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100 Bible Verses about Church Leadership

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 8,379 helpful votes

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.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 8,379 helpful votes

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Acts 20:28 ESV / 8,163 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 6,236 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV / 6,201 helpful votes

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 6,186 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

James 3:1 ESV / 6,075 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 5,969 helpful votes

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Matthew 20:26 ESV / 5,691 helpful votes

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 5,658 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Titus 1:7 ESV / 5,352 helpful votes

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 5,333 helpful votes

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

John 3:30 ESV / 5,270 helpful votes

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 5,128 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV / 5,080 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ...

Acts 14:23 ESV / 4,858 helpful votes

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV / 4,391 helpful votes

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? ...

1 Peter 5:3 ESV / 4,300 helpful votes

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Psalm 78:72 ESV / 4,082 helpful votes

With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 4,072 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Titus 1:5 ESV / 4,017 helpful votes

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

Philippians 2:4 ESV / 4,004 helpful votes

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 3,982 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 3,966 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Timothy 3:1 ESV / 3,938 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

James 4:10 ESV / 3,733 helpful votes

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV / 3,679 helpful votes

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Luke 6:31 ESV / 3,627 helpful votes

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

1 Peter 5:2 ESV / 3,608 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1 Timothy 3:8-13 ESV / 3,489 helpful votes

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ...

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 3,487 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Exodus 18:21 ESV / 3,480 helpful votes

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.

Ephesians 4:11 ESV / 3,456 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

Proverbs 11:14 ESV / 3,409 helpful votes

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV / 3,363 helpful votes

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

1 Timothy 3:1-16 ESV / 3,261 helpful votes

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? ...

James 1:12 ESV / 3,231 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Matthew 16:18 ESV / 3,213 helpful votes

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

John 13:13-17 ESV / 3,170 helpful votes

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. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Titus 1:5-9 ESV / 3,150 helpful votes

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 3,147 helpful votes

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV / 3,115 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mark 10:42-45 ESV / 3,109 helpful votes

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.”

Acts 6:1-15 ESV / 3,036 helpful votes

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ...

1 Timothy 4:8 ESV / 3,023 helpful votes

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Acts 20:17 ESV / 3,000 helpful votes

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.

Proverbs 29:2 ESV / 2,959 helpful votes

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 2,933 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Proverbs 16:12 ESV / 2,877 helpful votes

It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

Titus 1:6 ESV / 2,833 helpful votes

If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

Titus 1:9 ESV / 2,806 helpful votes

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Proverbs 22:29 ESV / 2,785 helpful votes

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 2,744 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Colossians 3:17 ESV / 2,735 helpful votes

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV / 2,719 helpful votes

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,

Psalm 37:5 ESV / 2,597 helpful votes

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Luke 22:26 ESV / 2,577 helpful votes

But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

Hebrews 13:24 ESV / 2,571 helpful votes

Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.

1 Timothy 3:5 ESV / 2,566 helpful votes

For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

Matthew 20:25-27 ESV / 2,566 helpful votes

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,

1 Timothy 4:2 ESV / 2,551 helpful votes

Through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV / 2,536 helpful votes

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

James 1:5 ESV / 2,498 helpful votes

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Acts 15:22 ESV / 2,423 helpful votes

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,

Ephesians 4:11-13 ESV / 2,411 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:12 ESV / 2,358 helpful votes

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

1 Timothy 3:12 ESV / 2,356 helpful votes

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 2,352 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Matthew 5:37 ESV / 2,290 helpful votes

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

1 Timothy 4:16 ESV / 2,251 helpful votes

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 2,234 helpful votes

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 24:10 ESV / 2,116 helpful votes

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

James 4:17 ESV / 2,099 helpful votes

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Acts 6:3 ESV / 2,096 helpful votes

Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

Romans 12:3-8 ESV / 2,038 helpful votes

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; ...

Luke 12:48 ESV / 2,027 helpful votes

But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV / 1,984 helpful votes

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Proverbs 27:23-24 ESV / 1,977 helpful votes

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

Ezekiel 34:1-31 ESV / 1,963 helpful votes

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered; ...

Galatians 6:1-2 ESV / 1,879 helpful votes

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Philippians 1:1 ESV / 1,812 helpful votes

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Luke 18:27 ESV / 1,775 helpful votes

But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Acts 17:11 ESV / 1,759 helpful votes

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 1,738 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Philippians 3:17 ESV / 1,696 helpful votes

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Matthew 24:45-47 ESV / 1,671 helpful votes

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV / 1,658 helpful votes

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

1 Timothy 3:3 ESV / 1,655 helpful votes

Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Philippians 1:6 ESV / 1,646 helpful votes

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 32:8 ESV / 1,474 helpful votes

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Philippians 2:13 ESV / 1,471 helpful votes

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

1 Timothy 3:8 ESV / 1,463 helpful votes

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

1 Timothy 3:15 ESV / 1,428 helpful votes

If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 1,417 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Proverbs 29:14 ESV / 1,403 helpful votes

If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 1,338 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

Philippians 4:19 ESV / 1,317 helpful votes

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 11:1-19 ESV / 1,296 helpful votes

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. ...

1 Timothy 4:1-16 ESV / 1,274 helpful votes

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. ...

Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV / 1,199 helpful votes

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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