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Amridge University
Thoughts on Biblical Leaders
Dr. Timothy Gunnells
The Kind of Leaders God Wants
Much of these thoughts come from an out of print book by J.J. Turner on Biblical Leaders.
Old Testament Example
Moses—Exodus 18:21-22
What types of men was Moses told to look for by Jethro?
Able men
Men that feared God
Men of truth
Men who hate dishonest gain
Men that could delegate authority and jobs
Men who were available
Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities:
A leader must be able. What could be worse than someone trying to do a job that he or she is not capable of doing? Webster defines able as, “having enough power, skill, etc. to do something.” (I Timothy 3:5, II Timothy 2:2)
A leader must fear God. In other words have reverence and holy respect for God. (Ecclésiastes 12:13)
A reverent leader will inspire others to love God and follow the Lord’s will.
Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities:
A leader is a person of truth. (John 8:32- “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”). A leader must not only be a person of truth, they must also know the truth, teach the truth, and stand for the truth at all cost. (Proverbs 23:23)
A leader must hate dishonest gain. Covetousness is constantly condemned throughout the Bible (II Peter 2:16, Romans 1:29, Ephesians 5:3, I Thessalonians 3:3), and is at the bottom of most sins committed.
Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities:
A leader delegates authority and work. This was one of Moses’ problems: he tried to do it all by himself. No one, no matter how strong or talented, can do it all alone. A good leader inspires and encourages others to share in the work and responsibilities. This will free them to do additional tasks.
Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities:
A leader is available. Leadership is not just an “executive” position where commands are arbitrarily issued with no personal contact, involvement or concern for possible problems and needs which may arise. A leader is ready, willing and able to help someone else finish a task in the Lord’s service.
In families, churches, or any organization there is no room for
1) a figurehead leader, 2) a dictatorial leader, 3) a wishy-washy leader, 4) a mediocre leader, 5) a “name only” leader, or 6) a “drafted” leader.
New Testament Examples
The Apostles are examples of leaders approved by God. A survey of their lives reveals the following:
They were from different backgrounds.
When called to follow Jesus, they were busy. God looks for active people.
They had the desire to serve. They left all.
They received training. They were under the tutelage of Jesus for around 3 to 3 ½ years.
They were obedient to the Master. They followed the Lord’s instructions (e.g., Acts 1 & 2).
New Testament Examples
They chose replacements when needed (Acts 1:15-26). Everyone will need replacing one day.
They were bold, faithful and uncompromising (Acts 4, etc.)
They finished the task assigned to them. They were not quitters.
They led the way.
They were examples.
New Testament Examples
The seven chosen in Acts 6:1-7 are examples of leaders selected by God. From this account we see that God wants leaders who are:
Reported to be good people
Willing to serve
Wise
Full of the Holy Spirit
Dependable
Able
New Testament Examples
Elders are example of leaders. These men have the oversight of the local congregation (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:1-5). Their qualifications can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
New Testament Examples
Evangelists are examples of leaders. In many churches the preacher does all the work. This is a reflection on the congregation. The Bible presents a number of qualities of an evangelist:
Pure (I Tim. 4:12, 5:22)
Example in lifestyle (I Tim. 4:12)
Full of faith, love, righteousness, patience, meekness, etc. (I Tim. 6:11; II Tim. 2:22)
A student of the Bible (II Tim. 2:15)
Able to teach and train others (II Tim. 2:2)
New Testament Examples
Avoid foolish and ignorant questions (II Tim. 2:16, 23; Tit. 3:9-10)
Willing to suffer hardship as a good soldier (II Tim. 2:3; 4:5)
Preach the word (II Tim. 4:1-5)
Set in order the things that are lacking (Tit. 1:5)
Ordain elders (Tit. 1:5)
An example (I Tim. 4:12)
Not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord (II Tim. 1:8)
Works to fulfill his duties (I Tim. 4:15-16; II Tim. 4:5)
Loves lost souls (Acts 8:29-40)
Defends the faith (I Timothy 1:18-19; I Peter 3:15, Jude 3)