What Is a Prophetic Leader?

Written by Roy T. Edgemon

For David, after serving his own generation in God's plan, fell asleep, and was buried with his fathers, and decayed” (Acts 13:36, Holman CSB). These words contain a great insight about leadership: that of serving others while obeying God.

While David is one biblical example of prophetic leadership in his day, the main question raised is, What is a prophetic leader in our generation? What qualities comprise such a leader?

The following biblical examples should help us find some answers.

David: a Biblical Example of Prophetic Leadership
David was the most written-about person in the Bible. Summary statements, such as 1 Samuel 16:18, briefly indicate highlights of his life: “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” This endorsement came from one of King Saul’s servants who was seeking a harp player for the king’s court.

More characteristics of David's leadership style:

• David had a great heart full of faith and courage. He faced the Philistine giant with his slingshot and five smooth stones and the mighty presence of the Lord (1 Sam. 17:45-51).
• David had a heart of love. Inspite of Saul's jealousy, over and over again David spared the life of the king and continued to love him and his son until their death.
• David’s mighty men followed David as their leader because he tried to keep them from danger. Those who followed him saw God’s hand on David’s life and realized he was a “man after God’s own heart.”
• David was a brave shepherd boy who put his life at risk for the sake of his sheep. He was a musician, a songwriter, a poet, a warrior, a statesman, a king, and a world leader. But the writer Luke, in Acts 13, gives David the greatest tribute of all: “He had served his own generation by the will of God” (KJV).
• David did not fleece his generation. He did not boss his generation. David did not manipulate, deceive, or mislead. Instead, David served his generation.

God’s Word Uplifts the Model of Servanthood
Paul had this same spirit of humility when he gave his farewell address to the church in Ephesus. “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). A spiritual leader is one who is willing to serve. Jesus’ life was summed up in five words: “who went about doing good.” The saying “One example is worth a thousand arguments” reminds us of the power of example. Our current generation needs models of servant leaders who are willing to serve.

How Can Sunday School Leaders Achieve Greatness in the Kingdom of God?
Greatness in the kingdom of God is linked to servanthood, ministry, and self-denial. When the church calls on persons to serve the kingdom of God in the area of Bible teaching, it is offering a wonderful opportunity to serve their generation.

If God has called us to teach, we should be about the task. God will hold us accountable for this gift. Whether it is to teach a class or to be a leader of teachers, it is a precious privilege to serve the people of our generation. However it is a serious and solemn thought that the life of the local church cannot rise above the spiritual level of its leaders. Therefore, it is imperative that a leader possess life “to the full” (John 10:10).

Making Prophetic Leadership Personal
From David to Jesus to Paul - have these examples become real in your experience? Following are some questions to further guide your thinking on prophetic leadership.

• How did Jesus and David carry out the principle of the leader being the lesson? List five ways you are modeling what you want to teach as a leader in your church.
• Why do you suppose we ignore God's leadership style, as taught by Jesus (Mark 10:42-44)? Looking at our society today and the prominent style of leaders, why would you say that the leadership style of Jesus is desperately needed?
• In evaluating your leadership style, consider: Are you a servant leader? What do you need to do to change your style of leadership to become a servant leader? List some changes you feel God is leading you to make. Sometimes having a prayer partner and a timetable, within God’s timing, add accountability to your goals.

A frequent writer and conference leader, Roy T. Edgemon is retired director, Discipleship and Family Group, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee.

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