Recently, I read this article written by Dr. Chuck Lawless on ThomRainer.com and decided to read these over these verses on an ongoing basis. Right now, I’m taking one a day to consider and see what changes I need to make in my own life. I pray these will encourage and direct you as a woman in leadership as well.
Let’s take these 10 verses and direct them toward women’s leaders.
1. 1 Timothy 3:2-7
First, look at this passage as directed to you as a growing disciple even though it addresses men in leadership. These qualities are important to all those who seek to serve and lead.
An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy—one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap.
2. Joshua 1:8
God makes it very clear to Joshua and also to us as leaders—we MUST know and obey God’s Word. And we are to share it.
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it.
3. Mark 9:35
I love how Jesus served as an example to us…not as an authoritarian, although He certainly is the Authority, but as a servant who walked alongside and did life with His disciples. And Who washed their feet to show us how to serve others.
Sitting down, He called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
4. John 3:30
Why do we ever think leadership is about us? We are called to serve and lead so we glorify Him and make Him known. Though He doesn’t NEED us to get His work done, He ALLOWS us to serve. What a privilege! But if we begin to “own” our callings and leadership responsibilities, we are the ones who get the glory. Very dangerous.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
5. Philippians 2:3
Now, because it’s not about us, we are more likely to stay humble. Pride is such a distraction and points people toward man not Christ.
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
6. Matthew 12:36
If we want to represent Christ in ALL of our places of leadership, then we must not be careless as we use our words. Is that hard? Yes it is. Will we mess up? Of course. But what you do with that “mess up” will speak as loud as the words you say that do reflect Him in the first place!
“I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.”
7. 1 Corinthians 11:1
This verse has intimidated me for years! I have a friend who has encouraged me to write and teach on this passage. I have yet to feel like I could do it. But Paul was not doing this out of pride. He was honest about his own weaknesses and failures but still encouraged those he led to follow hard after Christ no matter what. We certainly can do that.
“Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.”
8. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Speaking of weakness…Paul says those are the places where God does His greatest work! Paul actually saw his hardships as a “gift to the church.” As we allow God to use our weakness in His power, we encourage others that He will do the same for them.
Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
9. 2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, sometimes standing up for our faith and our values through Christ means others may ridicule and even challenge us to the point of persecution. Are you ready for that? If not, allow Him to take the blows for you! He is able!
In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
10. 2 Timothy 2:2
I had to add one more verse to Dr. Lawless’ list of 9. One of our greatest places of leadership is how we share our lives in Christ with those around us wherever we are. We must intentionally pour into others and encourage them to do that same thing. Who is God leading you to disciple? Will you do that and then teach them to disciple another person?
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Take one of these passages a day, read it, pray over it, and ask God how to follow it more closely. Then add to this list as He reveals other Scriptures to live and lead by!
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.
