Leading & Following in Church: Lessons from Scripture

Leadership and teamwork are essential aspects of any church or Christian community. The Bible provides us with numerous role-models—Moses, Joshua, Jesus, Peter, and Paul—of godly leaders who guided God's people with wisdom and humility. The Bible also gives us clear instructions on how to function as faithful team members within the body of Christ.

Today, we will explore three key areas:

1. How to be a godly leader
2. What to do as a team member
3. What not to do as a team member

# I. Leadership: A Call to Serve, Not a Privilege

Many aspire to leadership, but biblical leadership is not about authority or personal ambition—it is a call to serve. Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." — Mark 10:45

One of the most powerful examples of servant leadership is when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:12-17). Leadership in the church is not about commanding others but about lifting them up, helping them grow in the Lord, and guiding them to their calling.

# 1. Leadership Requires a Servant’s Heart

A true leader in the church is someone who seeks the growth of others. The goal of leadership is not to control but to nurture, equip, and strengthen believers in their faith.

# 2. Leadership Requires a Life of Prayer

Leadership is impossible without prayer. Jesus constantly withdrew to pray before making significant decisions. Before selecting His disciples, He spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Before facing the cross, He prayed in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39).

A leader who does not pray will rely on their own strength, which will ultimately fail. Prayer keeps a leader humble, dependent on God, and aligned with His will.

# 3. Leadership Requires Seeking Godly Counsel

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel:

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed." — Proverbs 15:22

Moses provides a great example. He was overburdened with the task of judging all of Israel until his father-in-law Jethro advised him to delegate authority (Exodus 18:13-26). Wise leaders surround themselves with godly mentors and seek advice before making major decisions.

# II. What to Do as a Team Member in the Church

Every believer is part of a larger body and has a role to play. Whether you are in a youth group, a women's fellowship, or a men's ministry, your attitude and actions matter.

# 1. Bring a Godly Report, Not a Fearful One

When Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan, ten returned with a report filled with fear, while only Joshua and Caleb had faith that God would give them the land (Numbers 13:25-33).

When given responsibility in the church, do you respond in faith or fear? Do you see obstacles, or do you see God’s power? Faithful team members bring encouragement and trust in God's promises.

# 2. Encourage and Refresh Your Leaders

Leadership is difficult and often exhausting. Paul, in the book of Acts, was encouraged when he met fellow believers:

"At the sight of these people, Paul thanked God and was encouraged." — Acts 28:15

Are you someone who strengthens your leaders, or do you drain them with constant complaints and negativity? A good team member uplifts, supports, and refreshes their leaders.

# 3. Be Like Stephen—Know and Defend Your Faith

Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and knew the Scriptures well. When challenged, he boldly defended his faith (Acts 7).

As a team member in the church, can you defend the gospel? Can you explain why you believe what you believe? A strong church needs members who know the Word of God and live it out in their daily lives.

# III. What Not to Do as a Team Member

# 1. Do Not Sabotage the Church's Mission

In 2 Kings 5, we see Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, secretly taking gifts from Naaman after Elisha had refused them. Because of his greed, he was struck with leprosy.

Similarly, some church members undermine the work of God by going behind their leaders' backs. If your pastor or leader says no to something, trust that they have prayed about it. Do not sabotage the vision of the church for personal gain.

# 2. Do Not Seek Power and Position

James and John’s mother asked Jesus for her sons to sit at His right and left hand in glory (Matthew 20:20-21). But Jesus corrected her, emphasizing that leadership in His kingdom is about servanthood.

A faithful team member is not obsessed with titles, recognition, or positions of authority. Instead, they humbly serve wherever needed, trusting that God will exalt them in His time (1 Peter 5:6).

# 3. Do Not Rebel Against Church Leaders

One of the most dangerous sins within a church is rebellion against leadership. Aaron and Miriam rebelled against Moses, questioning his authority, and God punished them for it (Numbers 12:1-10).

Rebellion within the church leads to division, confusion, and spiritual harm. The Bible gives clear guidelines on how to handle concerns about leadership:

"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses." — 1 Timothy 5:19

If you believe a leader is in error, do not gossip or rebel. Instead, pray first. If necessary, bring the matter before them respectfully, following biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-17).

Instead of fighting against leadership, support them. Give them the helping hands they need to fulfill God’s mission.

# Biblical Leadership Is A Call to Serve and Submit

Whether you are a leader or a team member, your role in the church is vital. Leaders must serve with humility, prayer, and godly wisdom. Team members must support, encourage, and strengthen their leaders rather than sabotage or rebel.

By following these biblical principles, we ensure that the church remains united, strong, and effective in fulfilling God’s purpose.

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." — Hebrews 13:17

May we all strive to serve God faithfully, whether as leaders or team members, so that His name is glorified in our churches and communities.