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100 Bible Verses about Leadership in the Church

Here are 100 Bible verses about leadership in the church, curated from both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, King James Version, arranged from most to least relevant.

Hebrews 13:17 KJV

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Acts 20:28 KJV

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Hebrews 13:7 KJV

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

1 Timothy 3:2 KJV

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1 Timothy 3:1 KJV

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

James 3:1 KJV

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

1 Timothy 5:17 KJV

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

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Matthew 20:26 KJV

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Titus 1:7 KJV

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

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Philippians 2:3 KJV

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

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Isaiah 41:10 KJV

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

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Titus 1:6 KJV

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

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Galatians 6:9 KJV

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

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Acts 14:23 KJV

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

1 Peter 5:1-4 KJV

1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. …

Proverbs 4:23 KJV

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, …

John 3:30 KJV

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Proverbs 11:14 KJV

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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James 1:12 KJV

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

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Titus 1:9 KJV

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

1 Peter 5:3 KJV

3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.

Titus 1:5 KJV

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Ephesians 4:11-16 KJV

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: …

Philippians 2:4 KJV

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

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Romans 8:28 KJV

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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Mark 10:42-45 KJV

42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. …

1 Thessalonians 5:12 KJV

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Matthew 7:12 KJV

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Psalm 78:72 KJV

72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

Titus 1:5-9 KJV

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to …

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV

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.

1 Timothy 3:8-13 KJV

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. …

Philippians 4:13 KJV

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

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Proverbs 22:29 KJV

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Exodus 18:21 KJV

21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

James 4:10 KJV

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

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1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Luke 12:48 KJV

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

1 Peter 5:2 KJV

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Acts 20:17 KJV

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

John 13:13-17 KJV

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent …

Jeremiah 1:5 KJV

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

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Ephesians 4:11 KJV

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Timothy 3:4 KJV

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

Proverbs 29:2 KJV

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Psalm 37:5 KJV

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

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James 1:5 KJV

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

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Acts 6:1-15 KJV

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men …

1 Timothy 3:1-16 KJV

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, …

Philippians 1:1 KJV

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Luke 6:31 KJV

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

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1 Peter 5:5 KJV

5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Matthew 24:45-47 KJV

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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1 Timothy 3:12 KJV

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Hebrews 13:24 KJV

24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

1 Timothy 4:8 KJV

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

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1 Timothy 3:5 KJV

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Proverbs 16:12 KJV

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

Revelation 1:1 KJV

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

1 Timothy 4:16 KJV

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Matthew 16:18 KJV

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1 Timothy 3:1-2 KJV

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Acts 15:22 KJV

22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 6:3 KJV

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Revelation 11:1-19 KJV

1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall …

1 Timothy 4:2 KJV

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

1 Timothy 3:4-5 KJV

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

1 Timothy 3:3 KJV

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Colossians 3:17 KJV

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Peter 5:1 KJV

1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Matthew 20:25-27 KJV

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Matthew 5:37 KJV

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Proverbs 27:23-24 KJV

23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Proverbs 24:10 KJV

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

1 Timothy 3:8 KJV

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1 Timothy 3:6 KJV

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:2-3 KJV

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Matthew 20:25-28 KJV

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man …

James 4:17 KJV

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

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Titus 1:7-8 KJV

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Galatians 6:1-2 KJV

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Acts 20:31 KJV

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Ezekiel 34:1-31 KJV

1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. …

Psalm 23:1-6 KJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. …

Luke 22:26 KJV

26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

1 Peter 5:7 KJV

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

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James 5:14 KJV

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

1 Timothy 5:1 KJV

1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

1 Timothy 3:8-10 KJV

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Philippians 2:5-7 KJV

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Romans 8:31 KJV

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

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Luke 18:27 KJV

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

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