10-Church Leadership

Leadership is essential for any church to be effective. However, we must not pattern our leadership style after worldly leaders, but after biblical principles of leadership, especially those found in the New Testament. The following discussions will look at the biblical foundation and practical expression of leadership in the local church, as well as how to identify, develop, and release new leaders.

A. Church Leadership Stands on Godly Character (Servant Leadership)

Discussion 1

Read the following Scriptures and answer the question: What is servant leadership? (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-5, 12-15.

Discussion 2

Read the following Scriptures and discuss why servant leadership is so important. Note the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 5:27-32; John 13:1-11). Helps avoid abuse (Ezekiel 34:1-10: Jude 1:10-16; 3 John 1:9-11).

Discussion 3

Read the following verses and discuss how it relates to a proper understanding of authority: (Luke 7:1-10; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Peter 5:2-4; Hebrews 13:7).

Discussion 4

Read the following Scriptures and discuss the attitude of a servant leader: (Philippians 2:1-4; 3:12-16; 4:8; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:1-3, 23-24; 1 Timothy 4:6-7; 10-16; 2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:12).

Discussion 5

Discuss the following examples of servant leaders:

Abigail (1 Samuel 25:14-35) – servant leadership in conflict solving.
Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41) – servant leadership in giving care.
Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37; 9:27; 11:22-26) – servant leadership in mentoring.
Paul (Acts 20:34-35; 26:16; 28:1-10; Romans 1:1, 11-12; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17; 2 Corinthians 12:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12) – servant leadership in pioneering.

B. Models for Leadership in the New Testament

Discussion 6

Read the Scriptures and discuss the basic leadership principles found in each:

The call to leadership comes from Christ as Head of the Church. (Mark 3:14; Acts 9:10-18; 13:1-3; Ephesians 4:7-8, 11; Galatians 1:1-24).
Primary evidence of leadership rests in the home and family. (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 2:1-5; Ephesians 5:22-6:4).
In general, older leaders instruct younger leaders. (Deuteronomy 6:7; Exodus 33:11; 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-15; Ephesians 6:1-4; Acts 16:1-3; Titus 2:1-8; 2 Tim. 2:2).
The focus of teaching and training leaders is obedience to Christ. (Matthew 7:21-29; 28:19-20; Titus 2:15; Hebrews 5:11-6:3).
Healthy leaders develop in the context of team ministries. (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1; Acts 8:5, 14; 13:1-3; Titus 1:5; Ephesians 4:11-12).
The source of teaching is the Word of God; The Bible is the textbook. (1 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16; Matthew 5:18-19; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21).
Biblical leaders lead by being an example. (1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 13:7).

C. The Role of the Five-Fold Ministry Leaders in the Church

Discussion 6

Read the Scripture references and discuss the leadership roles listed below.

The vision of God is to build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Take note of the necessity of both unity and diversity.
Spiritual gifts are given to everyone to serve (1 Peter 4:10).
Spiritual gifts are given to all believers (Ephesians 4:7).
To be an extension of Christ’s ministry as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:7, 11).
They exist for the purpose of equipping the saints for works of service or the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12-13).

The gifts of the five-fold ministry in detail:

The gift of an Apostle: Adronicus , Junia (Romans 16:7). Focus: 1 Corinthians 3:10; Romans 15:19-20; Acts 14:21-23.
The gift of a Prophet: Agabus (Acts 11:27-28). Focus: 1 Corinthians 14:3; Acts 15:32; 21:10-11
The gift of an Evangelist: Philip (Acts 21:8; 8:4-8). Focus: Romans 9:1-3; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 2 Corinthians 5:11-14.
The gift of a Shepherd: Church leaders in Ephesus (Acts 20:28). Focus: 1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28-31; John 10:11-15.
The gift of a Teacher: Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-26). Focus: Matthew 28:20; Colossians 1:28; Acts 18:28

D. The Function of Leadership in the Church

A Christian leader leads by example and by gentle instruction in the Word. This calls for two vital tasks:

To speak those things which produce sound doctrine
To be an example (model) for others to follow

Discussion 7

Read the following Scriptural references and discuss how they apply to the leadership functions in the Church: (2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1:13; Titus 2:1; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

E. The Task of a Christian Leader

Jesus spent most of His time training twelve men to be the foundation stones of the Church. Before He ascended back to heaven, He commissioned eleven of these men to preach the gospel and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15).

Discussion 8

Take time to discuss the five basic factors and the proof in training effective leaders listed below:

Setting: Primarily small groups or one-to-one (Mark 4:10, 34; Acts 2:46; 5:42; 20:20).
Relationship: Mutual trust and commitment (Mark 3:14; John 10:11; Matthew 16:24-25).
People: Faithful, available, and teachable (2 Timothy 2:2; James 1:22).
Method: A process of teaching and mentoring in obedience (Hebrews 5:8; John 7:17; 8:31; 14:15; 15:14).
Goal: Maturity in Christ-likeness (Luke 6:40; Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 1:28; 1 Timothy 1:5; Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).
Proof: Multiplication (2 Timothy 2:2)

F. Scriptural Qualifications for Church Leaders

Discussion 9

In 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9 there are twenty qualifications given for those who would serve as leaders in the Church. Read the Scriptural passages and discuss the four categories listed below (notice that the qualifications have more to do with character than with accomplishments):

Personal Traits: A leader must not be self-willed, quick-tempered, addicted, a fighter, or fond of monetary gain. He or she is to love what is good, be gentle, sensitive, just, self-controlled, and not quarrelsome.
Family Life: A leader (if married) is the spouse of one person and cares for their home in a godly way, endeavoring to raise children (if applicable) who are obedient (Titus 1:6).
Social Relationships: The leader is to be above reproach, respectable, of good reputation and hospitable.
Spiritual Traits: The leader is not to be a new convert, but is to be devout, able to teach, and holding firmly to the trustworthy Word.

G. Areas of Practical Skills Needed in Spiritual Leadership

The Bible’s emphasis on a leader’s character does not preclude the need for well-developed skills and abilities (1 Timothy 4:15, 5:17).

Discussion 10

Read the Scriptures and discuss the four practical skills listed below.

1. Strategic Leadership:

How to understand the call of God

God calls us to be faithful and to prosper (Genesis 1:28; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; John 15:5, 8).
How does God’s calling affect our lives and ministry?

How to serve a strategic God

God has a plan, and we should have one too (Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 4:42-43; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 3:10-14).
How do we learn to lead strategically in our ministries?

How to develop time-management and self-management skills

God wants us to use our time and energy wisely (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:17).
How does a leader use resources effectively and purposely?

How to Lead Projects

Learning from Nehemiah to process a huge task:

Receive and understand the vision (Nehemiah chapters 1:1-2:8).
Check resources and understand the task; what needs to be started and completed (Nehemiah 2:13-15).
Set clear goals which are positive, measurable, and realistic (Nehemiah 2:17).
Get a team together and motivate them (Nehemiah 2:18).
Set priorities and keep them; concentrate on the task (Nehemiah 6:3).
Plan the activities (Nehemiah 2:7-8).
Organize the procedure, structures, and responsibilities (Nehemiah 3:1-32).
Communicate, delegate, and decide (Nehemiah 4:7-23).
Check in and evaluate (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
Celebrate the progress (Nehemiah 8:9-10).
How can we improve our ministry by using a more thoughtful and intentional way of leading?

2. Communication in Leadership:

How to understand communication

Communication is the main tool of leadership (Proverbs 10:19-21; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:16, 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; James 3:1-12).
How can we use a helpful and godly way to communicate?

How to handle conflicts

Conflict is a building block of life; leaders must address and work on conflict, not deny it (Matthew 5:23-26; 7:1; 18:15-17 & 21-35).
What kind of problem-solving culture do we practice in our leadership?

How to preach and teach

Preaching and teaching the Word of God correctly is one of the most important tasks of a local church leader, especially the main preaching/teaching leader (Matthew 10:7; 28:19-20; Acts 8:35; 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15).
How can we learn to interpret and apply Scripture well (hermeneutics) and to communicate Scripture well (homiletics)?

How to work with groups

Team building has its own dynamic. We learn this from Jesus’ interaction with His disciples:

Selection: Mark 3:14
Storming: (developing): Mark 4:35-41
Sending: Mark 6:7, 30
Reflection (assessing): Mark 6:31-32
Challenging: Mark 8:2-6
Attitude shaping: Mark 9:33-37
Authorizing: Mark 16:15

Do we try to do everything with a team?

3. Training and Developing of Leaders

How to delegate tasks

God delegates to us (Genesis 1:28; Luke 22:8; John 4:8; Matthew 28:19) and we should share our workload with others. Do only what you can do – let others do the rest.
How can we improve delegation?

How to make disciples

Making disciples is our main task (Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Do you have a defined, specific plan/structure to make disciples?

How to develop upcoming leaders

Barnabas trained Paul:

Barnabas took a risk – Acts 9:26-27
Barnabas took initiative toward Paul – Acts 11:25-26
Barnabas gave Paul opportunity to serve – Acts 14:1, 21-23
Barnabas allowed Paul to take the initiative – Acts 13:9-11, 16
Barnabas allowed Paul to overtake him – Acts 13:2, 13, 43
Paul subsequently trained Timothy – 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:6-16; 2 Timothy 1:2-4; 2:15; 3:10-11, 14; 4:1-2, 5

How do you develop new leaders?

How to mentor new leaders

Like Barnabas or Paul, we must mentor new leaders. An easy way to exercise mentoring is the GROW concept:

G = Goal
R = Reality
O = Option
W = Will

The first step is to define the goal of the mentoring process. Then we check where the upcoming leader is now to find out how they can improve and which particular areas they should further develop. Finally, we help them make a decision to take steps of action.

How are you doing with mentoring?

4. Self-Care and Self-Leadership

How to handle power

God assigns leaders with a position of power (Matthew 16:19; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 1:22).
We need to learn to handle our position, as well as the power we receive in order to finish well and not poorly like Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23); or Diotrephes (3 John9-10).

How to rest

God designed humankind to be productive, as well as with a need for rest. He commanded us to observe the Sabbath principles (Exodus 20:8-10; Luke 10:41; Hebrews 4:11).
We need to learn to live a life that balances work and rest. In this, we honor our Creator, as well as we help our body and soul to live healthily.

How to develop yourself

Leaders are on a journey and need to be constantly developing themselves (Philippians 3:12-14). Leaders need to be students (disciples) in all areas of life: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.
We need to develop a life-style of life-long learning.

How to stay emotionally healthy

A leader has a special position but is also a mere human being with emotional and mental needs. How do we deal with criticism, with personal attack, with success and with failure?
We need to learn to understand ourselves (by self-reflection) and to live and emotionally stable life through personal reflection and with support from others.