“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” – Heb 13:17

As leaders we must give an account to God for both our own lives and the people we lead and oversee.” For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2Co 5:10) None of us has the final authority over His church. As leaders we are merely little or under-shepherds, accountable to Jesus Christ, our Chief Shepherd. Let us be faithful, good and wise servants, “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1Pe 5:4)

We must always remind ourselves that it is His church, not mine! The Lord purchased His church with His own blood and we are only His managers and stewards of His body, the bride of Christ. Keeping this fact in mind will prevent us from abusing the authority given to us or taking advantage over the people we lead for our personal gain.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.” (Eze 34:10) Every shepherd leader should carefully read the warnings in the whole chapter 34 in the book of Ezekiel lest we put to shame when we appear before the judgment seat of Christ.

Let’s pray.

Lord, may I learn from you as my Chief Shepherd to shepherd your flocks with the integrity of my heart. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Before we go, take a look at the questionnaire below:

1. Each individual will be judged by Christ according to their own actions. What particular significance does this hold for both team leaders and followers?

2. Leaders must constantly remind themselves that the groups they guide and manage belong to God, not to them personally. In your opinion, how would this perspective influence a leader’s style and decision-making?

3. In practical, day-to-day work, how can we safeguard against leaders abusing their power or exploiting team members?