Biblical Church Leadership

by Rev. Scott Elliott on March 11, 2020

Leadership is not something to be taken lightly, especially within the church. My firm conviction is that every principle of effective leadership should be rooted in the Bible. It is significant that in the Bible we are given the qualifications for church leadership in multiple passages. What I find interesting is that the qualifications for leadership revolve entirely around the issue of character. Experience and education play a role, but God primarily looks to the heart and character of those he calls. While these characteristics are directed at those in leadership, they are still characteristics that all believers can learn from. And for those of us in leadership, we should always be checking ourselves against these attributes to make sure that we remain qualified to minister in good faith. In this article I will look at the internal characteristics that qualify someone for leadership in the church and then look at some of the external behaviors that flow out of those characteristics. These characteristics are not just suggestions or ideals, but essentials which we should not compromise on in the church. Our leaders should be exemplar Christians who show Jesus to their congregants. One of the problems with many leadership trainings and writings is that they either assume or neglect these qualifying characteristics and jump straight to strategy without these as a foundation. For us to lead well we need to revisit the qualifications found in the Bible to reflect on their meaning and significance. This list below is not exhaustive, but it is meant to give an overarching picture of leadership in the church.

Qualifications for Leadership

Leaders are blameless.
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach…
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

The word for blameless (sometimes translated as above reproach) is the word anepilēmpton (ἀκατάγνωστος) which literally means “nothing to take hold upon.” The implication of this word is that there should not be any kind of criticism or attack which can be leveled against the person in leadership. Of course we know that leaders are frequently criticized for their decisions, but this word refers more to legitimate criticism on the basis of guilt or wrongdoing. No leader is perfect or sinless, but leaders should seek to live their life reconciled to others. Where there has been sin, there has been repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. A leader should not have any outstanding grievances with others or unrepentant sin.
Leaders are faithful.
the husband of one wife...
1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

Throughout the history of the church some have incorrectly assumed that to be an overseer a leader must be married, but that certainly does not fit with Paul’s clear teachings in 1 Corinthians 7. The larger principle at work here is about faithfulness. A husband who has not divorced his wife shows himself to be faithful to his marriage vows. In the same way, a single person who remains pure also remains faithful to God. Adultery of every kind, aside from violating God’s command, also symbolized the unfaithfulness of Israel in the Old Testament. Leaders are called to be faithful to God and to demonstrate that same faithfulness in their earthly relationships.
Leaders are evangelists.
and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination…
Titus 1:6 (ESV)

A leader’s children must be believers. It is obviously good for a leader to demonstrate that they have an orderly family and homelife, but far more important is that they have believing children. A leader in the church must firstly be the leader in their home, and that means that they have pointed their children to Christ. How can a leader win others to Christ if they have not successfully won their own children? A leader's primary ministry must be to their family. Now we know that it is not us who save our children but God. It is the work of Christ. But if the person desiring leadership has a genuine call to ministry from Jesus then Jesus in his faithfulness will draw the leader’s children to himself so that the person meets the qualifications that Jesus has set. God calls, equips and qualifies those he desires to use.
Leaders are humble.
He must not be arrogant…
Titus 1:7 (ESV)

There is a great contrast between Miriam and Moses in Numbers 12. Miriam was filled with pride in verse two when she said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” Compare this with the very next verse which says, “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” Moses was a great example of humility. So too was Jesus who humbled himself beyond anything we can imagine. Philippians 2:6-7 says, “though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Leaders should have a realistic view of their own strengths and weaknesses in the way that God made them. God has given each leader strengths and gifts, but also areas of weakness where we need to become dependent on God’s strength.
Leaders are gracious.
He must not be… quick-tempered…
Titus 1:7 (ESV)

We might say that patience is needed for someone to not be quick-tempered, but it goes beyond simply patience. God describes his own character as, “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” in Exodus 34:6. To maintain composure in circumstances which lend themselves to anger is to be gracious towards others and show them mercy. Great leaders are not easily riled up or provoked. They should be seen as both reasonable and wise rather than reactive and rash.
Leaders are selfless.
He must not be… a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain…
Titus 1:7 (ESV)

A person who is selfless will always be in a capacity where they are available and able to care for others. Drunkenness fulfils a desire to please oneself without regard for the way their behavior might hurt or inhibit others. Violence asserts power over another in the most selfish way possible. Greed for gain speaks for itself. God is looking for leaders who lead from a posture of both humility and selflessness. Every decision in leadership should be motivated by love for God and others. Leaders should be people who care for others and empower them at their own expense. Simply put, we are here to serve.
Leaders are hospitable.
but hospitable…
Titus 1:8 (ESV)

Hospitality involves the gift of both presence and time. The Greek word used is philoxenon (φιλόξενον) which literally means the love of strangers. Because of this, the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible says, “It is useful to limit the meaning of “hospitality” to benevolence done to those outside one’s normal circle of friends.” It’s easy for us to be hospitable to those we know and love, but to care for the stranger and the outsider is something far different. Church leaders should have room in their hearts to be with others and invite them in. It is true that a leader’s time might be primarily occupied by congregants, fellow staff members, friends and family. But they should not be so preoccupied with these that they have no margin to talk with those who are new or even outside the church. As Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Leaders are caring.
a lover of good…
Titus 1:8 (ESV)

To be a lover of good is to be caring towards other people. It is to both see the goodness of God in them and to want what is best for them. It is not only liking good things, but also doing good things for others. A good pastor is also involved with and surrounded by good things such as books, music and art. All of these good things should reveal the goodness of God and shape the heart of the pastor into one that values good and cares for others.
Leaders are self-controlled.
Self-controlled…
Titus 1:8 (ESV)

To be self-controlled is to show restraint in situations where others might be mastered by their circumstances. It is to allow the Spirit’s leading to overpower our fleshly desires. In situations where we might want to have the last word or do things our way, it is having the wisdom to discern the proper time and place. To be self-controlled also requires time. It’s true that a leader often needs to be decisive, but a leader also has to be wise and consider every facet of the potential impact of a decision. A lack of self-control in leadership means a wild ride for everyone else. Leaders cannot change courses too often and too quickly in response to their circumstances. Self-control is more methodical and even tempered.
Leaders are honest.
Upright…
Titus 1:8 (ESV)

The word for honest or upright in the Greek is dikaion (δίκαιον) which implies doing what is right according to the law, with others and with God. It is absolute integrity and virtue. A good leader acts justly in all of their relations and dealings. An upright leader has nothing to hide.
Leaders are holy.
Holy…
Titus 1:8 (ESV)

We know that God alone is holy and that we are only made righteous through the imputed righteousness of his Son, but at the same time, leaders are called to be holy. Leaders, while not sinless, are called to be set apart for God’s service. They are to pursue holiness and seek forgiveness where transgressions occur. Holiness should also speak to a leaders purity in terms of the intentions of their heart. Their reason for leading and the rationale behind the decisions they make should be morally pure. A leader should want God’s best for the church in every regard.
Leaders are disciplined.
Disciplined…
Titus 1:8 (ESV)

A person who is not disciplined gives up easily and is always changing. Discipline, to borrow a well known phrase, requires a long obedience in the same direction. Discipline is to pursue something at a great distance through repeated steps no matter how difficult or mundane. The Greek word enkratē (ἐγκρατῆ) refers to a possession of power and also implies self control. To be disciplined is to have the power to refrain from action where necessary and to also repeat an action continually for the purpose of achieving a goal. A leader who has spiritual growth in mind for their church and their self will have to be disciplined in their methodology and mindset to reach their goals.
Leaders are educated.
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught…
Titus 1:9 (ESV)

A leader in the church must know the Word of God. They must understand it in accordance with what has been taught and passed down by the Apostles. A pastor should already possess a great understanding of scripture but also perpetually be a student. The Bible is a book which requires endless attention and study. The Spirit who inspired the words and lives within us will continually enlighten our hearts and minds so that we grow in our understanding and application of the text.
Leaders are teachers.
so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9 (ESV)

Everything in theology is connected and intertwined in such a way that the pastor must be able to see how it all fits together with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This level of understanding ensures that everything taught is congruent and consistent with the message of scripture. They must be unwavering in their faith and not easily led astray by the false teachings of the world. They should be able to identify any teaching of idea which is inconsistent with the teachings of scripture and they should be able to use scripture to teach the truth.
Leaders are level headed.
Sober-minded…
1 Timothy 1:2 (ESV)

A leader in the church should be able to think clearly. A sober-minded leader is not impaired in their thinking or judgement by anything internally or externally. Their emotions do not cloud their thinking. They are rational and wise. They are calm, cool and collected. They give careful and considerate thought before acting.
Leaders are gentle.
not violent but gentle…
1 Timothy 3:3 (ESV)

Gentleness and violence are not merely physical behaviors. A gentle leader is careful to not cause harm through their words. Gentleness is a posture of heart towards another person. Gentleness takes into consideration how their words might be heard and understood. Gentleness relates to tone as well as content. Gentleness is tied to humility. Pride is forceful and overbearing. Gentleness comes in meekness with honor and respect for others. A gentle leader is kind to others and tolerates all sorts of personalities.
Leaders are peaceful.
not quarrelsome…
1 Timothy 3:3 (ESV)

Leaders in the church should not stir up trouble. They should not be argumentative. They should be gracious and gentle listeners. They should not be divisive but should bring people into the unity of the Body of Christ. They should live at peace with others and help others to do the same. It doesn’t mean that they avoid conflict, but rather that they seek conflict resolution.
Leaders are orderly.
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive…
1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV)

A leader must be ordered in their personal life. They must lead well in their home before they can lead well in the church. They must be an example of dignity and honor. There is a sense in which they must be respected for the management of their household. If things are chaotic at home then the pastor is not modeling the kind of order that God demonstrates in the way he ordered the universe. Through his instructions to both Israel and the church, God always designs systems and gatherings which are orderly and coherent.
Leaders are mature.
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:6 (ESV)

There are many reasons why a leader must not be a recent convert which are connected to some of the other qualifications. A leader needs time to be educated and learn the Word of God. A leader needs time to show and develop their discipline. A leader needs to understand more fully the cost of leadership and the sacrifice required. A leader needs to have a clear understanding of the other qualifications and have a true heart for service. Maturity understands that Christian service is about others and not ourselves. A leader must demonstrate maturity as it manifests itself in every part of their personality. Maturity in conjunction with the Holy Spirit fosters wisdom.
Leaders are respected.
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 (ESV)

A leader must be respected and well thought of by people outside of the church. They must have a reputation which is consistent with people from every walk of life. They should demonstrate a life of integrity. The person they are at church and home matches up with who they are in public and other environments.

Behaviors in Leadership

Leaders abide.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (ESV)

The most important behavior of a church leader is that they spend time with Jesus. For the leader to continue to meet the qualifications necessary to be in leadership, they must be fueled by their relationship with Christ. It is by remaining in Jesus, that we bear the fruit required for our ministry.
Leaders listen.
And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?”
Luke 24:17 (ESV)

Jesus, in his humility and care for others, frequently asked questions to which he already knew the answer. This practice made it possible for others to process their thoughts and emotions. Jesus listened in to hear from others what was in their hearts. Good leaders know how to listen and ask questions before offering their own thoughts.
Leaders serve.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45 (ESV)

Leaders serve others. Jesus modeled time and time again what it looked like to be humble and serve others at great cost. The mindset of a church leader should be to serve others and not themselves. Their decisions and organizational structures should be designed with the service of others in mind. We should be asking how we as the church are serving our congregants and how we are encouraging them to serve those they encounter.
Leaders seek.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10 (ESV)
Church leaders have to keep the mission of Jesus in mind all of the time. We can all too quickly focus on internal programs and ministries without giving consideration to the lost. We should absolutely have systems in place to train up and disciple new believers, but we should never grow weary of seeking out and reaching new people who do not yet know Christ. We cannot baptize and teach if we are not making new disciples.
Leaders love.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12 (ESV)

A church leader’s filter for any and every action must be love. What can I do to love the person in front of me? How can I show the love of Christ in this moment? What would be the most loving decision I can make in this circumstance? Love must be the connective tissue that binds together a leader’s character, qualifications and actions.

Sources

David K. Huttar, “Hospitality,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1006.

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 219.