The Making of a Biblical Leader: 10 Principles for Leading Others WellSample

What Is a Leader? Turning To Scripture

Robert L. Furrow

The first and simplest definition of a leader is “one who leads the way” or “one who goes first.” In that sense, all of us are involved in leadership. You don’t need an office, a title, or a position to lead. For every observable action we take, it is possible that another person will take notice and adjust their actions accordingly. Whether we’re a corporate executive officer, manager, teacher, laborer, parent, or an older sibling, our attitudes and actions directly affect the future and success of the people we lead.

Even if you think you’re not a leader, the fact that you’re a Christian puts you in a leadership role. When we come to Christ, we receive a calling to set an example and lead others to the truth of Christ, being an ambassador or representative of God wherever we go. Read what the Bible says about those who are in Christ: “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV).

Considering that other people’s temporal and eternal outcomes depend, in part, on our leadership, it’s wise to learn what we can about leading well and developing the qualities that will lead to success.

WHY BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP?

There are all kinds of leadership theories in use today that remain in a constant state of flux. If we want to grow in our leadership abilities, there is a never-ending supply of resources—books, articles, podcasts, subscriptions, leadership coaches and groups, video classes, etc. For the most part, we can apply the lessons from these resources and become a better leader. However, there is one resource that has been around for 2,000-plus years and is unique in its teaching to leaders: the Bible.

The Scriptures have provided direction to millions of people on how we are to love and lead. Consider what we have in the gift of Scripture: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).

Biblical leadership is not limited solely to spiritual leadership, nor is it limited to the church. It is extremely useful to all Christians who are in a leadership capacity of any kind. Here’s why:

When we apply biblical leadership principles, we are operating in faith, which can bring God’s power into our leadership. When we believe in God’s Word and do what God says in the Scriptures, that is faith. Here is a definition of faith I have found useful: “Faith is believing what God has said—believing enough to do it.” And when you do that, God works on your behalf. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (NKJV). Faith itself is not what is strong. If you put your faith in the wrong thing, you won’t get the results you need.

When we talk about biblical leadership, we need to recognize that our power comes from the God who created the universe and everything in it and gave us the pages of Scripture. When we listen and yield to the Word of God, we place ourselves and our leadership under the blessings of God.