Images of Leadership

These Bible studies provide scriptural Images of Leadership as models for developing leaders. These two-page studies were written by InterVarsity staff Rich Lamb. Each study also includes notes for leading students in a training setting. These are modular and independent units so they can be used in any order. Plan 45-90 minutes for each one.

See also Topical Sketches of Leadership.
 

Leader as Shepherd

Caring for the Flock

• God as Shepherd (Psalm 23, John 10)
• The Call of a Shepherd (John 21:15-19 and Ezekiel 34)
• The Heart of a Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4)
   

Leader as Servant

Building Trust

• The Leader Leads by Serving (Mark 1:40-44 and Mark 5:24-32)
• The Leader Serves by Leading (John 13:1-17)
• The Leader Serves by Leading (Mark 10:41-45) 
   

Leader as Patient

God serves and heals us even as he calls us into ministry

• Relationship with God (various scripture verses)
• Motivation for Discipleship (verses from Mark)
• Why did Jesus go to the Cross? (various scripture verses)
   

Leader as Sage

God offers wisdom to those who lead

• Asking Good Questions (verses from Mark)
• Wisdom and Leadership (1 Kings 3:5-28, James 1:5-8)
   

Leader as Sentinel

Addressing sin in a way that people will respond

• Leader as Sentinel (Ezekiel 33:1-9 and Hebrews 3:12-14)
• The Sentinel in Conflict (1 Samuel 25) 
   

Leader as Visionary

Seeing the campus as God does and calling others toward faith in God's work

• The Leadership of Aaron and Moses (Exodus 32:1-29)
• The Leadership of King David (1 Chronicles 29:1-14)
• Leading with Vision (Haggai 1:1-15)
• Gaining God's Heart for the Campus (Jonah 3:10 – 4:11)
• Preparing for Growth (2 Kings 4:1-7)
• Seeing Your Campus as a Mission Field (Genesis 12:1-4 and Jeremiah 29:1-14) 
   

Leader as Steward

Delegation and Execution

• Standing in the Gap with Prayer and Planning (Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:8)
  
   

Leader as Sponsor

Helping to develop the leadership of the next generation

• Transformative Influence 1 (John 1:35-51 and John 4:27-37)
• Transformative Influence 2 (John 15:1-17 and John 21:15-19)
• Leadership Styles (verses from Mark and Matthew)
• Entrust to Faithful People (Mark 3:3-19 and 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 14-15)
• The Mechanics of the Kingdom (Mark 4:1-13, 21-34)
• Apprentice Apostles (Mark 6:1-13, 30)
   

Leader as Sower

Multiplying ministry by calling others into partnership

• Entrust to Faithful People (Mark 3:7-19 and 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 14-15)
• The Mechanics of the Kingdom (Mark 4:1-13, 21-34)
• Leadership and Modeling (Acts 20:18-35 and John 13:12-17)