In my four decades of kingdom work, I’m often asked about my ministry title. My first response is “I’m a servant of the King” and often that answer doesn’t seem to be enough, so very reluctantly, I give out my title, for people inquiring may think that unless you have a title, you can't be used in the work of the kingdom. The reality is far from this. In leadership, titles are often coveted and very much sought after. Yet, Biblical leadership must transcend the mere acquisition of titles, going much deeper, embodying a profound commitment to guiding others towards a shared purpose while humbly following the ultimate Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I firmly believe that at the heart of Biblical leadership lies Everyday Integrity. It's about aligning actions with words and embodying consistency, dependability, and trustworthiness. Proverbs 16:13 highlights the importance of integrity in leadership, emphasizing the significance of practicing what is preached. “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right”
As in many other realms, Consistency is another cornerstone of Biblical leadership. It's about setting a reliable example for others to follow. Philippians 2:7-8 illustrates how the Lord Jesus humbly served others, demonstrating the essence of consistent and sacrificial leadership. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Exemplary Behavior is equally vital in Biblical leadership. It entails living out godly values and virtues in all aspects of life. A profound example of exemplary behavior in Biblical leadership is found in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Throughout the Gospels, the Lord consistently modeled God-honoring values and virtues in his interactions with others, setting the ultimate example for all leaders to follow. One vivid example is seen in the account of the Last Supper found in the Gospel of John, chapter 13 where the Lord, knowing that his hour had come to depart from this world, demonstrated servant leadership by washing the feet of the disciples. His actions were not just symbolic but served as a powerful illustration of his servant-hearted leadership. John 13:3-5 recounts the scene: "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." The Lord’s act of washing his disciples' feet demonstrated humility, servanthood, and selflessness, all essential qualities of Biblical leadership.
Serving Actions also lie at the core of Biblical leadership. It's about selflessly serving others, mirroring the Lord Jesus' servant-hearted approach. Matthew 20:28 highlights His teaching on servant leadership, emphasizing the call to serve rather than to be served. “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
A God-honoring Consistent Attitude is also central to Biblical leadership. It involves seeking God's will above personal ambitions and aligning actions with God’s purpose. Proverbs 16:1 stresses the importance of seeking God's direction and committing one's works to Him for guidance. “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD”
Earning the respect of one's team is also crucial. It builds trust, unity, and collaboration within the group or team. Acts 4:36 shows Barnabas as a leader who earned respect through encouragement and generosity, illustrating the impact of actions. “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Biblical leadership encompasses a holistic approach that I believe integrates integrity, consistency, exemplary behavior, servant-hearted actions, a God-honoring attitude, and earning the respect of one's team. It’s not only having a leadership title. By displaying these principles rooted in scripture, biblical leaders can effectively fulfill their calling to guide and inspire others toward a common goal while reflecting the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the kind of leader one becomes is a journey of sanctification and spiritual growth, shaped by Biblical principles and enabled by the Holy Spirit. Aspire to lead not just with titles, but with a heart devoted to serving others, following in the footsteps of the greatest leader of all, the chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father!
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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life. Connect with Mark: Twitter (X); LinkedIn