Service and leadership are two intertwined concepts often discussed in the Bible. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who served others and led them in various capacities.
From Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, the Bible teaches us that authentic leadership is rooted in service. Jesus himself stated that the greatest among us should be the servant of all.
This article will explore some of the most influential Bible verses about service and leadership and how we can apply them to our lives as we seek to follow in the footsteps of those who came before us.
Contents
Bible Verse About service and leadership
1. Luke 22:26
He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.
2. Matthew 20:26
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.
3. Luke 6:31
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
4. Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
5. Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
6. Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
7. Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
8. Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
9. Philippians 2:3-4
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
10. Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Verses About Leadership
11. Mark 10:43
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.
12. Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
13. 1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
14. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
15. 1 Timothy 4:12
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
16. Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you must be a servant.
17. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
18. Matthew 16:24
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
18. Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
19. 2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
What does Jesus say about leadership?
In the Bible, Jesus provides numerous examples of leadership and teachings on how to lead. These teachings are relevant to religious leaders and anyone in authority or influence.
One of the most famous examples of Jesus’ teachings on leadership is found in Matthew 20:25-28. In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples that they should not seek to be like the rulers of the Gentiles, who lord their authority over others.
Instead, Jesus says that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This concept of servant leadership is a central theme throughout Jesus’ ministry. He continually teaches that leaders should be humble and serve those they lead, putting the needs of others before their own.
Another important teaching of Jesus on leadership is leading by example. In the Gospel of John, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, a task considered menial and lowly at the time.
By doing so, Jesus models the behavior he expects from his followers and demonstrates the importance of humility and service.
Finally, Jesus teaches that authentic leadership is rooted in faith and trust in God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
What does the bible say about leadership
20. 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
21. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
22. Exodus 18:21
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
23. 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.”
24. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? …
25. Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
26. Romans 12:9-13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
27. Matthew 20:26
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
28. Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
29. Jeremiah 23:1
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.
30. Mark 10:42-45
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But 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 slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
31. Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
32. 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 also should do just as I have done to you.
33. Luke 22:24-27
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
34. 1 Peter 5:3
Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
35. Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Why is service important in leadership
Service is an essential component of effective leadership. Serving others is a moral imperative and a strategic choice that can lead to tremendous success and fulfillment in both personal and professional settings. We will explore why service is essential in leadership and how it can benefit leaders and those they lead.
Service-oriented leaders prioritize the needs and well-being of others above their interests. This approach fosters trust and respect among team members, who feel valued and supported by their leader.
When leaders show that they are committed to serving their team, they build a strong foundation of trust and respect that can lead to higher engagement and productivity.
Service-oriented leaders also seek to empower their team members by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
By taking a supportive role, leaders can help their team members grow and develop their skills, leading to greater job satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose.
Service-oriented leaders also encourage collaboration and innovation within their teams. By creating an environment that values teamwork and encourages open communication, leaders can inspire their team members to share ideas and work together to achieve common goals.
This approach can lead to greater creativity, higher levels of engagement, and more effective problem-solving.
Jesus’ leadership teachings provide a compelling and inspiring vision for how we might lead in our own lives and organizations. We may become better leaders and build a more just, equitable, and compassionate world by adopting the concepts of servant leadership, leading by example, displaying compassion, and cultivating deep faith.
Anyone who wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross every day, and follow me,” Jesus stated (Luke 9:23). May we all aspire to be like him and lead with humility, compassion, and faith.
