Thoughts On Biblical Leaders By Dr. Timothy Gunnells ✓ Solved

Thoughts On Biblical Leaders Dr Timothy Gunnells The Kind of Leaders God Wants

Amridge University Thoughts on Biblical Leaders Dr. Timothy Gunnells The Kind of Leaders God Wants Much of these thoughts come from an out of print book by J.J. Turner on Biblical Leaders. Old Testament Example Moses—Exodus 18:21-22 What types of men was Moses told to look for by Jethro? Able men Men that feared God Men of truth Men who hate dishonest gain Men that could delegate authority and jobs Men who were available Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities: A leader must be able. What could be worse than someone trying to do a job that he or she is not capable of doing? Webster defines able as, “having enough power, skill, etc. to do something. (I Timothy 3:5, II Timothy 2:2) A leader must fear God. In other words have reverence and holy respect for God. (Ecclésiastes 12:13) A reverent leader will inspire others to love God and follow the Lord’s will. Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities: A leader is a person of truth. (John 8:32—“You will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”). A leader must not only be a person of truth, they must also know the truth, teach the truth, and stand for the truth at all cost. (Proverbs 23:23) A leader must hate dishonest gain.

Covetousness is constantly condemned throughout the Bible (II Peter 2:16, Romans 1:29, Ephesians 5:3, I Thessalonians 3:3), and is at the bottom of most sins committed. Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities: A leader delegates authority and work. This was one of Moses’ problems: he tried to do it all by himself. No one, no matter how strong or talented, can do it all alone. A good leader inspires and encourages others to share in the work and responsibilities. This will free them to do additional tasks. Let’s look more closely at these Six Qualities: A leader is available. Leadership is not just an “executive” position where commands are arbitrarily issued with no personal contact, involvement or concern for possible problems and needs which may arise. A leader is ready, willing and able to help someone else finish a task in the Lord’s service. In families, churches, or any organization there is no room for 1) a figurehead leader, 2) a dictatorial leader, 3) a wishy-washy leader, 4) a mediocre leader, 5) a “name only” leader, or 6) a “drafted” leader.

New Testament Examples The Apostles are examples of leaders approved by God. A survey of their lives reveals the following: They were from different backgrounds. When called to follow Jesus, they were busy. God looks for active people. They had the desire to serve. They left all. They received training. They were under the tutelage of Jesus for around 3 to 3 ½ years. They were obedient to the Master. They followed the Lord’s instructions (e.g., Acts 1 & 2). They chose replacements when needed (Acts 1:15-26). Everyone will need replacing one day. They were bold, faithful and uncompromising (Acts 4, etc.) They finished the task assigned to them. They were not quitters. They led the way. They were examples. The seven chosen in Acts 6:1-7 are examples of leaders selected by God. From this account we see that God wants leaders who are: Reported to be good people Willing to serve Wise Full of the Holy Spirit Dependable Able.

New Testament Examples Elders are example of leaders. These men have the oversight of the local congregation (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:1-5). Their qualifications can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. New Testament Examples Evangelists are examples of leaders. In many churches the preacher does all the work. This is a reflection on the congregation. The Bible presents a number of qualities of an evangelist: Pure (I Tim. 4:12, 5:22) Example in lifestyle (I Tim. 4:12) Full of faith, love, righteousness, patience, meekness, etc. (I Tim. 6:11; II Tim. 2:22) A student of the Bible (II Tim. 2:15) Able to teach and train others (II Tim. 2:2) New Testament Examples Avoid foolish and ignorant questions (II Tim. 2:16, 23; Tit. 3:9-10) Willing to suffer hardship as a good soldier (II Tim. 2:3; 4:5) Preach the word (II Tim. 4:1-5) Set in order the things that are lacking (Tit. 1:5) Ordain elders (Tit. 1:5) An example (I Tim. 4:12) Not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord (II Tim. 1:8) Works to fulfill his duties (I Tim. 4:15-16; II Tim. 4:5) Loves lost souls (Acts 8:29-40) Defends the faith (I Timothy 1:18-19; I Peter 3:15, Jude 3)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Leadership rooted in biblical principles is fundamental for guiding both spiritual and organizational growth within faith communities. Biblical leaders exemplify qualities outlined in Scripture that emphasize integrity, commitment, and service. Analyzing Old and New Testament examples reveals the nature of effective leadership as envisioned by God.

In the Old Testament, Moses embodies many qualities that are essential for divine leadership. According to Exodus 18:21-22, Moses was instructed to select able men who feared God, were of truth, hated dishonest gain, and could delegate responsibilities. These qualities highlight an understanding that leadership requires competence, reverence for God, truthfulness, integrity, and trustworthiness. Moses' failure to delegate effectively underscores that leadership involves empowering others and sharing responsibilities, rather than attempting to do everything alone (Turner, n.d.).

The ability to delegate is vital because no leader can manage all tasks independently. A leader's capacity to identify capable individuals and entrust them with responsibilities ensures the organization's sustainability and growth. Similarly, fearing God and embodying truthfulness foster trustworthiness and set a moral example for followers. Leaders who hate dishonest gain maintain integrity and uphold biblical standards of honesty and ethical conduct (Romans 12:17-21).

Leadership also involves availability and approachability. An effective leader must be accessible to address concerns, guide, and support others in their spiritual journey. This personal involvement fosters a culture of openness and accountability (Gunnells, 2023). The failure of Moses to delegate effectively and his tendency to shoulder all responsibilities serve as lessons in the importance of empowering others and fostering shared leadership.

Transitioning to the New Testament, the apostles serve as exemplary leaders appointed and approved by God. Their diversity in backgrounds and occupations demonstrates that effective leadership is accessible to many and not limited to a specific social class. Their willingness to leave everything to follow Jesus, coupled with their obedience and training under His mentorship, exemplifies dedication and commitment required of spiritual leaders (Acts 1-2).

The apostles' commitment to evangelism, their boldness in the face of adversity, and their unwavering devotion display characteristics of faithfulness and exemplarity. Their decision to replace Judas Iscariot with Matthias (Acts 1:15-26) illustrates accountability and the importance of continuity in leadership. Their leadership was marked by qualities such as being full of the Holy Spirit, dependable, and willing to serve—attributes that align with biblical standards for leaders (Gunnells, 2023).

Furthermore, the office of elders in the early church underscores the significance of oversight, moral integrity, and spiritual maturity. As outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, elders must exhibit traits such as blamelessness, hospitality, sincerity, and ability to teach. These qualifications ensure that elders serve as moral exemplars and spiritual guides within the congregation (Gunnells, 2023).

Evangelists, another vital leadership role, exemplify the importance of personal character, biblical knowledge, and the ability to teach and inspire others. Scriptural descriptions of evangelists emphasize purity in conduct, full devotion to God, and readiness to suffer hardship (II Timothy 2:2-4). Their role involves not only proclaiming the gospel but also setting an example through lifestyle, defending the faith, and tending to spiritual needs (Gunnells, 2023).

In conclusion, biblical leadership underscores a combination of personal integrity, spiritual maturity, service, and the capacity to empower others. Leaders such as Moses, the apostles, elders, and evangelists serve as models embodying these principles. The biblical criterion is clear: God desires leaders who are honest, faithful, humble, and committed to serving others while exemplifying Christ-like attributes. Emulating these qualities ensures effective and authentic leadership that honors God and nurtures spiritual growth within communities.

References

• Gunnells, T. (2023). Biblical Leadership Principles. Amridge University Publications.
• Turner, J. J. (n.d.). Biblical Leaders. Out of print book.
• Exodus 18:21-22. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• John 8:32. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• Acts 1:15-26. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• 1 Timothy 3. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• Titus 1. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• Romans 12:17-21. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• Ecclésiastes 12:13. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• II Timothy 2:2. The Holy Bible, New International Version.