Throughout my time in vocational ministry I’ve encountered people who shy away from terms such as leadership when talking about the church. Christ is the leader of the church and we are simply servants under His command. While I agree with their assessment of Christ’s ultimate leadership, I see all kinds of examples of biblical characters with their own leadership tension.
I see leadership throughout the Bible – through people. God’s greatest servants were leaders – with significant examples of leadership challenges I face everyday.
And, as I read their story, I learn great Biblical principles – and also leadership examples.
10 biblical characters and their leadership tension:
David – Have you fought a giant? Do you ever feel like unqualified?
Esther – What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to do? You sensed it was up to you to do it, yet the outcome was unpredictable and scary?
Joseph – Have you ever prepared for a potentially bleak future? Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? Also, have you had to reconcile a broken relationship?
Paul – Has a changing culture ever impacted your leadership? Did you ever have problems getting the established leaders to trust you?
Gideon – Do you ever feel you are not prepared to fulfill what you know you have to do? Did you land in a position and – honestly – you’re not sure why?
Rahab – Has your “history” been a deterrent in some people’s minds – thinking you shouldn’t be in the position God has afforded you?
Moses – Is the weight of your responsibility ever overwhelming? Is someone else getting to complete the work – and enjoy the benefits – of something you started?
Abraham – Have you led a team into an unknown? Do family situations often distract you from what you feel you must do? Also, do you ever have to wait?
Noah – Does the task in front of you seem impossible? Ever feel no one understands what you’ve been called to do?
Deborah – Have you ever landed in a position you weren’t necessarily trained to do?
Look over the list. Which of these are most representative of your current leadership tension. Finally, discover things these Biblical leaders did wrong or did right in handling their challenge.
Perhaps some of the best leadership advice is closer than you think.
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