It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but it’s important to remember that we are on a mission. We are here to make a difference in the world. After all, if you’re reading this article, you probably already know how powerful your vision is. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus tells His disciples that leaders should not exercise authority over people. Instead, whoever wants to become great must lower himself to be a servant. Leaders realize that serving others is the only way to lead with a pure heart, free of pride and arrogance.
You have some sort of idea about what you want to create and accomplish with your life, and you’re probably already working toward it in some way. Your vision fuels everything you do—it gives purpose to your actions and guides your decisions.
But what happens when that vision starts to waver? What happens when doubts start creeping into your mind? What happens when people around you tell you that what you want isn’t possible? How do we keep going when things aren’t quite working out as planned? When does it feel like there’s something blocking us from achieving our goals?
Responsibility of Leaders in The Bible
The functions are Mentor, Administrator, Catalyst, Relational and Overseer. These strengths are our starting points. We can add to areas that are not our strengths with training and skills. Each leader will be stronger in some of the functions than others.
Shepherding—a leader loves and cares for those being led. Developing—a leader helps those being led in their personal walk with Jesus Christ to become fully devoted followers. Equipping—a leader trains those being led for ministry.
List of Responsibilities of Leaders in The Bible
1. Lead by Example
– Show humility and integrity in all actions
– Demonstrate love and compassion towards others
– Uphold moral standards and values
2. Serve and Sacrifice
– Put the needs of others before their own
– Willingly make sacrifices for the greater good
– Serve with a humble heart and genuine intentions
3. Seek Wisdom and Guidance
– Look to God for guidance through prayer and meditation
– Study the scriptures and seek wisdom from spiritual mentors
– Make decisions based on God’s will rather than personal gain
4. Provide Protection and Guidance
– Protect those under their care from harm and danger
– Offer guidance and support in times of need
– Be a source of strength and stability for the community
5. Foster Unity and Peace
– Work towards resolving conflicts and promoting peace
– Build strong relationships within the community
– Encourage unity and collaboration among members
6. Shepherd and Care for the Flock
– Lead the congregation with love and compassion
– Provide spiritual nourishment and guidance
– Care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the flock
7. Be Accountable and Responsible
– Take responsibility for their actions and decisions
– Accept accountability for the well-being of their followers
– Strive to do what is right in the eyes of God and man
8. Stay Humble and Stay Connected to God
– Remain humble and recognize their dependence on God
– Stay connected to God through prayer and worship
– Seek God’s guidance in all matters and decisions
Overall, the responsibilities of leaders in the Bible are varied and challenging, requiring a strong commitment to serving others and following God’s will. By embracing these responsibilities, leaders can effectively lead their communities and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Bible Verses About Visionary Leadership
Let’s take a look at some Bible verses about vision and leadership so we can remind ourselves why we’re here!
Becoming a good leader is something that most of us strive for, but it doesn’t come easy—we have to work hard at. There are many great seminars and books about leadership, many from a corporate perspective, which can be very helpful.
But how can we become good ‘biblical leaders’? Thankfully, the Bible presents us with many verses we can study that provide us glints of how to become a better leader.
With that in mind, here are 61 Bible verses about leadership and brief explanations on how they relate to leadership:
Bible Verses About Visionary Leadership
Visionary leadership is a crucial aspect of effective leadership, especially in the context of guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal or mission. The Bible provides valuable insights and guidance on what it means to be a visionary leader. Here are 12 Bible verses that highlight the characteristics of visionary leadership:
1. Proverbs 29:18
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
2. Habakkuk 2:2
“Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
3. Proverbs 16:9
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
4. Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
5. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
6. Proverbs 20:18
“Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
7. 1 Corinthians 2:9
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
8. Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
9. Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
10. Proverbs 11:14
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
These Bible verses emphasize the importance of having a clear vision, seeking God’s guidance, surrounding oneself with wise counsel, and trusting in God’s plan for the future. By incorporating these principles into their leadership approach, individuals can become effective visionary leaders who inspire and lead others towards success.
Bible Verses About Leadership
1. Leaders are servants first.
“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26
Jesus taught his disciples not to emulate the rulers of the Gentiles who exercised authority over them. Instead, He taught that in order for us to be leaders, we must become servants first. We must not conform to the status quo especially if it entails ruling through coercion and unjust deeds over our subordinates.
2. Fairness is a leader’s moral obligation.
“If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.”
Proverbs 29:14
A leader’s credibility is based on how he upholds truth and fairness over his organisation. This verse teaches us that honest and truthful leaders are appreciated and their legacy will be known long after their reign.
3. Leaders see strength in their followers.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Leaders are humble and do not boast. They are also encouraging of others, and do not belittle their followers just because of their lack of capacity on something. They see potential in the uniqueness of their followers.
4. Great leaders are tactful.
“A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.”
Proverbs 29:11
Great leaders know when to open their mouths. They know when to argue and whom to argue with. They realise that no good will come from engaging in heated arguments with people, and instead express themselves calmly and thoughtfully.
5. Good leaders are willing to take advice.
“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 11:14
When leaders are ready and open to taking advice, their ideas become limitless. They can think of innovative ways to improve themselves and the company
6. Leaders uplift others and hear their constituents’ wishes.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
Leaders do not look down on people and do not think highly of themselves. They prioritise the interest of the majority above all others. See our article about servant leadership for more on these ideas.
7. Great leaders delegate.
“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.”
Matthew 24:45-47
A good leader can tell when a person has potential to lead others or not. He delegates and rewards objectively based on people’s performance.
8. Honest leaders are rewarded.
“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain —and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
Exodus 18:21
In today’s world where dishonesty is common among people in political positions, a good leader stands out because he upholds a high standard. He knows the consequences to his character of being unfair and dishonest, and is rewarded immensely for doing the right thing.
9. Leaders must be trainable.
“But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.”
Luke 22:26
Leaders are open-minded. They do not resist being trained even if that means being taught by someone lower in position than them.
10. Leaders take pride in their work.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10
No matter how difficult or how easy a task is, good leaders do the best they can to ensure that quality results are achieved.
11. Leaders must know the scope of their responsibility.
“…..from everyone who has been given much shall much be required……”
Luke 12:48
Leaders do not just act blindly. They perform based on the scope of their responsibility and more often than not, they realize how big a role they have in any organization.
12. Leaders have a ‘word of honor’.
“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:37
Word of honor equates to fairness when leading people. Good leaders know the impact of the decisions they make so when it comes to decision making, they have to think hard and be firm.
13. Leaders have exceptional qualities that others aim to have.
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”
1 Timothy 3:2
Leaders inspire their followers to be like them. As such, they have to possess certain qualities that will make them stand out from the crowd: charisma, confidence, self-control.
14. Age is irrelevant to good leadership.
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12
Some young aspiring leaders may be discriminated upon because of their age. However, the adage “age is only a number” is also applicable to leadership. Just because someone is young and looks inexperienced does not mean he is not a good leader.
15. Good leaders are careful of their actions.
“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”
Luke 6:31
Leaders are wary of their actions, for they know the influence they have over people. Positive actions are contagious, but so are negative ones. If leaders act with integrity, then their subordinates will follow.
16. Leaders do not listen to hearsay.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.”
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Corporate backstabbing and gossips are common in some workplaces. If leaders allow such practices by listening and taking part, then it will only strengthen this negative culture.
17. Leaders are patient with everyone regardless of their capabilities.
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Leaders are passionate about lifting people up in their organization. They realise the importance of getting everyone on board the same vision so they work to achieve the same goal.
18. Leaders are skillful.
“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.”
Psalms 78:72
Leaders are masters of their trade. They know the in’s and out’s of the business they are in. They perform their responsibilities passionately because they have often spent their time ‘in the trenches’.
19. Leaders are admired and imitated.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7
Leaders leave a lasting mark that people remember. Good leaders are celebrated and imitated, while bad leaders are remembered for the pain they’ve caused.
20. Leaders are careful about what they say.
“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.”
Proverbs 21:23
Leaders are effective communicators. They know that words can make or break people so they think carefully before they speak.
21. Leaders have to be more than willing to lead.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
1 Peter 5:2-4
A leader who is willing is bound to do great things. Leaders who are willing to take the added responsibility have the most potential to grow.
22. Leaders lead with passion.
“The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Romans 12:8
Passion drives people to do imaginative (and inventive) things. Passionate leaders tend to perform better because they realise the impact this has in moving people and businesses towards achieving their goals.
23. Leaders are respected if they respect others.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”
Hebrews 13:17
Everyone yearns for respect but most often than not, it is earned. If leaders know how to show respect to their employees by not looking so arrogant in their endeavors and by genuinely caring for others, then they can be respected and will be remembered for a long time.
24. Unity is a common goal both leaders and followers should strive for.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalms 133:1
When an organisation is united towards one goal, all good things will follow. A leader’s purpose is just that: to unify their subordinates so that goals can be achieved. https://3fec1f80ad3f878d1a4e28d412005106.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
25. Leaders reciprocate good deeds.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Leaders know how and when to use rewards. When they spot an employee performing well, they don’t have second thoughts about rewarding them, be it with a promotion or incentive bonus, etc.
26. Leaders choose their battles.
“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.”
Proverbs 23:9
Wise leaders do not just engage in meaningless arguments, or with people who don’t listen. They pick their fights, and when they do, they usually come out triumphant.
27. Leaders look after their subordinates.
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
Acts 20:28
True leaders take care to look after their followers. They are humble enough to reach out to the concerns of other people.
28. Leaders act with integrity.
“It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.”
Proverbs 16:12
Leaders who follow what is right and just are rewarded and uplifted. When leaders act with integrity, they are known for sticking to what they believe in and this helps in building a respectable reputation as a leader.
29. Leaders are steadfast.
“But those who wait on the Lord, Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
They are strong and are unfazed in the face of adversaries and challenges. They do not worry because they know what they are capable of doing.
30. Leaders learn from the example of others.
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”
John 13:13-17
Leading by example is one thing, but learning from the example of others is another. Leaders are not perfect, and they must also learn from others.
Bible Verses About Leading By Example
1. Psalm 78:72
With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand. Read More
David was taken from the sheepfolds. Like Moses (Ex. 3:1), he learned how to shepherd with literal sheep. The king is ideally a shepherd of his people (cf. 2 Sam. 5:2), caring for them, protecting them, and leading them in faithfulness to the covenant. David at his best did his work with upright heart and skillful hand, though he had his own moral failures; many kings in his line were much less upright and skillful. The term “shepherd” came to be used of leaders in Israel (priests, nobles, and judges), and the prophet Ezekiel spoke out about the greedy shepherds in his day (Ezek. 34). He looked forward to the time after the exile when God would raise up “his servant David” (i.e., the Messiah) who would be the “shepherd” of his people (Ezek. 34:23–24). When Jesus called himself the “good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14), he claimed to be the long-awaited heir of David, who would guide his people perfectly.
2. Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Read More
The role of counselors is to aid a person in making wise decisions (cf. Prov. 15:22; Prov. 24:6). While this is particularly important for those who lead a people, Proverbs also stresses its broader application to people’s decision making in all sorts of situations—cf. Proverbs 11:5 and the contrasting description of how the wicked falls “by his own wickedness.”
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3. Matthew 20:26–28
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Read More
A servant was a hired worker who maintained the master’s household, and a slave was someone forced into service. These were two of the lowest positions in Jewish society, yet Jesus reverses their status in the community of disciples to indicate prominence and greatness.
Jesus himself is the primary example of servanthood. Jesus will give his life as a ransom (Gk. lutron, the price of release, often used of the money paid to release slaves) for many. “For” (Gk. anti) means “in place of” and signifies the notion of the exchange and substitution of Jesus’ life on the cross for all those who accept his payment for their sins (see notes on 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 Pet. 3:18).
4. Luke 12:48
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. Read More
The faithful and wise manager is the person who faithfully and fairly cares for those for whom he is responsible, giving them their portion . . . at the proper time. When the master returns, the faithful manager will be rewarded—a metaphorical picture of the rewards that will be given to faithful believers at the return of Christ. The faithful manager is then contrasted with the unfaithful servant who beats the household servants and gets drunk. To the surprise of the unfaithful servant, however, the master will return at an hour he does not know (Luke 12:46), resulting in swift and harsh judgment: he will cut him in pieces (cf. Jer. 34:18) and put him with the unfaithful—a metaphorical reference to the punishment that awaits the unbeliever at the return of Christ. The latter description (cf. Luke 13:27–28 and esp. the parallel in Matt. 24:51) indicates eternal judgment and separation from God (cf. Luke 8:13). much will be required. People who have been entrusted by God with many abilities and responsibilities will be held to a higher standard on the last day (cf. notes on Matt. 25:29; Mark 4:24, 25).
5. John 13:13–17
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Read More
The disciples will understand fully only after the cross, though they do grasp in part Jesus’ amazing humility, which serves as a model for all of his disciples.
Footwashing continues as a regular ceremony in a number of modern denominations, which literally obey Jesus’ command, “you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Others believe the language is figurative for the importance of serving one another, and that the act itself is not required.
6. Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Read More
Pay careful attention to yourselves. Spiritual leaders need first of all to guard their own spiritual and moral purity. The last part of this phrase refers to the blood of Christ poured out in his atoning death on the cross (cf. Rom. 3:25; 5:9; Eph. 1:7; etc.). The reference to God in the first part of this phrase (“the church of God”) most likely is a reference to Christ as the head of the church and as “God the Son,” the second person of the Trinity. Alternatively, if God the Father is in view in the phrase “the church of God,” then “his own blood” is a reference to the blood of God’s “own,” that is, of “God’s own Son” (which would be a legitimate alternative reading of the Greek).
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7. Romans 12:3–8
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Read More
The diversity and unity of the church is illustrated by comparison to the human body. Just as the human body is one with many members (lit., body parts, limbs), so the church is united though it is composed of many members. On the theme of the church as the body of Christ, see also 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 12–16.
The variety of the body is evident from the various gifts God has given the church. On the gift of prophecy, see notes on Acts 21:4; 21:10–11; 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21; and other notes on 1 Corinthians 12–14. Paul instructs prophets to speak only when they have faith or confidence that the Holy Spirit is truly revealing something to them, and not to exceed the faith that God has given them by trying to impress others.
Christians should concentrate upon and give their energies to the gifts God has given them, whether in serving others, teaching God’s word patiently, or in exhortation and encouragement in the things of God. Thus Paul spotlights three attitudes necessary in exercising particular gifts: (1) those who have a special gift of helping others financially should never give grudgingly but always generously; (2) those who lead often have no one to whom they are accountable, and hence they must beware of laziness; (3) those who show mercy to the hurting must not grow weary but continue to minister with gladness.
8. Ephesians 4:11–13
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . . Read More
Christ gives specific spiritual gifts to people in the church whose primary mission is to minister the word of God (Eph. 4:12). Regarding prophets, different views on the nature of the gift of prophecy in the New Testament affect one’s understanding of this verse. Since the Greek construction here is different from Ephesians 2:20 and Ephesians 3:5, some see this verse as a broader reference to the gift of prophecy generally in the New Testament church, rather than a reference to the “foundational” prophets mentioned in Ephesians 2:20 and Ephesians 3:5. From the Greek word for the “gospel” (euangelion), evangelists denotes people like Philip and Timothy who proclaimed the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5). shepherds (or “pastors” [ESV footnote]). In the Old Testament these are kings and judges (2 Sam. 5:2; 7:7). In the New Testament, elders “shepherd” by watching over and nurturing the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–2). There is some uncertainty as to whether “shepherds and teachers” refers here to two different ministry roles or functions, or whether the reference is to a single “shepherd-teacher” ministry role (cf. ESV footnote), since Paul uses a different Greek conjunction at the end of the list, joining the two nouns more closely together than the other nouns in the list. If “teachers” are a separate group, they can be understood as a special branch of shepherds (overseers, elders) responsible for instruction in God’s word (cf. 1 Tim. 5:17).
Those church leaders with various gifts (Eph. 4:11) are to equip the saints (all Christians) so that they can do the work of ministry. All Christians have spiritual gifts that should be used in ministering to one another (1 Cor. 12:7, 11; 1 Pet. 4:10).
9. James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. Read More
Teachers were important in the early church (Acts 2:42; Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11), and those who were ambitious sought teacher status for the wrong reasons. However, with greater responsibility comes greater expectations from God (Luke 12:48; Heb. 13:17), and teachers will be judged with greater strictness (lit., “greater judgment”) since they are accountable for more.
10. Philippians 2:3–4
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Read More
There is always a temptation to be like Paul’s opponents in Philippians 1:17 and operate in a spirit of selfish ambition, looking to advance one’s own agenda. By considering others to be more important than yourself, you can combat such conceit (also known as “vainglory”). Paul realizes that everyone naturally looks out for his or her own interests. The key is to take that same level of concern and apply it to the interests of others. Such radical love is rare, so Paul proceeds to show its supreme reality in the life of Christ (Phil. 2:5–11).