To Lead is to Grow in the Word:
A Leader's Call to Biblical Depth
"The cost of discipleship, though it may take all we have, is small when compared to the lot of those who don’t accept Christ’s invitation to be a part of his company in the Way of life." – Dallas Willard
Leadership in any capacity requires an intentional pursuit of growth, and the most powerful growth happens when we root ourselves deeply in God's Word. For every leader, whether serving in a pulpit, leading a small group, or guiding a team, there is no substitute for a rich understanding of the Bible. This was a truth I learned early on in my own journey—one that began when I was seventeen.
At the time, I had recently come to faith in Christ and had moved to a new city. With no background in church life, I found myself in Bible college, surrounded by classmates who seemed to know far more than I did about Scripture. I spent my early days wondering if I was wasting time memorizing theological concepts, or analyzing ancient languages that seemed distant from practical ministry.
But over time, something incredible began to happen. I realized that every lesson, every page of Scripture, every theological term was intricately tied to effective leadership. Understanding God's Word is not just for pastors or theologians; it is essential for anyone who leads others toward Christ. From Jesus to the Apostle Paul, the greatest leaders in the early church were first and foremost rooted in the Scriptures.
A Thorough Grasp of the Word
Jesus’ ministry was saturated with the Word. He quoted Scriptures to the devil during His temptations (Matthew 4:1-11), taught from the Scriptures in synagogues, and expounded them in parables and sermons. His deep knowledge of the Torah was evident even at the young age of twelve, when He amazed the teachers in the temple with His understanding (Luke 2:46-47). The foundation of His ministry was His relationship with the Word of God.
Likewise, the Apostle Paul, who contributed significantly to the New Testament, was deeply steeped in the Scriptures. He was trained under the renowned Rabbi Gamaliel and was a master of Old Testament theology. Even John, the fisherman, became so saturated in the Scriptures that his Gospel and letters are filled with references to Old Testament themes and prophecies. These men didn’t just know the Bible—they lived it, and it informed everything they did, especially in their leadership.
Living from Your Theology
Whether we realize it or not, our theology shapes the way we lead and live. We all operate with a worldview, a set of assumptions and beliefs about life, purpose, and God. These are often unconscious and formed over years through our experiences, education, and exposure to media. The question is, whose worldview are we living from? As Christian leaders, our theology must be grounded in Scripture. It’s not just about holding theological opinions—it’s about letting God’s Word shape our perspective on life and leadership.
In our increasingly media-driven world, the influence of secular ideologies is at an all-time high. The constant barrage of messages on social media, television, and digital platforms shapes our understanding of truth, purpose, and morality. In contrast, time spent in the Word of God provides clarity, stability, and direction. A shallow engagement with Scripture will result in a shallow worldview, which can hinder our growth as leaders.
Grow in the Word and Watch Your Leadership Grow
A leader’s strength comes from their relationship with the Word. The more we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, the more our leadership will mature. I encourage leaders to invest more in growing their theology than in focusing solely on leadership strategies. Leadership grounded in Scripture carries authority, stability, and divine wisdom. The Word never returns void—it always accomplishes what it sets out to do (Isaiah 55:11).
The good news is that there are many resources available to help us grow in our knowledge of the Word, regardless of our time constraints. Whether through Bible study tools, podcasts, or books, we can find ways to engage with Scripture that fit our unique situations.
The Call to Know the Word
In 1 Timothy 3:9, the qualifications for deacons (which apply to small group leaders and team leaders today) include holding "the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." This doesn’t mean we need to be able to teach at the level of a pastor or theologian. But it does mean we must know the Word well enough to lead from it with integrity. Our understanding of Scripture gives us the foundation to shepherd others with wisdom and truth.
In a world with endless access to teaching, it's important to remember the value of local, church-based teaching. Paul emphasized this to Timothy, urging him to "keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching" (1 Timothy 4:16). As leaders, we are called to stay rooted in the doctrine of our local church and, through that, contribute to the broader conversation of faith in a way that reflects biblical truth.
Protecting Others from Heresy
As we grow in the Word, we are better equipped to guard against bad theology and heresy. Augustine’s famous quote, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity,” highlights the importance of distinguishing between essential doctrines and personal interpretations. While we can disagree on non-essential matters, we must stand firm in the core beliefs of the Christian faith, as outlined in the Nicene Creed.
One of the most important things we can do as leaders is to continually encourage those we lead to return to the Word. When people ask us for advice on life’s challenges, our first response should be, "What does the Bible say about that?" By directing people back to Scripture, we help them build lives founded on truth and wisdom.
Practical Steps to Grow in the Word
Read the Word Daily for Information – Engage with Scripture regularly to build a strong biblical worldview.
Read the Word for Inspiration – Allow the Holy Spirit to use Scripture to encourage and convict your heart.
Read the Word for Intimacy – Practice contemplative reading, such as Lectio Divina, to connect more deeply with God through His Word.
Psalm 1 provides a powerful image of what it looks like to meditate on God’s Word day and night. The person who delights in the law of the Lord is like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in its season (Psalm 1:3). As leaders, when we grow in the Word, our lives and leadership bear fruit, and we become instruments of God's radical work in the world.
Conclusion
To lead well, we must grow in the Word. This growth shapes our leadership, strengthens our faith, and protects us from false teachings. As we spend time in Scripture, we become more like Christ, equipped to lead others with wisdom, clarity, and authority. Whether you’re a small group leader, a volunteer, or a seasoned pastor, remember: to lead is to grow in the Word. Make it your daily practice, and watch as your leadership flourishes in ways you never imagined.
