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What does the Bible say about leadership?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that leadership is a humble, Christlike calling to serve others faithfully under God’s authority, not to seek power or praise. Jesus says that true greatness is found in becoming a servant, following His own example of giving Himself for many in Matthew 20:25-28. Church leaders must be mature, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, and above reproach, as 1 Timothy 3:1-7 teaches. Yet every believer, including the young, may set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity according to 1 Timothy 4:12. Wise leadership seeks godly counsel, guards against selfish ambition, perseveres in doing good, and lovingly equips the church to live in sincere devotion and practical care.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Timothy 4:12 6 votes

    Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

  • Philippians 2:3 5 votes

    doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;

  • Exodus 18:21 3 votes

    Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

  • Matthew 20:25-28 3 votes

    [25] But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. [26] It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. [27] Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, [28] even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

  • 1 Timothy 3:1-7 2 votes

    [1] This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. [2] The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; [3] not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; [4] one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; [5] (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) [6] not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. [7] Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.

  • Proverbs 11:14 2 votes

    Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, But in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

  • Galatians 6:9 2 votes

    Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.

  • Romans 12:9-13 2 votes

    [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. [10] In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; [11] not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

  • Hebrews 13:17 2 votes

    Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

  • Matthew 20:26 2 votes

    It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.

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