In the arena of leadership there are many different views concerning a philosophy of leading. Studies in leadership has produced and array of leadership tactics and has identified a number of leadership styles. There is much to learn in the school of leadership. Such discovery has no end. However, it is the purpose of this article to provide a personal philosophy of leadership true to the author. The philosophy promoted is the result of both research on the subject and the result of the author’s personal understanding and experience. This article provides a philosophy of leading from a Biblical worldview that is applicable to the life and ministry of the local church.
It is imperative to the development of a philosophy of leading that a clear definition of leading is understood. There are many definitions of leadership that have been proposed by scholars over years of leadership studies. Much can be learned from these many definitions. However, the goal at hand is to come to a clear Biblical definition of leadership that will serve as the foundation of developing a philosophy of leadership.
One author who considers leadership from a Biblical perspective is Rusty Ricketson. The definition of leadership by Ricketson as “a process between a person in the role of leader and one or more persons in the role of follower that is intentional, interdependent, reciprocal, dynamic, and relational in order to achieve a common goal”[1] provides a foundation for the Followerfirst concept developed by Ricketson. The Followerfirst theory proposed by Ricketson is supportive of a Biblical understanding of leadership. There are secular definitions of leadership that also contribute to discovering a Biblical definition of leadership. The simple definition of leadership introduced by Marc R. Summerfield, for example, that leadership is “making things better”[2], may be suited with the understanding that Christ makes all things new and, thus, Christ as our leader is making things better. However, a true Biblical definition of leadership is discovered by the priority of examining the scriptures rather than comparing definitions within the academic world.
A common thread in leadership definitions is the idea that leadership has to do with one’s influence. This is a worthy argument in light of the example of Jesus, whose influence on others is infinite. The suggestion of Matt Thomas that “the indispensable mark of Christian leadership is the combined effort of action and agenda purposing to intentionally influence others”[3] can certainly be seen in the example of Jesus as He mentors His disciples. All throughout His earthly ministry, we find Jesus influencing others. It should be noted that Jesus never fully exerted His authority as God in His influence of others. Rather, He lovingly guided them and served them. The Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions suggestion that “Leadership is primarily an influence process”[4] can indeed be supported by scripture. The ultimate goal of Christian leadership is to influence people to follow Christ.
Coupled with Ricketson’s view of Followerfirst leadership and the secular concept that leadership is “making things better”[5] one may conclude that leadership is the practice of making things better by influencing others to follow Jesus. However, in the development of a Biblical definition of leadership as the foundation of a philosophy of leadership, one should not rest his case on human authorship alone. Rather, to develop a true Biblical definition one must look to the greatest source, the Bible.
Examples of leadership can be found throughout the pages of scripture. One could consider the life of Moses, Joshua, Joseph, or even of Peter or Paul. However, the greatest example of leadership is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. To develop a true Biblical definition of leadership, overlooking the example set by Jesus Himself is not an option. There are many occasions in the life of Jesus that sets the standard for leadership. One such occasion is when Jesus washed His disciples feet as recorded in John 13. In verses 3-15 we read:
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet? Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you.”[6]
Here we find an example of Jesus practicing servant leadership. It is important to note that Jesus was more than just a leader. He was also a follower. The Followerfirst concept proposed by Ricketson, is certainly following the pattern set by Jesus. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is reported to have said that He came to do the will of the Father. Jesus was a follower, in the sense that He came to earth in obedience to the will of the Father. As Jesus follows the Father’s will, He humbles Himself as a servant. This is displayed in the washing of the disciples feet. The Father sent Jesus to be a servant. He was sent to serve not to be served. A servant is one who gives of Himself for another. Servanthood requires an element of sacrifice. Jesus, in obedience to the Father, came to earth as a servant, giving His life for the sins of the world. Jesus was the ultimate servant follower. As Jesus follows the Father’s will in being a servant, He also influenced His disciples to do the same. Jesus told His disciples to follow His example by serving one another. He influenced others to follow and to serve.
In the context of the church, we find encouragement given in the scriptures to submit to and serve one another. This is practiced in the use of spiritual gifts. Each member is given a spiritual gift to be used for the edification of the church and the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. When it comes to the organizational structure of the church, it is understood that Christ is the head. Every member is a follower of Christ. There is no hierarchy in the church. We are all followers. As followers, we humble ourselves and serve one another following the example given us by Jesus. As followers, we are all given various roles within the organizational structure of the church. Some are called to leadership rolls (such as pastors and ministry staff) while others are called to other roles of both leading and following. Each role has certain areas of responsibility. For example, the pastor is a follower of Christ who serves in the leadership role of pastor with the responsibility of oversight, shepherding, and teaching. The common accepted hierarchy approach focuses on position and authority, whereas, the Followerfirst approach focuses on role and responsibility. We will examine these concepts more later in this article; however, a basic understanding of such a Biblical view following the example of Jesus is needed in establishing a true Biblical definition of leadership.
In consideration of recent research, study, and personal examination this author has come to the conclusion of a philosophy of leadership developed as Servant Followership. More development of this concept will be considered later. However, such an understanding lends to a Biblical definition of leadership that follows the example of Jesus and is very practical in nature. The Biblical definition of leadership arrived by this author is as follows: Leadership is the action of one who is a follower of Jesus that intentionally follows Jesus’ example of serving others in order to influence others to also follow Jesus and serve others. This Biblical definition of leadership applies the concept that leading is to influence by serving. This is the example set by Jesus that all who aspire to be leaders should follow.
When one follows Jesus, a Servant Followership philosophy of leading is realized. Such leadership practice is not possible unless the one in the role of leader is most like Jesus, living a life of Godliness. Spiritual development is crucial to the development of a leader. Therefore, a Servant Followership philosophy of leading is reserved only for those who are living a Godly life.
The spiritual formation of a leader is not fully realized in the typical understanding of practicing basic spiritual disciplines. The statement by Vange Willms Thiessen that “spiritual life was expressed through individual experience of conversion, Bible memorization for the assurance of salvation, church attendance, private devotions, if plagued by guilt or doubt, multiple re-dedications of submission and obedience to the will of God”[7] is the experience of most believers. Disciplines such as daily Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance certainly does contribute to the spiritual formation of a leader, however, it is not an end all of achieving Godliness.
It is the personal experience of this author that attempts to adhere to a strict structure of spiritual discipline, though helpful, does not achieve the Godliness so desired. The Biblical definition of leadership previously declared that leadership is the action of one who is a follower of Jesus that intentionally follows Jesus’ example of serving others in order to influence others to also follow Jesus and serve others contains the real key to Godliness. Following a spiritual litmus test does not produce Godliness, rather, simply living as a follower of Jesus produces Godliness.
How does one define what it looks like to follow Jesus? It is the understanding of this author that the crux of following Jesus is found in the greatest command promoted by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40.
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”[8]
To love God with all your heart, soul, and mind is to love God with every fiber of your being. It is to love God with everything that is about you. When you truly love God, His love will flow through you into the lives of others. Love for God is expressed in our love for others. These two commands to love God and love people is the fulfillment of the law. Everything hinges on our love for God and for others. The fact that as Warren Wiersbe points out, “Where there is love, there will be service and obedience”[9] is a good description of one who adopts a Servant Followership philosophy of leading.
Love is the motivation. Jesus went to the cross because He loves us. He bore our sins because He loves us. He made the ultimate sacrifice because He loves us. He serves us because He loves us. Therefore, we give of ourselves and serve others because we love Jesus and we love the people He places in our path. It is this love for Jesus that not only compels the leader to serve others, but also develops in the leader a life of Godliness.
How does one develop such Godliness motivated by love in a practical sense? To consider the practicality of this development one should turn to the Biblical definition of leadership proposed. Godliness is found in the following. As one follows Jesus, there will be a natural tendency to serve others, for this is what Jesus did. This is clarified in the term, submission. Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. An effective leader will live in submission to Jesus Christ. Such submission is practiced in the local church as we are “submitting to one another in the fear of God.”[10] Therefore, the spiritual development of the leader unto Godliness is found in submission to God and to other believers. As we live a life of submission, we become like Jesus who submitted Himself to the Father in obedience to the cross.
If following and submission to Jesus leads to the spiritual formation of the leader unto Godliness, it behooves the leader to consider what Jesus did. Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant. Jesus gave Himself. He made a sacrifice. Jesus went through much pain on our behalf. Therefore, the spiritual formation of the leader unto Godliness does not come without pain. There must be sacrifice. One who is truly following Jesus and influencing others to follow also, will give of themselves. A leader applying a Servant Followership philosophy of leading will put others ahead of himself. Such a leader does not see himself in a position of authority, but rather, as a humble servant who is simply following Jesus daily.
It is in the following that Godliness is found. Living with integrity and above reproach is only realized by the leader who is fully committed to following Jesus. The fruit of Godliness can only be seen in the one who is simply following Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are no longer the practice to achieve Godliness, rather, spiritual disciplines are now the natural outcome practiced by the one who is following Jesus and who is already considered as Godly. A leader who has developed spiritually will embrace and love the spiritual discipline of Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, meditation, etc. not as a means to achieve Godliness, but rather, such spiritual disciplines are enjoyed as the natural practice of one who is following Jesus.
With the basic understanding of the Biblical definition of leadership that leadership is the action of one who is a follower of Jesus that intentionally follows Jesus’ example of serving others in order to influence others to also follow Jesus and serve others, and the spiritual formation of the leader unto Godliness by following Jesus; it brings us to the need to consider the characteristics of Christian leadership. With the Biblical definition of leadership and the spiritual formation of the leader in view, we then ask, what does it look like to practice Christian leadership?
As mentioned early, this author has come to the understanding of a philosophy of leading defined as Servant Followership. Arriving at this understanding is founded in two leadership theories: servant leadership and followerfirst leadership. These two theories together form what this author believes to be a true Biblical understanding of leadership.
Servant Leadership, as Peter Northhouse suggests, involves leaders who “put followers first”[11]. Such behavior is seen best in the life of Jesus. It is clear by both the words and actions of Jesus that He came not to be served, but to serve. Jesus is the perfect example of Servant Leadership. Throughout His ministry and in His death on the cross, we see Jesus serving others. He never forced anyone to believe in Him. He invited everyone to follow Him, but He never coerced or forced people. Jesus lovingly served others by giving of Himself.
Servant Leadership is all about empowering others. By empowering others much more is accomplished. Part of Servant Leadership is to multiple oneself in and through the lives of others. The investment that a servant leader makes in the lives of others leads to greater productivity as followers are empowered. As a leader practices Servant Leadership, “followers will realize their full capabilities when leaders nurture them, help them with their personal goals, and give them control.”[12] Followers who realize their full capabilities and are given the authority to make their own decisions will produce better results than simply being robots programmed to do whatever the leader wills. Therefore, empowering others is the essence of Servant Leadership.
In the context of this authors role, it is found that it is better to ask “how can I help you?”, rather than telling others what to do. Greater results are realized when followers have a sense of ownership or belonging. This attitude of servitude is encouraged in the life of the church as we understand our God-given roles and we submit to one another in the context of those roles. This is where the aspect of followership comes into play. The fact that “the guidelines for the church operation are given in the Bible, and our Head expects His church to fulfill them with the singular purpose of glorifying God in all that she does”[13], as Rusty Ricketson states, is the basis understanding of followership in the context of the church.
In Romans chapter twelve, we are introduced to the implementation of spiritual gifts in the life and ministry of the church. As a church, we are one body in Christ. There are many different parts to that body. In Romans 12:4-5 we read, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. [14] The local church is one body with Christ as the Head. The Holy Spirit places individuals within the church with various spiritual gifts as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:18 says, “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.”[15] Every member of the church has a purpose. Each member is to live to glorify God through the use of their spiritual gifts for the edifying of the church and the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. There is no hierarchy in the church. We are all followers, following our leader, Jesus Christ. Together, we submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and follow Him.
As the church follows Jesus, they are obedient to His Word to submit to one another. According to Ephesians 5:21 as we follow Jesus we are to be “submitting to one another in the fear of God.”[16] How does such submission play out in the life and ministry of the church? How does it apply to the Servant Followership philosophy of leading? These two questions are worthy of our consideration.
Submission in the life and ministry of the local church begins with our submission to Christ. There must be an understanding that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. He is our Shepherd. He is our Lord. Therefore, everything we are and everything we do is centered around Jesus. Submission to Christ is experienced corporately as each individual lives a life of submission to Christ. Such submission to Christ is described in Romans 12:1-2 where we read,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”[17]
Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice has to do with daily submission to Christ. As a believer submits himself to Christ daily there is a noticeable difference in how he lives as Fausset and Brown states that “all the gracious principles and affections of believers reveal themselves in the outward life.”[18] The presenting of oneself as a living sacrifice to Christ is, in essence, submission to the Lordship of Christ which is the prerequisite of living a Spirit-filled life. Such a life produces the fruit of the Spirit and is displayed particularly in how one relates to other believers. Therefore, submission to Christ is the starting point of followership.
Believers who present their bodies as living sacrifices, thus, submitting to Christ, are also holy. To be holy is to be ‘set-apart.’ One who lives in holiness, lives a life separate from the world. Their devotion to Christ compels them to live a life of purity, rather than worldliness. It is important to note that holiness is not achieved in doing, but rather, being. Holiness is not found in keeping a list of do’s and don’ts. Holiness is found in being who Christ has called you to be. Holiness is a natural by-product of one who is following Jesus.
The believer who is following Christ, evidenced by a holy life, is acceptable to God. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that you are acceptable to God. Believers in the context of the church experience God’s hand of favor as they together submit to and follow Jesus.
It is also to be understood that such a life of submission to Christ, that is the essence of a Servant Followership philosophy of leading, is our “reasonable service.” It is the obvious way to live. In view of all that Christ has done for us, the least we could do is to submit to His Lordship and to follow Him daily.
As the believer follows Christ daily, he becomes less like the world and more life Jesus. Conformity to the world fades in the rear-view mirror as one walks with Jesus daily. Nonconformity to the world leads to a transformation that comes from the renewing of the mind. The mind is renewed through the practice of spiritual disciplines, particularly, the study of God’s Word. Students of the Bible experience a renewed mind that is focused on living in obedience to God’s Word.
As believers submit to Christ, it is discovered that the organization of the church is of such that adopts a Servant Followership philosophy of leading. In most churches, we find a worldly hierarchy approach to leadership. For example, in most church organizational charts we find Christ as the Head, followed by the Pastor, then deacons or staff, and then church members. Some churches may use such an organizational chart, however, it is reversed in practice where the church members are over the Pastor. This organizational approach has an emphasis on position and authority. The Biblical approach is to show Christ as the Head and everyone else on equal footing. This organizational approach has an emphasis on role and responsibility. The Servant Followership philosophy centers on the idea that we are all followers of Jesus and we are servants. As servant followers, we all have different roles which come with specific responsibilities. For example, one may be in a role of leadership, such as a Pastor; however, it is a role with responsibility, not a position with power. Leaders in the church submit to followers and followers submit to leaders and leaders submit to other leaders and followers submit to other followers, as all submit to and follow Christ.
It is with the understanding of a Servant Followership philosophy that we find a place where unity can be experienced in the church. As each member understands each other’s roles and responsibilities based on their spiritual gifts, each member then respects each other and submits to one another within their roles. For example, it is not difficult for church members to submit to and obey their leaders when they understand the Servant Followership philosophy. Church members do not demand control and insist on being involved in every decision, because they understand their specific roles and responsibilities and they respect the roles and responsibilities of others. It is also understood that the roles and responsibilities we are given, are given to us by God. Therefore, submitting to one another is never an issue as we have the confidence that each one is serving according to their God-given role.
The Servant Followership philosophy practiced effectively in the church will naturally produce certain characteristics of Christian leadership. These characteristics are discovered through an exposition of Ephesians chapter four. The Apostle Paul encourages the believers in Ephesus to “walk worthy of their calling.”[19] Every believer is called by God to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ to the world. The believer’s calling is fulfilled through the use of spiritual gifts in the context of the local church. It is through the church that God carries out His purposes for this dispensation. Therefore, believers represent the Kingdom of God to the world through the life and ministry of the church. Paul mentions how every member has been given a spiritual gift. Those who are called to serve in the role of pastors and teachers are given to the church to equip the saints in their various roles according to their spiritual gifts. The purpose of this equipping of the saints is so that they would not be led astray by false doctrine. They are also equipped so that there would be perfect unity as they understand their roles and responsibilities as servant followers. The way in which the saints are equipped enables them to put on the new man. No more living according to things of the world, but now, living in obedience to the Word of God. Paul gives a warning to “not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”[20] The Spirit is grieved and the work of the church is hindered when the church fails to operate according to a Biblical understanding of following and leading. When the organization of the church is of such that does not promote servant followership, the Spirit is grieved and the church is hindered. Therefore, it is imperative that members of the church fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities as servant followers.
As a Servant Followership philosophy of leading is applied, there are certain behavioral characteristics identified. The first characteristic is that of humility. The Apostle Paul instructed the church at Ephesus to walk worthy of their calling with all lowliness or humility. Such humility begins with those who are called to roles of leadership. Leaders in the church should set the example of serving and following. They should exalt others above themselves and serve others with humility. Being in a role of leader does not give one freedom to lord over other people. On the contrary, leaders are to humbly serve others.
A second characteristic is that of gentleness. A leader who adheres to a Servant Followership philosophy will serve with a gentle spirit. Those who treat others harshly should not be in a leadership role. Many churches have been hurt by those in leadership roles who have a harsh personality. Those who serve in leadership roles must be gentle and kind. They must lovingly guide their followers, rather than, ruling over them.
Third, we find the characteristic of patience. One who is in a leadership role following a Servant Followership philosophy will be patient with others. It is understood by the leader that everyone in the church is at different places in their sanctification process. Some are new believers. Some are mature believers. Some are immature believers. Therefore, much patience should be exercised. A leader should also be patient with the church body as a whole. The leader cannot force his will. The leader must lead according to the pace that the followers are comfortable with.
A fourth characteristic of those leading according to a Servant Followership philosophy is to “bear with one another in love”. To bear with one another is to basically ‘put up’ with one another. A leader should love his followers in a such a way that he is able to look past their faults and weaknesses and work to strengthen them. A leader will love his followers deeply and will desire the best for them. Therefore, the leader will lovingly strengthen his followers and encourage them no matter how much they may frustrate him.
In Ephesians four, we also see the characteristic of “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”[21] Unity is something that must be worked for. It does not come naturally. It must be understood that unity is not conformity. Unity can be experienced even among those who disagree with one another. It is the responsibility of one in the role of a leader to serve in a way that promotes unity. This is best accomplished by keeping everyone focused on the mission and purpose of the church. Allowance may be given for various views and methods, however, all must come together in unity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the responsibility of the leader is to serve others by leading them to follow Jesus. As everyone is following Jesus, there is unity.
In the latter part of Ephesians four, the Apostle Paul gives a few more characteristics that supports a Servant Followership philosophy of leading. In verse twenty-five we are encouraged to be truthful with one another. Believers who understand a Servant Followership philosophy of leading has no reason to be dishonest or deceitful. As everyone is following Jesus and submitting to one another and serving one another, there is no deceit to rise to position or to gain authority. No selfishness is found among believers who are truthful with one another. Such truthfulness must be exemplified in the life of leaders. One of the greatest characteristics of an effective leader is truthfulness.
We are also encouraged to “not let the sun go down on your wrath.”[22]Righteous anger may be justified in relation to sin, however; in the context of a Servant Followership philosophy, there is no room for responding to others in anger. Many leaders have lost credibility through an outburst of anger. Such behavior should not be acceptable among leaders in the church. An angry man is a dangerous man. One who is prone to anger should never be given a leadership role.
A commendable characteristic of a leader adhering to a Servant Followership philosophy is one who does not give Satan a chance. A leader should live above reproach. He should live and serve with such integrity that no truthful accusation could come against him. When a leader’s integrity is weakened, the door is open for Satan to attack. A leader who is a servant follower will live so that Satan would have no chance.
Another characteristic of a leader is a strong work ethic. An effective servant follower leader is one who serves as unto the Lord. He understands that all He does is for the glory of God and strives to do his best in all he does. In the context of a church that operates according to a Servant Followership philosophy you will find leaders who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. It is a common thing in such a church to see the pastors and other leaders taking out trash, washing dishes, etc. A strong work ethic is natural for the servant follower leader.
One of the greatest struggles man has is in the use of the tongue. An essential characteristic of a leader is knowing how to use words wisely. Instead of tearing others down with their words, the servant follower leader will use his words to build others up. Leaders who live according to a Servant Followership philosophy are encouragers. Such a leader is constantly looking for ways to build others up and to encourage them as they follow Jesus.
It is noteworthy to consider Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 4:31-32. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”[23] There is simply no reason for believers in the church to treat each other poorly. A servant follower leader is one who sets the example of treating others with respect. Forgiveness is a key characteristic of an effective leader. One cannot lead well if he holds grudges or is vengeful. A forgiving and loving heart is the foremost characteristic of one who adheres to a Servant Followership philosophy of leading.
The definition of leadership given as the action of one who is a follower of Jesus that intentionally follows Jesus’ example of serving others in order to influence others to also follow Jesus and serve others builds the understanding of a Servant Followership philosophy of leading. This understanding is derived from the concept of both servant leadership and the followerfirst perspective. Such an understanding implemented in the life of the local church encourages such Godly behavior that exemplifies itself in such characteristics as seen in Ephesians chapter four. It is this author’s view that such a philosophy of leading introduced in this article is not only Biblical, but is also the very heartbeat of Jesus. We are called to follow Jesus and we are called to serve one another. Such a life of Servant Followership serves as the greatest apologetic to an unregenerate world as “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”[24]
[1] Ricketson, Rusty. Followerfirst. Heartworks Publications, 2014.
[2] Summerfield, Marc R. “Leadership: A simple definition.” American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 2014.
[3] Thomas, Matt. The indispensable mark of Christian leadership. Perichoresis vol. 16 no. 3. Emanuel University. 2018.
[4] Moreau, A. S., Netland, H., & Engen, C. van. (2000). In Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions (p. 567). Baker Books; A. Scott Moreau.
[5] Summerfield, Marc R. “Leadership: A simple definition.” American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 2014.
[6] The New King James Version (Jn 13:3–15). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[7] Thiessen, Vange Willms. The great work to be born: spiritual formation of leaders. Direction – Spring. 2005
[8] The New King James Version (Mt 22:37–40). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 81). Victor Books.
[10] The New King James Version (Eph 5:21). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[11] Northouse, Peter G. Leadership: Theory and Practice New Edition Available. (9th Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US), 2021.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ricketson, Rusty. Followerfirst. Heartworks Publications, 2014.
[14] The New King James Version (Ro 12:4–5). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[15] The New King James Version (1 Co 12:18). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[16] The New King James Version (Eph 5:21). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[17] The New King James Version (Ro 12:1–2). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[18] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 252). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[19] The New King James Version (Eph 4:1). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[20] The New King James Version (Eph 4:30). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[21] The New King James Version (Eph 4:3). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[22] The New King James Version (Eph 4:26). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[23] The New King James Version (Eph 4:31–32). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
[24] The New King James Version (Jn 13:35). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
Pastor Chris Noland 