Bible Students

Reflections on “Biblical Leadership” by Forrest (chapter 33)

The final word of Scripture points to when the Lord will reign on the whole world. This is the capstone of divine revelation. The whole future is told in much detail. It is a book of New Testament prophecy, with much imagery taken from the Old Testament. Revelation’s story goes from a suffering Lamb to a reigning King. The Lord goes from suffering to reigning, and not outside of that order. 

Christian leaders must follow in this through suffering before reigning in heaven. Christian leaders must die to self and be servants of Christ during their leadership on earth. Jesus calls many churches to repentance and brings much admonishment and appreciation to them as well through the writings of John to the seven churches. Many churches are faithful to the Lord, but many are also lazy. 

From this example, leaders can learn much about leading churches. Christ led by example. He did not ask them to do anything He did not already do, nor did He ask them to do anything He would not equip them to do. He was faithful unto death, and the churches were expected to be faithful as well. The words of rebuke were able to change their lives forever. 

Jesus’ words of encouragement were so much so to the churches who He praised. His admonishments were graces in order to allow them to return to Him in repentance. His rebukes were followed by love. The Lamb was the one who suffered, the one who is the Lion and the Root. The Lamb is recognized as God and is God. All of heaven is on its face before the Lord and God. 

Leaders must lead by example, and respect can not be demanded, only earned. Demanding respect will lead to revolt. Jesus suffered, and earthly leaders must suffer as well. Too many leaders do not like waiting, and push far past the timing of the Lord. Leaders must begin with what they have and continue to multiply their success in the Lord. Leaders and followers need to celebrate in their collective success. They must also be prepared to cut their losses. 

Eventually, the time of persecution for the church will be over, and the Lamb will claim victory. At that time, victory will be given to all Christians. Leadership is more than a characteristic test, and is not a matter of gifting. Leaders technically are those who have followers, but true Christian leaders are those who love others and point them to Christ. In an organization, Christian leaders vision cast and encourage others to move toward the goal for the glory of God. 

There are many leaders who take advantage of those under them, and so many people do not know what true Christian leadership looks like. Christian leadership must keep the Lord at the center of everything they do, no matter what kind of leadership. This is the thing that divides secular and Christian leadership. Christian leadership is good in all situations, even “secular” jobs. 

Ultimately, Christian leadership must be modeled after the ultimate shepherd, Christ. Jesus led His people as a shepherd. Christians are the sheep of the Shepherd’s folds, which He keeps safe and nurtures. Undershepherds, which are the leaders in the Christian community who are ultimately subjected to the rulership of Christ, must acknowledge they are only a small part of the ultimate leadership of Christ.

The goal of the undershepherd is to point other people to Christ, not to point other people to themselves. The undershepherd must not attempt to make a flock for themself. They must always be aware of their sinful desire to abuse the flock. All leaders have a sinful flesh which they need to be aware of. No one will fully conquer the sinful flesh in this life, so Christian leaders need to be sure to be aware of the temptation to take advantage of other people, which all people have, and seek accountability in order to not have anything happen to their flock. 

The kind of leadership which seeks accountability is the most Christlike. It involves understanding that one needs to be like Christ but is not, and wants to be like Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, so much that the individual is willing to have outside help, which requires much humility. All leaders must remember that ultimately they are only undershepherds of the chief Shepherd, and that all of the flock belongs to Him.