Bibilical Models of Leadership

 

Old Testament Models

Moses (Exo.2-3; Heb.11:23-37): His life spanned 120 years of three equal periods of 40 years

(a)    In Egypt as heir apparent to Pharaoh (Ex.2:1-14)

(b)   In Midian tendering the flocks of Jethro (Ex.2:15-12:36 ; Acts 7:23-35)

(c)    In the wilderness leading the people of Israel (Ex.12:37-Deut.34:8; Acts 7:36-40)

It took 80 years to be prepared for a 40-years leadership role!

Exemplary leadership qualities in Moses:

§  A convincing divine calling, consecration, commission and vision (Ex.2:11-15)

§  A steadfast heart and consuming drive to achieve (Heb.11:23-27)

§  A deep love for his people and greater love for God (Ex.32:10-14; 30-33)

§  A resolute spirit focused on God’s promises in the face of ‘impossible’ situations (Ex.14:12-31).

§  An energetic dedication to service (Ex.17:8-13; 18:13-18).

§  A conscious step of discipling a successor (Ex.17:9; 24:12, 13).

§  His humility and meekness (Num.12:3)

Hebrews 11:24-29 reveals other outstanding leadership qualities:

Faith (v.24); Vision (v.26-27); Identification with his people (v.24); Initiative/Decisiveness (v.27); Integrity (v.25); Obedience (v.28); Endurance (v.25,27); Responsibility/dependability (v.29)

Also, Exodus 18:13-27 unveils more outstanding demonstration of leadership skills through Moses.

 

Leadership Lessons in the Life of David

The apex of kingship in Israel, David reigned for 40 years, first over Judah for 7 years (2 Sam.1-4) and then over the whole nation for 33 years. He conducted many wars of conquest, initiated an era of splendour, prosperity and power; and laid the foundation of the Solomonic empire.

§  He wasGod’s choice, not a man-made leader. His deep conviction of being called, anointed formed a sound basis for his exemplary service (1Sam.16:19; 2Sam.5:10; 6:8,9; 23:1-3)

§  Built a track record of loyal service& integrity which attracted faithful followership (2Sam.5:1-3).

§  Inspired confidence in and was able to win the loyalty of the people (2sam.5:3).

§  Was a wise diplomat, a generous and pleasant personality (2 Sam.18:1; 19:1, 2; 2Sam.5:11).

§  Recognized God in all his blessings, not taking credit to himself for all his success (2Sam.5:12).

§  Was a man of deep faith and devotion to God, actively involved in spiritual exercises. He took every precaution to ensure the proper conduct of the Ark back to Jerusalem (2Sam.6:13-18)

§  His love for God was evidenced in his unashamed manner of offering praise and thanksgiving to God (2Sam.6:13-18; Acts 13:22)

§  He constantly inquired from the Lord for guidance and direction (1Sam.30:8; 2Sam.2:1; 5:19).

§  He was a man of great faith, zeal, determination and valiant exploits, who extended his kingdom and consolidated his position (1Sam.17; Ps.132:1-5).

§  He ruled in the fear of God, with great respect for God’s anointing (2Sam.23 & 24).

Nehemiah – the Builder-Leader

A descendant of captive Jews in Persia, he along with Ezra and Zerubbabel, was instrumental in rebuilding Jerusalem’s temple and walls. It is worthy of note that this Jew had risen to a prominent position as cupbearer to the Persian Emperor Artaxerxes I, the most powerful ruler of that day. A type of top security agent, he must have been chosen for will-tested personal qualities, some of which became glaring in his God-given mission of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.

§  A man of Prayer, his prayer opens the book (Neh.1:5-11). God used his active prayer life to mold him into a godly leader. He exhibited a sense of corporate responsibility in prayer (Dan.9:5-6).

§  A great Planner & Administrator: he knew what he wanted to do, how it had to be done, who was to do it, and when (2:4-9). He was proactive and orderly, with the ability to plan and organize; forethought in prayer (2:1-10); confidential research (2:11-16); motivating/delegating (2:17-18).

§  A man of clear Decision who did not defer when he should decide. No procrastination…

§  A man of Action: since he got the king’s approval, he swung into dynamic action-steps. He followed prayers and planning with a successful programme of total mobilization (3:1-31). He was used by God to achieve spectacular changes in the life of his nation in an amazingly short time.

§  A man of Character: his strategies were effective through the quality of his character (5:14-19).

§  He achieved perfect coordination which enabled the work to be completed in record time. Every man had his assignment, place, position, and responsibility.

§  Other sterling personal traitsinclude:Undaunted courage (6:11);Responsibility, dependability and availability;A deep concern for his people’s welfare (2:10);Ability to deal with conflicts before they become critical (5:1-13);Ability to encourage, motivate, mobilize and express appreciation (2:20, 4:14, 8:10);Ability to withstand under pressure (2:9-10, 19-20; 4:1-3, 7-12; 6:1-6, 10-13).

New Testament Models

Peter and Paul are two persons who stand out as leaders of note in the New Testament, first in terms of their exemplary leadership qualities and also, in terms of the principles of leadership propagated.

Peter was a prominent leader in the early church; the accepted leader amongst the apostles of Jesus (Jh.21:3). Many negatives, deriving mostly from his impetuosity, should have disqualified him from leadership, but the grace of God turned his minuses to plus principles in the later years of his ministry.Peter set out the Perils and Privileges of Leadership (1 Peter 5:1-7)

·         Leaders are to care for the flock, leading by love and not by force (Jh.21:15-17)

·         Leaders must not serve for “shameful gain”; spiritual leadership is a high calling (v.2).

·         Leaders are mot to be dictatorial or tyrannical, but exemplary, with “shepherd spirit” (v.3).

·         Leaders are to be clothed with humility; God will not encourage proud men in His service (v.5).

·         Leaders are to respond humbly to the disciplines of God, not resisting or rebelling (v.6).

·         The ultimate leadership incentive is eternal, unfading crown of glory (v.4).

·         The leader need not shoulder his burdens alone in the power of the flesh. Spiritual leadership can trust in the ever-present support of the chief shepherd (v.7).

Paul: How amazing that God should select the most ruthless and aggressive enemy of the cross and transform him into its most outstanding apostle. He was uniquely equipped by birth, background and training for the global role to which God called him. Paul was transformed from being a natural leader into a great spiritual leader when he encountered Jesus Christ, who he grew to love supremely (Gal.1:14; Rom.1:14; 2Cor.5:14). He was consumed by passion for his heavenly vision (Acts 26:19).