The Only Leader in the New Testament By Dr. Gary G. Hoag

A New Testament Perspective for Leaders

Brace yourself for a startling finding if you study the word ‘leader’ in the New Testament. This discovery can explain many of our problems in churches and ministries. This revelation reveals a root problem that, if reversed, can remove all kinds of evils. What is it? There is only one leader in the New Testament.

The Leader in the New Testament

In the Gospels, the prevailing religious establishment affixes the term to a role in the synagogue. For example, we see Jairus, the ‘synagogue leader’ (Mark 5:35). Many texts use the plural form, ‘Jewish leaders’, to describe the opposition to the ministry of Jesus (John 5:15). In the epistles, key church workers get the label, ‘pillars’, not leaders (Galatians 2:9).

As for the rest of the New Testament, only Hebrews employs a related term often translated as ‘leaders’ in English translations (Hebrews 13:7, 17), though the Greek word implies those considering or attending to the needs of God’s people.

Before we draw any implications, let’s return to a pivotal text in Matthew’s Gospel. In Matthew 23:10, near the end of His earthly ministry with the disciples, Jesus makes this statement in the literal NASB translation: “And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ.” A look at the context reveals the only leader in the New Testament.

“¹ Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, ² saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. ³ Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. ⁴ And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. ⁵ And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. ⁶ And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, ⁷ and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people. ⁸ But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. ¹⁰ And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. ¹¹ But the greatest of you shall be your servant. ¹² Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Matthew 23:1-12

So, in the thinking of Jesus, when humans act like they are in charge and give themselves the title ‘leaders’, they exhibit hypocrisy, heap unnecessary burdens on people, revel in earthly honor, and take the spot that should only go to Christ. No wonder we see strife and struggles in churches and ministries. We have wrongly exalted people. God forgive us.

This brief study of the term ‘leader’ in the New Testament moves receptive followers of Christ to pause, humble themselves, and chart a new course with fresh language. This marks the impact of the ministry of Jesus on the first disciples. They did not call themselves leaders but servants. Imagine if we followed suit.

Our Service to the Only Leader in the New Testament

The apostle Paul employs the term ‘slave’ or ‘servant’ to describe himself in the opening of his letters (Romans 1:1). He never refers to himself as a ‘leader’ or affixes the label on other humans. He refers to people as servants who have been given trust or entrusted with special things from God, which brings the idea and language of the steward into view.

Our service to the only leader in the New Testament emerges as servants or stewards. But what do we steward? From the beginning of time, we steward the ground or creation (Genesis 1:28). God also entrusts us with goods (Luke 16:1-9) and gifts to employ for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7) to make known the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

Considering all this, let us stop calling ourselves leaders, as Christ is the head of the body (Colossians 1:18-20). Instead, let us take the posture of servants so our lives reflect the humility of Christ. And let us labor as faithful stewards. Imagine our collective generosity. This language can shape our service and bless rather than burden all we touch in the name of Jesus.

####

Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D., is President & CEO of Global Trust Partners. In obedient service to Jesus Christ, GTP multiplies faithful stewards and mobilizes peer accountability groups (like ECFA in the USA) to build trust and to grow local giving to God’s work.

---

Join us for the Outcomes Conference 2025 in Dallas, TX, April 29 – May 1 at the Hyatt DFW International Airport Hotel. Don’t miss the premier gathering of Christian Nonprofit Professions. Find the place where mission-critical competency meets Christ-like character.

Register today – Rate increase on March 1, 2025.

LEARN MORE!

---