Leading Like Stephen: God's Dream Team for the Church

In the early church, God raised up leaders to guide His people. One of these remarkable leaders was Stephen, a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" who became one of the first deacons. His story teaches us powerful principles about godly leadership that apply to all of us, whether we lead in our homes, workplaces, or churches.

What makes someone a leader in God's eyes?

Leadership isn't about titles or positions—it's about influence. Whether you're a child influencing friends, a parent guiding your family, or someone serving in church leadership, God calls all of us to lead in some capacity.

In Acts 6, we see the apostles recognizing a need for additional leaders:

"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against those of the Aramaic-speaking community because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food."

The apostles responded by establishing the role of deacons, saying: "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom." They selected Stephen and six others, praying over them and laying hands on them.

What qualities did Stephen demonstrate as a leader?

Stephen wasn't just any leader—he was described as "a man full of God's grace and power" who "did great wonders and miraculous signs among people." His leadership was marked by spiritual power and faithfulness to God's mission.

How do godly leaders move people forward?

1. Leaders take people from where they are to where God wants them to be

In Stephen's sermon (Acts 7), he begins by recounting Abraham's story: "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia... and said, 'Leave your country and your people and go to the land I will show you.'"

Like Abraham, true leaders help people move from comfort zones to God's calling. They can't say "go there" if they haven't gone themselves. This requires integrity, commitment, focus, sacrifice, and love.

2. Leaders have encountered God and experienced His shaping in their lives

Stephen references Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers: "But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles." Through hardship, God shaped Joseph into a powerful leader.

As A.W. Tozer noted, "If you want to serve God, there is going to be some breaking in your life. And the deeper the hurt, the greater the usefulness." God shapes leaders through both blessings and difficulties.

3. Leaders keep their eyes on God's vision

Stephen spoke of Moses, who received God's vision at the burning bush: "I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt... Come, I will send you back to Egypt." Moses kept focused on God's vision despite obstacles.

George Barna defines vision as "the clear mental picture of a preferable future given by God." Leaders must be "readers" not just of books but of culture, understanding what's happening in the bigger picture while staying rooted in God's Word.

4. Leaders maintain a close relationship with God

Stephen mentioned Joshua, who succeeded Moses and maintained his own deep relationship with God. Remember Joshua's declaration: "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."

Leaders must fix their gaze on Christ and reflect His holiness in their character and conduct. This isn't easy—Stephen faced fierce opposition for his faith.

5. Leaders finish well

When Stephen was confronted by angry opponents, he remained faithful: "Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."

Even as he was being stoned, Stephen finished his race well, seeing Jesus standing to welcome him home. Leaders don't always accomplish everything they hope to, but they remain faithful to the end.

What happens when leaders face opposition?

Opposition is inevitable for godly leaders. Stephen faced it. Nehemiah faced it while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Esther faced it when standing up for her people.

If you're leading and not facing opposition, you might not be doing anything significant. You can't please everyone, but you must seek to please God by doing what He's called you to do.

How should we lead with excellence?

In Malachi 1, God rebukes His people for bringing their leftovers as sacrifices instead of their best. As leaders, we must bring our best—our time, talents, and resources—because God gave His best in Jesus Christ.

Life Application

God has called each of us to lead in some capacity. Whether you're a parent, a friend, a coworker, or serving in church leadership, you have influence. This week:

1. Identify your sphere of influence: Where has God positioned you to lead others?
2. Examine your leadership foundation: Are you leading from a close relationship with God? Are you in step with the Holy Spirit?
3. Clarify your vision: What is God's preferred future for those you lead? How can you help move people from where they are to where God wants them to be?
4. Embrace the shaping process: How is God using both blessings and challenges to shape you as a leader?
5. Commit to excellence: Are you giving God your best or your leftovers in your leadership?

Ask yourself: "Am I leading like Stephen—full of the Holy Spirit, focused on God's vision, and willing to stand firm even when facing opposition?" Remember, you don't lead alone—God's Spirit empowers you as you represent Christ in your world.