The spiritual gift of leadership – What is it?

TL;DR:

The spiritual gift of leadership involves guiding others with zeal, humility, and a heart to serve God by building up the body of Christ. Godly leaders shepherd people toward maturity in faith, not for personal gain, but to glorify God and care for His people.

what does the bible say?

What does it mean to be gifted in leadership? A leader is a person God has gifted to inspire and coordinate the actions of others. The spiritual gift of leadership is mentioned in Romans 12:8, as "the one who leads, with zeal." The gifted Christian leader uses his or her gift with a passion to help people grow in the Lord. The Greek word used in this verse refers to one who rules or governs others, which can be applied to many contexts. Biblical leadership is modeled after a shepherd who cares for and protects the flock, emphasizing service over status. Today, godly leaders are called to empower others and direct their efforts toward honoring God and caring for His people.

from the old testament

The Old Testament does not explicitly mention the "gift of leadership" as a spiritual gift the way the New Testament does in Romans 12:8. However, it does include many examples of God appointing and empowering individuals to lead His people, often through His Spirit. For example, Moses was chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3–4), and God equipped him for this role.
Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom for leadership (Deuteronomy 34:9).
David was anointed by God to shepherd His people as king (1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 78:70-72).
Deborah led Israel as a prophetess and judge (Judges 4–5), offering spiritual and civil guidance.

from the new testament

Romans 12:8 reveals that those who have the spiritual gift of leadership are called to lead with eagerness, diligence, and wholehearted devotion. The verse emphasizes passion and earnest effort, not passive or reluctant leadership. Leaders are to actively guide others with purpose, energy, and a sincere heart to serve God and build up the body of Christ.
Early church leadership positions were meant to cultivate maturity, unity, and love: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Peter identified the heart motivation of a godly leader: "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4).

implications for today

A godly leader will empower people to work together to achieve goals that honor God and help the lives of others. Believers have a variety of gifts. Leaders help others develop their gifts and work with them to accomplish greater impact. Leaders are called not just to direct others but to serve with humility and passion, recognizing that our authority is a stewardship from God. True leadership means being willing to step in and lift others up, not for our own recognition but to help the whole body grow in unity and strength. Leading with zeal sets the tone for those around us, inspiring them to follow Christ more closely. This requires leaders to remain teachable, to model integrity, and to prioritize the others’ needs over personal gain. In every decision and direction, leaders must ask: Am I leading in a way that reflects the heart of Christ? James, the half-brother of Jesus, led the first church in Jerusalem, yet introduced himself as, "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). Just as a shepherd's goal is to serve and protect the flock, a godly leader’s calling is to guide others toward spiritual growth and wholeness. May we lead not for our own glory, but in a way that points others to the Chief Shepherd—Christ Himself.

understand

Leadership is a spiritual gift to guide others passionately and humbly toward spiritual growth.
Biblical leaders serve like shepherds, prioritizing care over personal status.
Godly leaders empower unity and reflect Christ’s example through humble service.

reflect

How are you using the leadership opportunities God has given you to serve others with humility rather than seeking personal recognition?
How do you balance leading with authority while remaining teachable and following Christ’s example?
How do biblical examples of leadership shape your understanding of leading in a godly way?

engage

How can we clearly recognize the spiritual gift of leadership compared to someone who simply holds a leadership role?
How can we encourage one another to lead with a servant’s heart in our community or church?
What practical steps can leaders take to ensure they empower others and foster unity rather than control?