Church Leadership: What Did Jesus say about Church Leadership

Jesus’ teachings on church leadership primarily emphasized servant leadership, humility, and the role of shepherding the flock of believers. His teachings can be found throughout the Gospels, where He modeled and taught about leadership in ways that often contrasted sharply with the worldly notions of power and authority. Here are a few key Bible verses and their implications:

1. Matthew 20:25-28: “But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
2. Mark 10:42-45: This passage echoes the sentiments of Matthew 20:25-28, underscoring the call to serve rather than be served, highlighting the model of Jesus Himself as the servant leader par excellence.
3. John 13:12-15: “When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you.’”
4. 1 Peter 5:2-3: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”

Three Main Takeaways:

1. Servant Leadership: Jesus revolutionized the concept of leadership by placing the emphasis on serving rather than being served. He demonstrated that the greatest leaders are those who put the needs of others first and are willing to perform the humblest of services for the sake of their followers.
2. Leading by Example: Jesus didn’t just teach servant leadership; He lived it. From washing the disciples’ feet to sacrificing His life on the cross, He provided the ultimate example of what it means to lead through selfless action and sacrifice. Leaders in the church are called to follow His example, guiding others not just with words but through their own actions and lifestyle.
3. Shepherding with Care and Humility: The metaphor of a shepherd carefully looking after his sheep is often used to describe church leadership. Leaders are called to tend to their congregations with love, care, and attentiveness, always seeking what is best for them, and guiding them with humility and grace, avoiding authoritarian or domineering behavior.

These teachings emphasize that leadership within the church is fundamentally about embodying the character and actions of Jesus Himself, serving and loving others with humility and self-sacrifice.