Leadership Development

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Key Verse: Proverbs 11:14 – “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

Supporting Texts: Exodus 18:21, Joshua 1:6-9, Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Description: Leadership development is the process of raising, training, and equipping godly men and women who will influence others through character, vision, and service in line with God’s purpose.

INTRODUCTION:

Leadership is one of the greatest needs of our time. Nations, communities, churches, and families rise or fall depending on the quality of leadership they receive. The Bible makes it clear that without good leadership, people are scattered, confused, and without direction. But when there is strong and godly leadership, people flourish and achieve destiny.

True biblical leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about service, responsibility, and influence. It is about being called by God to guide, nurture, and inspire others toward fulfilling His will. Leadership development, therefore, means growing in capacity, character, and competence so that we can become effective instruments in God’s hands.

As believers, God expects us not only to follow but also to lead others in righteousness. Leadership development is a continuous journey of learning, discipline, and transformation. When leaders are equipped and matured, they will raise others, and the cycle of godly influence will continue for generations.

1.  THE FOUNDATION OF LEADERSHIP

Leadership must rest on the right foundation, otherwise, it will crumble when challenges arise. The starting point of leadership is godly character and spiritual maturity, not charisma or popularity.

a) Character before Charisma (Proverbs 11:3) – God values integrity above talent. A leader’s influence must be rooted in righteousness, honesty, and truth, not in mere gifts or abilities.

b) A Heart of Service (Mark 10:43-45) – True leadership is servant-leadership. Leaders are not called to lord it over others but to serve, just as Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

c) Vision and Direction (Habakkuk 2:2) – Leaders must have a clear God-given vision. Without vision, people perish. A leader sees ahead and guides others into God’s preferred future.

d) Spiritual Maturity (1 Timothy 3:6) – Leadership requires spiritual depth and maturity. A new convert or immature believer cannot effectively handle leadership responsibilities.

Biblical Example: Moses was chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egypt. Although reluctant at first, God built in him humility, character, and courage, making him a leader who relied on God’s presence and direction (Exodus 3:10-12).

2. QUALITIES OF A GODLY LEADER

For leadership to be effective, it must be anchored on godly qualities. These qualities distinguish kingdom leaders from worldly rulers.

a) Faithfulness (Luke 16:10) – A leader must be dependable and trustworthy. If a person is faithful in little, God will entrust him with greater responsibilities.

b) Teachability (Proverbs 9:9) – A leader must be humble and willing to learn. Leaders who refuse correction or growth will become stagnant and irrelevant.

c) Courage (Joshua 1:6-7) – Leadership requires boldness to confront challenges, make tough decisions, and stand for righteousness even when unpopular.

d) Compassion (Matthew 9:36) – Leaders must have a genuine love and concern for the people they serve. Leadership without compassion becomes tyranny.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah was a compassionate and courageous leader who cared deeply about Jerusalem. His faithfulness, humility, and boldness to act led to the rebuilding of the city walls (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

3.  THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF LEADERSHIP

Leadership is not instant; it is a process of training, equipping, and pruning. God raises leaders through experiences and discipline.

a) Mentorship and Training (2 Timothy 2:2) – Leaders must be mentored and equipped so they can also raise others. Leadership multiplies through training and discipleship.

b) Tests and Trials (James 1:2-4) – God uses challenges to refine leaders. Through trials, leaders develop patience, resilience, and deeper faith in God.

c) Obedience and Submission (Hebrews 13:17) – Before one can lead effectively, he must first learn to follow and submit to authority.

d) Empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) – Without the Spirit’s power, leadership will be ineffective. God’s Spirit equips leaders with wisdom, boldness, and supernatural ability.

Biblical Example: David was anointed as king in his youth, but God trained him in obscurity as a shepherd and in adversity under Saul before he ascended the throne (1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 5).

4.   THE IMPACT OF GODLY LEADERSHIP

Godly leadership influences lives, families, and nations positively. A leader who follows God’s ways leaves a legacy of righteousness.

a) Guidance and Direction (Proverbs 29:18) – Leaders give people a sense of purpose and direction. Without leadership, people wander aimlessly.