Sermons on Leadership Failure:

Prayers For Leaders

Contributed by Michael Brown on Nov 6, 2024

I wrote this to give at the church evening Bible study the day after Election Day to show how Christians are called to pray for government leaders

Prayers for Leaders The last few months the political world has been all over the place in America. We’ve seen accusations made & heard so many promises that if we vote for a particular candidate, they will do this or that. Politics often reveals our selfish nature. We want what is best for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 13:1

Denomination: Baptist

Ordination Sermon - "that I May Serve You With All My Might"

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Nov 20, 2023

This is the sermon for the ordination of an inner-city pastor who had already been serving as Associate Pastor for 5 1/2 years st an inner-city mission in Toronto, Canada.

Sermon Ordination May this holy flame ever warm my [heart], that I may serve you with all my might; and let it consume in my heart all my selfish desires, that I may in all things regard not myself but you.” - John Wesley That is the favourite quote, outside of Scripture, of Arleen Gomez. If you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-20, John 15:4-5, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dealing With Issues Part 3 Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Feb 2, 2024

we can avoid issues within the church if we live our lives according to the Bible.

DEALING WITH ISSUES: PART 3 Text: Acts 15:22-35 Introduction 1. Illustration: “I firmly determined that my mannerisms and speech in public would always reflect the cheerful certainty of victory – that any pessimism and discouragement I might ever feel would be reserved for my pillow... I adopted a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:22-35

Denomination: Methodist

The Traits Of A Godly Leader Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on May 28, 2024

It is evident that the modern church needs godly leaders. We need those who will rise to the occasion and use their spiritual gifts to influence others in a positive manner. We all influence others – either in a positive way or a negative way, but our influence is inevitable.

The Traits of a Godly Leader Nehemiah 1: 1-4 “Every believer is a minister or servant of God who should be serving God and exerting influence on others through his/her local church. Leadership is one person influencing positively another person. Christian leadership is one believer spiritually ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Holy Spirit Or Lobby Spirit?

Contributed by Brussy Soriton on Sep 5, 2025

True leadership comes from the Holy Spirit, not human lobbying, manipulation, or ambition.

HOLY SPIRIT OR LOBBY SPIRIT? In today’s modern era, many people are racing to pursue positions, titles, or influence by any means possible. We can see this in politics, business, and sadly, even in church ministry. Those who rely on the lobby spirit—the spirit of seeking human support, lobbying, ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Ungodly Leaders (2 Kings 21)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 3, 2025

How do we discern ungodly leaders in church and national leadership? Let's look at 2 Kings 21.

What happens to a country or a church under ungodly leadership? Let’s look at two more bad kings of Judah in 2 Kings 21. Was Manasseh an evil king in Judah, completely undoing the righteous acts of his father Hezekiah? Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Refresh My Heart

Contributed by Patty Groot on Sep 8, 2025

This sermon shows how Paul’s opening words to Philemon (vv. 1–7) model grace-filled leadership, reminding us that our reputation in Christ matters, forgiveness is the mark of maturity, and we are called to refresh others’ hearts with the same love we’ve received.

Sometimes the most powerful messages come in the smallest packages. That’s true in life, and it’s certainly true in the Bible. Philemon is the shortest letter Paul wrote, just 25 verses. You could read it in under two minutes. But in those 25 verses, Paul lays out a powerful, personal, and deeply ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

A Privileged Partnership

Contributed by Joel Bernardino on Oct 14, 2025

As believers, we are called not only to follow Christ but to partner with Him and with one another in His mission. It’s an amazing thought — the Almighty God invites us to be His co-laborers!

A PRIVILEGED PARTNERSHIP Pastor Joel Bernardino – October 14, 2025 Introduction As believers, we are called not only to follow Christ but to partner with Him and with one another in His mission. It’s an amazing thought — the Almighty God invites us to be His co-laborers! The apostle Paul reminds ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

33. Joab Kills Abner: When Vengeance Hijacks Justice Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 2, 2025

There are moments in Scripture when the storyline slows down, the camera zooms in, and God exposes the raw human heart—its wounds, its fears, its bitterness, its impulses, and its desperate attempts to seize control when God has called us to surrender.

Joab Kills Abner: When Vengeance Hijacks Justice November 5, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 2 Samuel 3:22-39 INTRODUCTION: WHEN ANGER TAKES OVER There are moments in Scripture when the storyline slows down, the camera zooms in, and God exposes the raw human heart—its ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:22-39

Denomination: Brethren

Losers Win! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 19, 2018

When you fail, don’t try to save yourself. Instead, realize you’re a loser (we all are), and rely on the Lord to turn your failure into victory!

Recently, I came across some cynical observations on life and work: Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool; the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese; borrow money from a pessimist – they don't expect it back; if at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Family Resemblance Series

Contributed by Tim White on Jun 19, 2009

Looking like a member of God’s family comes from hearing, believing, and living out the truth of God’s Word.

* Illus. People’s dogs tend to look like them. * Family members typically carry a resemblance to each other. I. Those of God act like it. * Some people have no place for Jesus’ teachings. (37) * What Jesus is saying doesn’t fit into their plans, their lives, or their family ...read more

Scripture: John 8:37-47

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Characters Who Failed In Excellence Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Oct 2, 2025

This study examines biblical characters who failed to serve God with excellence, highlighting their mistakes as warnings for believers today.

BIBLICAL CHARACTERS WHO FAILED IN EXCELLENCE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:6-11 Key Verse: “Now these things happened to them as examples, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11) Supporting Texts: Judges ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:6-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Principles Of Personal Growth Series

Contributed by Tony Klinedinst on Aug 9, 2002

Paul’s instruction to Timothy on how to advance through leadership adversity.

Principles of Personal Growth I Timothy 4:12-16 ** The outline of this sermon was gleaned from a John Maxwell resource. I.Identify your obstacles and hurdle them. (v. 12) A. What was Timothy’s obstacle? His youth. B.How did he overcome this obstacle? 1. He changed his lifestyle. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

More Sheep, More Trouble Series

Contributed by Bradley Hall on Jul 19, 2002

Fed up with the leadership of their shepherd, a flock of sheep seek to go it alone.

Some time ago we heard of Roger, an uncooperative, troublesome sheep who caused much distress among his fellow sheep when the shepherd left all the good, cooperative sheep to go and find the uncooperative, annoying Roger. Things have been pretty quiet for Roger, but there is news from his flock. ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Woman Of Warfare Series

Contributed by David Dewitt on Feb 29, 2008

Continuing our series on the Essential 100 with Deborah and her leadership of Israel.

A Woman of Warfare Judges 4-5 Essential 100 Series February 10, 2008 Evening Service This message has been adapted through the use of a variety of sources including points from other messages on the same passage here on Sermon Central. Introduction Here is an abridged version of the Judges cycle ...read more

Scripture: Judges 4:1-24

Denomination: Church Of God