Why Leadership Matters

Encounter:  Listen or read these passages, underlining or journaling as you ask God’s Spirit to guide you. 

Ezekiel 3:16–21 – The watchman’s responsibility 

Jeremiah 27–28 – True vs. false prophets

Jeremiah 38:1–13 – Jeremiah’s courage

2 Corinthians 12:7–10; 13:10 – Paul’s servant leadership

In recent weeks, alongside headlines of war, famine, and injustice, another story has surfaced—one that exposes a different kind of atrocity. The names of David Taylor and Michelle Brannon now stand as a warning of what happens when God’s name is twisted for selfish gain. These self-proclaimed religious leaders used the language of faith to exploit, manipulate, and rob the most vulnerable.

Their actions echo the very sins the prophets condemned: idolatry and social injustice. Taylor styled himself an “apostle” and, together with Brannon, built call centers where people were forced to work long hours without pay. Instead of shepherding, they wielded power through coercion and control, punishing anyone who resisted. The Justice Department’s indictment details their abuses: public shaming, food and shelter restrictions, psychological torment, forced “repentance,” sleep deprivation, physical assault, and threats of divine judgment—sickness, accidents, even eternal damnation—if victims failed to meet their demands.

Just as in the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the twin sins of idolatry and social injustice brought devastation. And still today, when leaders exalt themselves and oppress others in God’s name, the results are the same: ruin, grief, and the profaning of God’s truth.

Leadership is one of God’s greatest gifts and gravest responsibilities. The Bible is filled with stories of leaders who either drew people closer to God or drove them further from Him. In a world craving direction, Scripture reminds us that leadership matters—because leaders shape the destiny of entire communities.

Leadership Carries Heavy Responsibility Ezekiel was appointed a “watchman” (Ezek. 3). His job was to warn the people, and if he failed, God said their blood would be on his hands. That’s how serious leadership is. In 2 Chronicles 36, King Zedekiah hardened his heart and ignored God’s warnings, leading his people into disaster. Leadership neglect destroys.

Leadership Must Be Grounded in Truth Jeremiah faithfully declared God’s unpopular message: that Judah must submit to Babylon for a season. But the false prophet Hananiah told the people what they wanted to hear. Leaders who chase popularity instead of truth endanger the flock. Faithful leadership clings to God’s Word, not applause.

Leadership Requires Courage Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern for standing on God’s truth. King Zedekiah caved to pressure, fearing people more than God. Courage distinguishes true leaders from false ones. Leadership demands a spine that will not bend to compromise.

Leadership in Christ Is Servant Leadership Paul defends his ministry in 2 Corinthians by pointing not to strength but to weakness. His authority was for building up, not tearing down. The model for leadership is Jesus—the Servant King who laid down His life for His people.

 From prophets to apostles, the message is the same: leadership matters. God calls us to lead with responsibility, truth, courage, and humility. Whether you are leading a family, a workplace, or a church, may your leadership reflect the Good Shepherd who guides His people with love and sacrifice.

…Be joyful, grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Leading with you,

Pastor T

Reflect: Think of a time when leadership—good or bad—made a difference in your life. How did it impact you?

Additional questions to ponder:

1. Leadership and Responsibility (Ezekiel 3:16–21)

• What does God’s description of Ezekiel’s role as “watchman” teach us about responsibility in leadership?

• How might this apply to parents, pastors, teachers, or even employers today?

2. Leadership and Truth (Jeremiah 27–28)

• Why do you think people preferred Hananiah’s false prophecy over Jeremiah’s hard message?

• How do we see this same temptation in leadership today—telling people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear?

3. Leadership and Courage (Jeremiah 38:1–13)

• Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern for telling the truth. What do you think gave him courage to stand firm?

• What pressures today make it difficult for leaders to stay faithful to God’s word?

4. Leadership and Service (2 Corinthians 12:7–10; 13:10)

• How is Paul’s description of leadership different from worldly models of power and authority?

• What does it look like to lead with weakness, humility, and service in practical terms?

Small Group Spiritual Practice: The Watchman’s Prayer

(Inspired by Ezekiel 3:16–21; Jeremiah’s courage; Paul’s servant heart)

Purpose: To practice listening for God’s direction in leadership, confessing where we’ve failed, and committing to lead with truth, courage, and humility.

Step 1: Quiet Preparation (2–3 minutes)

• Begin in silence. Invite everyone to breathe deeply and pray Psalm 139:23–24 aloud together: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

  
  

Step 2: Listening to God’s Call (5 minutes)

• Read Ezekiel 3:17: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel.”

• In silence, reflect on this question: Where is God calling me to be a “watchman”—to take responsibility for warning, guiding, or caring for others?

• Encourage participants to jot down names, situations, or places God brings to mind.

  
  

Step 3: Confession and Release (5 minutes)

• Read Jeremiah 38:6–10 (Jeremiah in the cistern).

• Reflect: Where have I shrunk back from God’s truth out of fear of others, or failed to lead with courage and humility?

• In silence, invite participants to confess these moments to God. Option: write them on slips of paper and place them in a bowl at the center of the group, symbolizing release.

  
  

Step 4: Commitment in Prayer (10 minutes)

• Read 2 Corinthians 13:10: “The authority the Lord gave me is for building you up, not for tearing you down.”

• Pair up. Each person shares one area of influence (family, work, church, friendships) and how they want to lead more faithfully this week.

• Partners pray over each other, asking God for truth, courage, humility, and love.