“Leadership is influence,” wrote J. Oswald Sanders, “the ability of one person to influence others. One man can lead others only to the extent that he can influence them.”
That principle is powerfully illustrated in Paul’s charge to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20. When he met with them, he said: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (v.28).
Elders are the spiritual leaders in the Lord’s church. And as such, their leadership matters. It has often been said that “everything rises or falls with leadership.” The extent to which a church reaches its potential and fulfills its divine purpose is directly tied to its leaders. Growing churches have good leaders.
John Maxwell emphasized the importance of good leaders when he wrote, “Leadership in any organization – whether in the local church or in some other Christian activity – is never just a job. It is always a way of life, demanding a 24-hour-a-day commitment from those who would be leaders. The leader, in a sense, must always be on the job, deciding, directing, and developing the work that has been entrusted to him while at the same time encouraging those in the work.”
“A leader,” Maxwell says, “is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”
In this text, Paul points out that a good leader begins by taking heed to himself before leading others. He exercises self-discipline and restraint. He can honestly evaluate himself and recognize areas where he needs to grow.
The biblical model of a spiritual leader is a shepherd. Like those who tended flocks in Bible times, he knows his sheep because he is available to them. He is committed to them and has earned their trust.
Good shepherds carefully tend their sheep. They feed, nurture, protect, and pray for them. They keep the sheep from straying and work to restore those who have wandered away. They provide whatever is needed for their growth.
In Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, we learn that men who would lead God’s people must possess spiritual qualities that set them apart. Their character is above reproach. They have a good reputation with those outside the church. They lead well in their own families. They avoid habits that would impair their influence. They have developed the ability to teach and lead. And they have demonstrated these qualities over time.
Elders are also overseers, which speaks to the nature of their work. They watch. They are aware. They see what is happening among the people. This is not a role fulfilled from a distance or behind closed doors. It requires presence, involvement, and diligence. Implicit in the word is the responsibility to lead.
When elders fail to shepherd and oversee the church, they fail not only the people—they fail the Holy Spirit who appointed them and the Lord who purchased the church with His own blood.
Spiritual leaders are servant leaders. They do not simply issue instructions; they are involved. Instead of telling others to “go,” they roll up their sleeves and say, “Let’s go.” They lead by example.
Their work is spiritually focused. It’s not an office, but a relationship. Not about policy, but people. Not position, but personhood. People follow not because they have to, but because they want to.
God’s leaders are not sinless men. Like all of us, they make mistakes. But they humbly admit them, repent, seek God’s forgiveness, and continue striving to grow in their work.
Pray for God to raise up good shepherds to lead His people. Encourage them. Support them. And may we humbly submit to their leadership as they follow the Chief Shepherd.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 