Biblical Leadership: 12 Principles for Leaders

Leadership is a critical part of any organization, and the Bible has a lot to say about how leaders should conduct themselves. In this article, we’ll look at 12 truths the Bible teaches about leadership.

First, the Bible speaks of the importance of respecting authority. In Romans 13:1-2, it says, "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." Leaders should recognize that there is a higher authority than themselves and respect it.

Second, the Bible speaks to the importance of humility. In Matthew 20:25–28, Jesus says, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 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." Leaders should recognize that they are not above those they lead and serve them with humility.

Third, the Bible teaches that leaders should be disciples. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Leaders should strive to be disciples of Christ and lead others to him as well.

Fourth, the Bible speaks to the importance of leading by example. In 1 Peter 5:3, it says, "Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." Leaders should set the example for others to follow and demonstrate the behavior they want their followers to emulate.

Fifth, the Bible speaks to the importance of having integrity. In Psalm 15:2, it says, "He who walks blamelessly, does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart," Leaders should be honest and trustworthy, and they should always strive to do what is right.

Sixth, the Bible speaks to the importance of being patient. In 1 Timothy 3:3, it says, "Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle; not quarrelsome; not a lover of money." Leaders should strive to remain calm and patient in difficult situations and should not be driven by money or power.

Seventh, the Bible speaks to the importance of being wise. In Proverbs 12:15, it says, "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." Leaders should seek advice from wise sources and strive to make decisions based on wisdom and knowledge.

Eighth, the Bible speaks to the importance of being just. In Psalm 82:3, it says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." Leaders should always strive to be fair and just, and they should seek to protect and defend those who are vulnerable.

Ninth, the Bible speaks to the importance of seeking godly counsel. In Proverbs 11:14, it says, "Where there is no guidance, a person falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Leaders should seek godly counsel when making decisions, and should not rely solely on their own understanding.

Tenth, the Bible speaks to the importance of being wise stewards. In Luke 16:10–11, it says, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" Leaders should strive to be wise stewards of the resources they are entrusted with.

Eleventh, the Bible speaks to the importance of leading with love. In 1 Corinthians 16:14, it says, "Let all that you do be done in love." Leaders should strive to lead with love and compassion and treat those they lead with respect and dignity.

Finally, the Bible speaks to the importance of seeking God’s will. In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Leaders should always strive to seek God’s will in all they do and should not rely solely on their own understanding.

These 12 truths are essential for any leader to understand and practice. Leaders should strive to respect authority, be humble, be disciples, lead by example, have integrity, be patient, be wise, be just, seek godly counsel, be wise stewards, lead with love, and seek God’s will. By following these truths, leaders can set an example for those they lead and bring glory to God. 

 Your partner,
(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
www.jonasclark.com