which they will rule with an iron rod. In addition, it appears that Jesus will be accompanied by the armies of heaven.
This also means that even leaders will stand on judgment day and shall be accountable for their deeds. This should be the principle of biblical leadership.
