Biblical Leadership

Please note that this piece is a bit harsh in places. It comes from a question raised by one of our Brothers who lives in a region where domineering leadership is especially prevalent in the fellowships.

The Scriptures are very clear about leadership.

The Lord Jesus had this to say, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall 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.” (Matthew 20:25–28, NASB 2020)

Paul explained to the people in the Corinthian fellowship, “Not that we domineer over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.” (2 Corinthians 1:24, NASB 2020)

Peter chimed in too. He wrote, “Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:1–5, NASB 2020)

The way of the world is different.

Fleshly leadership seeks its own interests.

Religious zealots would like us to elevate pastors and teachers. They love to call themselves “apostle”, “prophet”, “bishop”, and so on. Then they berate the flock into submission, often demanding that people treat them with deference and respect due only to God. They may call themselves “the anointed of God” and “men of God.” They often use Old Testament Scripture like “touch not the Lord’s anointed” (see Psalm 105:15, 1 Chronicles 16:22) out of context to intimidate those they should be humbly serving. They shame them into giving beyond their means, demean them into never questioning anything they are told, and worse.

The Scriptures are also clear about pastors (shepherds) and teachers who would mistreat God’s people.

“Woe to the shepherds who are causing the sheep of My pasture to perish and are scattering them!” declares the LORD. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: ‘You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not been concerned about them; behold, I am going to call you to account for the evil of your deeds,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:1–2, NASB 2020)

See also 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 where Paul talks about different teachers building on the foundation of the Lord Jesus or failing to do so and instead causing division and damaging the body of Christ corporately. The discussion culminates with this statement, “If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:17, NASB 2020)

Father cares for His children and consequently He takes such abuse very seriously indeed.

In the Kingdom, to lead is to serve.

For this reason, prior to Paul’s discussion of husbands, wives, and submission in Ephesians 5:22-33 we find “and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21, NASB 2020).

The Lord Jesus demonstrated this when He washed the feet of His disciples.