Leadership is often imagined as a solitary journey—a single person carrying the weight of responsibility, making decisions, and guiding others. Yet the Bible paints a different picture. God’s way of leadership is relational, collaborative, and rooted in trust. From Moses delegating tasks to capable leaders (Exodus 18:13-27) to Paul entrusting Onesimus with a critical mission (Philemon 1:10-12), we see a divine pattern: leadership is best when shared. Shared leadership is not merely a management concept; it is a reflection of God’s heart for His people and His church.
Shared leadership begins with a recognition that no one person holds all authority or wisdom. It is an invitation to humility, trust, and responsibility. Leaders are called to shepherd not only their own roles but also to nurture the gifts and contributions of others. In a church setting, this means listening, encouraging, and creating space for everyone to participate. It is about understanding one another, working together without favoritism, and valuing each member’s role in the body of Christ (Ellis, 2020). God does not call leaders to dominate or control but to serve and empower.
Trust lies at the very heart of shared leadership. Consider Paul and Onesimus: Paul trusted a former slave with a task that required integrity and wisdom. This trust not only strengthened the early church but also illustrated God’s transformative power working through shared responsibility. Leadership, in God’s kingdom, is never about hoarding authority; it is about entrusting others, empowering them to act faithfully, and walking alongside them in mission. When leaders trust, encourage, and uplift, the church flourishes in unity and purpose.
The practical application of shared leadership is a daily, intentional practice. It involves taking responsibility for personal emotions, engaging in healthy social interactions, and contributing to the growth of the team (Wassenaar & Pearce, 2012). It also recognizes that leadership is not a zero-sum game. Vertical leadership—where a single person has final authority—can complement shared leadership, but it should never replace the collaborative spirit God desires (Sweeney et al., 2018). A humble heart, respect for others, and a willingness to share responsibilities transform ordinary church work into a powerful testimony of Christ’s love.
Shared leadership also echoes the very mission of the church. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This great commission was given to a few, yet it could only be fulfilled through many working together. When responsibilities are shared, the gospel reaches further, ministry becomes more vibrant, and the church becomes a living testimony of God’s collaborative love. Every leader, every volunteer, and every believer has a role to play, and together, God’s work is multiplied.
Implementing shared leadership requires courage and faith. It calls leaders to trust others even when outcomes are uncertain. It calls them to encourage rather than control, to listen rather than dominate, and to serve rather than seek recognition. And most importantly, it reminds us that God Himself shares His mission with His people. He equips, strengthens, and guides not just one, but many, to bring His kingdom to earth.
In the daily life of the church, shared leadership manifests in simple acts of love: mentoring a younger leader, giving someone the space to lead a ministry, praying for those who take on responsibilities, and celebrating the gifts God has placed in each person. These actions reflect Christ’s heart and embody the truth that we are stronger together than alone.
As we reflect on shared leadership, let us remember that God calls us to walk together in His mission. Leadership is not about power, prestige, or control—it is about trust, service, and empowerment. By embracing shared leadership, the church becomes a community of collaboration, where every gift is honored, every voice is heard, and the gospel is spread with unity and love. May God grant us the humility to share, the courage to trust, and the heart to serve, remembering always that in His kingdom, leadership is about empowering others to fulfill His divine purposes.
References:
Sweeney, A., Clarke, N., & Higgs, M. (2018). Shared Leadership in Commercial Organizations: A Systematic Review of Definitions, Theoretical Frameworks and Organizational Outcomes. International Journal of Management Reviews, 21(1), 115–136. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12181
Wassenaar, C. L., & Pearce, C. L. (2012). The nature of leadership (David V. Day, & John Antonakis, Eds.) (2nd ed.). SAGE.
