Notes: Becoming a Leader

Becoming a Leader

By Henry and Pam Reyenga

Biblical Perspectives on the Leader

Leaders are servants to others, sensing a calling to influence others by example and communication. 

Matthew 23:11

"The greatest among you must be your servant." 

The Servant Leader

Who is Jesus?

Matthew 20:26-28 "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must 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." 

Defining the Biblical Leader

Exodus 18:21"But select capable men from all the people, men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain, and appoint them as officials..." 

Jesus: Our Model for Leadership

Philippians 2:5-7  "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." 

Wisdom and the Leader

Proverbs 3:13-14 "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." 

The Leader as a Steward

Matthew 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" 

The Leader as an Example

 1 Peter 5:2-3 "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 

The Compassionate Leader

Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." 

The Heart of a Biblical Leader

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Prayer of Leader Submission

Heavenly Father,

In Your sovereign wisdom, You have called Your people to lead, to steward Your creation, and to shepherd those in our care. I come before You humbly, seeking the grace and strength to walk in the footsteps of the greatest Leader of all, Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, empower me with the Holy Spirit to be a leader after Your own heart. May I lead with love, serve with humility, and speak with truth. Grant me the courage to act justly, the compassion to love mercy, and the wisdom to walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8).

In moments of decision, guide my thoughts; in times of challenge, fortify my spirit; in opportunities for growth, increase my faith. Let me not seek to be served, but to serve, to give selflessly as Jesus gave, and to uplift others as You have uplifted me.

Bless me with the discernment to recognize the needs of those I lead, the patience to listen to their concerns, and the vision to guide them with hope and confidence. May Your Word light my path, and Your promises keep me steadfast.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). May I embody the fruits of the SpiritÑlove, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

As I embrace the mantle of leadership, I pray that my actions reflect Your love, my decisions echo Your righteousness, and my life is a testament to Your grace. May I lead not for personal glory, but for the glory of Your name.

Through challenges and triumphs, keep me anchored in Your grace, rooted in Your Word, and relentless in Your love. I trust in You to equip me for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17) that You have prepared for me to do. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen