Leadership is a golden thread woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture—from the creation of the world in Genesis to the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. From the very beginning, God demonstrates a leadership that is not solitary but shared. In Genesis 1:26, God declares, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.” The plural pronoun “Us” hints at a leadership within community, even within the Godhead itself. God’s first act of leadership is not isolated; it is relational, collaborative, and inclusive.
This model of shared leadership extends to humanity. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Here, God entrusts humans with responsibility, sharing His authority and inviting them into co-leadership over creation. Bell (2014) explains that God shares His creative initiatives with humans, demonstrating that leadership is not about control but about empowering others to participate in a greater purpose. From the very beginning, leadership in God’s design is about partnership, trust, and shared vision.
Shared leadership continues to unfold in the Old Testament. Moses, the prophet chosen to lead Israel, bore the immense weight of guiding a nation. His father-in-law, Jethro, noticed the burden he carried and offered counsel in Exodus 18:21-22: appoint capable leaders over groups of people to “bear the burden with you.” Later, God Himself instructed Moses to gather seventy elders to share in leading the people (Numbers 11:16-17). These examples show that God’s design for leadership is never isolation—it is collaboration. Sharing responsibilities not only strengthens leaders but also equips communities to flourish under God’s guidance.
The New Testament illuminates shared leadership even more vividly through the ministry of Jesus Christ. From the start of His public ministry, Jesus did not work alone. He called disciples to share in preaching, teaching, and healing. Luke 9:1-2 recounts, “He gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Jesus intentionally shared leadership, entrusting His followers with authority and responsibility. Strauch (1987/1997) observes, “Our Lord did not appoint one man to lead His Church. He appointed and trained twelve men. Jesus Christ gave the Church plurality of leadership.” Leadership in God’s kingdom is never a solo task—it thrives in collaboration, mentorship, and multiplication of influence.
The early Church put this shared leadership into practice. When the apostles faced a problem in distributing resources to widows, they instructed the community to select seven men “full of the Spirit and wisdom” to oversee the work (Acts 6:3). Later, a theological dispute regarding circumcision was resolved not by a single leader, but by apostles, elders, and the whole church (Acts 15:22). Shared leadership promoted unity, wisdom, and trust, showing that when God’s people work together, His purposes are fulfilled more effectively than any one person could achieve alone.
As modern followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same principle. Leadership is not about accumulating power or control; it is about sharing responsibility, nurturing others, and empowering people to serve alongside us. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Shared leadership is a reflection of God’s heart—it values the gifts of others, strengthens communities, and multiplies impact.
Reflecting on these biblical truths, one may ask: Are we trying to carry leadership alone, or are we inviting others to walk with us? Are we empowering others to share in the vision God has given us, or are we clinging to control out of fear? Shared leadership requires humility, trust, and courage, yet it also brings freedom, wisdom, and fruitfulness.
God calls leaders to mirror His heart—leaders who walk in collaboration, share burdens, and empower others to participate in His work. When leadership is shared, the community thrives, God’s glory is magnified, and the work entrusted to us bears fruit beyond what any one person could accomplish alone. Let us, therefore, follow the example of our Creator, Christ, and the apostles by embracing shared leadership—working together, lifting one another, and stewarding God’s vision with humility, faith, and steadfastness.
References:
Bell, S. (Ed.). (2014). Servants & friends: A biblical theology of leadership. Andrews University Press.
Strauch, A. (1987 // 1997). Biblical eldership: An urgent call to restore biblical church leadership // Restoring the eldership to its rightful place in the church (Rev). Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic; Lewis and Roth Publishers.
