By Laura Lee Leathers
Suppose I asked you to name five individuals who were or are known for their leadership. Whom would you list? What makes them great leaders?
In the introduction of “Jesus on Leadership: Becoming a Servant Leader” by C. Gene Wilkes, the author writes:
The challenge is to make Jesus’ example the guide and focus on leadership among God’s people. (When) a church chooses to follow a biblical model of servant leadership for all its leaders, God will work in amazing ways through those leaders.
In the Bible study, one of Wilkes’ leadership principles states, “Servant leaders share their responsibility and authority with others to meet a greater need.”
Let’s look at Exodus 18 for a biblical example: the interaction between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro (see Ex. 2:10, 3:1). Time has passed since Moses left to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Jethro “heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people.” It was time for Moses’ wife and sons to join him.
When they meet, Moses expounds on what the Lord did with Pharaoh and the Egyptians, all the hardship, and how God delivered them. Jethro praises the Lord and offers a burnt offering and other sacrifices. Aaron and the elders of Israel receive an invitation to “eat bread.” The leaders come together to worship and celebrate.
The next day, from morning until evening, the Israelites came before Moses. Jethro asks, “Why do you alone sit?” Moses says he is there to inquire of God, judge, settle disputes, and “make known the statutes of God and His laws” (v. 16).
Sometimes, as leaders, we are guilty of leading alone, which can lead to burnout.
Here is Jethro’s counsel from verses 19-23:
- As a leader, “stand before God and bring the difficulties to God”
- Teach the team God’s statutes and laws
- Model the way to walk, and give a clear explanation of the work
- Select trustworthy individuals who “fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness”
- Train them to help you carry out your responsibilities
- Delegate; establish leaders of thousands, hundreds, 50s, and 10s
- Bring only great matters to the attention of the leader
Jethro’s final word: “If you heed my advice, you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”
Moses heeded Jethro’s counsel.
No matter our age or stage, as believers, we are called to servant leadership. Follow Christ’s example, listen to wise counsel, develop godly characteristics, and watch how God works to meet a greater need. Rejoice and give God glory!
*Scripture references are from the New King James Version.
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, and encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.