Combining the Precepts and Examples of Scripture to Develop Leadership
Most Bible-believing Christians understand the vital importance of preaching. The New Testament contains multiple references to preachers, preaching, and the critical importance of Paul’s imperative—“preach the Word” (2 Tim 4:1-5). Prayer and the ministry of the Word has been a prominent part of pastoral ministry since the apostles led the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-4).
It is critical to understand, however, that the New Testament also places a high priority on leadership in local church ministry. In fact, the election of the first deacons in the Jerusalem church resulted in a proper administrative procedure for meeting the needs of the congregation (Acts 6:2, 3). The apostles articulated their own God-given responsibilities (v 2) and proposed an administrative flow of duties—“men . . . whom we may appoint over this business” (v 3), and the church followed their leadership—“the saying pleased the whole multitude” (v 5). The result was that a need was met, harmony was preserved, and the church prospered (v 7). What an excellent example of local church leadership!
Emphasis on Biblical Leadership
Leadership remains critical in local church ministry today. A simple proof of this fact is found in Peter’s words: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet 5:2, 3). The apostle describes a church as a “flock,” and he instructs the pastors to “tend,” or “shepherd” the flock. Sheep need a shepherd—a leader to protect, feed, and care for them. Peter instructs the pastors to be “overseers.” The church is a working force, and it needs God-appointed leaders to oversee that work. Pastors are not to be “lords” over the church but, rather, godly examples for their church.
I fear we sometimes miss the emphasis of Scripture on godly leadership. Leadership and administration are essential component parts of pastoral ministry in the local church. One of the three words for pastor is “bishop” (e.g. 1 Tim 3:1, 2). This word describes the oversight of a church (1 Pet 5:2). The bishop (episkopos) is “one who has the responsibility of safeguarding or seeing to it that someth[ing] is done in the correct way, guardian” (emphasis BDAG, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed.).
This word describing the pastoral office speaks not only of pastoral oversight and leadership, but it also emphasizes compassion with which the bishop leads. The word bishop or overseer also communicates the concept of tender, pastoral care for the people of God in the local church. Jesus used the word to refer to “visiting” those in prison (Mt 25:36, 43). James used the word to describe God’s visitation of the Gentiles in salvation (Acts 15:14). Peter uses the word to describe God’s visitation of sinners to salvation (1 Pet 2:12). There is an Old Testament background to that concept (Ex 4:31), and James uses the word to describe compassion for the fatherless and widows (James 1:27).
Examples of Biblical Leadership
Scripture gives us the examples of godly men who were great leaders. In the Old Testament, Joseph, Moses, David, and Nehemiah stand out as great leaders. In the New Testament, Barnabas and Paul are among those who stand out as men of differing personalities and temperaments, but of outstanding leadership abilities. Delving into Barnabas’ life gives Christians not only an example of leadership to follow, but also a biblical theology of leadership.
Barnabas was a leader in his conduct. He sold a valuable piece of land in Cyprus and gave the proceeds to help the church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36). He took the new convert Saul to the fearful church and affirmed him as a new believer (Acts 9:27). The word used in that verse carries several ideas, one of which is “assist” (New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology). When Barnabas saw the new church in Antioch and realized the potential there, he went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him to serve there with him (Acts 11:25, 26). When John Mark failed in the ministry, Barnabas attempted to recover him (Acts 15:37-40). Paul later acknowledged that Barnabas had been successful with John Mark (Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11).
Barnabas was a leader in his character. Acts 11:24 is a positive summary of his life: “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” He was a good, godly man. He was a Spirit-filled man of faith, and God used him to win people to Christ.
Barnabas was an encouragement to local churches. He was a leader and mentor of people. He worked with some believers who failed the Lord and helped them recover themselves. His effective leadership came from godly character.
Those men who take the biblical principles of leadership from God’s Word and incorporate them into their own lives are capable of directing and guiding people in the same way Barnabas led. I am grateful for the influence of great leaders in my own life and ministry. I met Monroe Parker when he was president of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. He conveyed strong convictions, a kind spirit, a sense of direction, and a profound respect for the people he led. I later worked for him at Baptist World Mission and was honored to follow him in the leadership of that great ministry. Stability and growth characterized his ministries.
Richard Clearwaters, pastor of Fourth Baptist Church and founder of Central Baptist Theological Seminary (Minneapolis, MN), possessed a brilliant mind, a singular sense of direction, patience in leading his local church, and a unique ability to set strategy. During my seminary days, I pastored a young church in Rochester, Minnesota. We were involved in a legal struggle to secure our property and local church autonomy. Clearwaters helped our church in those days, and his tactical advice was largely responsible for our success in that endeavor.
Myron Cedarholm was Maranatha’s founder. He had a unique ability to cast a vision and motivate followers. He led the Conservative Baptist Association of America from 1947-1965, during which time it grew from 100 churches to 1800 churches. Maranatha experienced explosive growth in its early years under his leadership. He was a gifted promoter and motivator, and God used his leadership to motivate hundreds of young people into ministry for Christ in the United States and around the world.
Need for Biblical Leadership
Men have differing personalities and abilities, but all preachers must learn and develop leadership skills. Clearwaters observed that more young pastors fail in leadership and administration than ever fail in preaching. It behooves us to learn from and model biblical teaching and examples of leadership.
Scripture sometimes teaches us by precept. We are confronted with truth about our God, and then we are responsible to acknowledge and obey that truth. We thus learn to love our God more and walk with Him. At other times, Scripture teaches us by the example of others. Combining both the precepts and the examples of Scripture allows a pastor to grow in his own leadership abilities, further improving his ability to disciple his people and shepherd his flock.
Dr. Fred Moritz
Dr. Fred Moritz has taught theology and cross-cultural classes for Maranatha Baptist Seminary every fall semester since 2009. Prior to this, Dr. Moritz was the Executive Director of Baptist World Mission in Decatur, AL. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, an MDiv from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and a DMin from BJU. He teaches the class “Theology of Leadership” for Maranatha’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading.