Becoming a Complete Leader Part 1: Biblical Transformation

Timothy was a young man mentored by Paul in both his faith and leadership.  Over the next several weeks we will be diving into 1 & 2 Timothy to learn how we can also grow in our faith and leadership.  This is the first in a series of articles on "Becoming a Complete Leader".


2 Timothy 3:16-17 is a very popular verse and worthy of it. Paul writes (ESV), “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

What does Paul mean that we will be "complete" or as the NLT translates, "perfect"?  The word complete literally means to finish (like a finished product) and figuratively means to be furnished completely. In one way, God's word will change you so that you will be like a finished product, ready and effective to fulfill the work He has planned for you.  In another way, God's word will fill your heart and mind like a perfectly furnished home where the Holy Spirit puts every passage perfectly in place.

More than a thousand years before Paul, King David used many metaphors to help illustrate the importance of scripture.  In Psalm 119:105 he writes that the bible is like a lamp that lights the path in front of us.  As leaders, we not only are walking on a path, but we have people following closely behind us.  When we are not picking up the bible, it’s like putting down a lamp and walking in darkness. Whenever we lead in darkness, we are timid, unsure and hesitant to truly lead people.  In contrast, when we engage in God's word we gain confidence, courage and clarity in our hearts which are then poured out through the way we lead.

Our leadership capacity and ability is made "complete" as we process the scriptures (sermons, worship songs, reading, discussing, etc...), apply it to our lives and then allow it to influence the way we lead others.  The more we do this, the more opportunity the Holy Spirit has to arrange it perfectly in our lives so that we can speak it into other's lives.

To me, this makes reading the scriptures exciting.  Opening up my bible expectantly because all scriptures are useful.  But what if I struggle to understand what I’m reading?  Let's go to the scriptures!!


1. Pray and ask God for wisdom when you don’t understand a passage.  James 1:5 (NLT) says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you." 

2. Seek wise and godly people.  Call or email a trusted friend, seek out a pastor or read a website/book by an authority figure.  Colossians 3:16 (NLT) encourages us to, “Counsel and teach each other with all the wisdom he (God) gives.”


3. Meditate (think a lot!!) on scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal it in His time to you.  Write it on an index card and tape it in your car or on your mirror.  For some people, just repeating it several times each day for a week does the job.  Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually.  Meditate on it day and night…” In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul encourages Timothy to, “Think (Greek word is noeo: to ponder) about what I am saying.  The Lord will help you understand these things".  Sometimes you don't know why God impressed a scripture on you until an opportunity, which God knew in advance, comes up.

I have experienced this profoundly in my life. When I am consistently listening to sermons, worship music on my IPod, reading the bible or discussing scripture with someone, many of my daily decisions become clear.  I also can feel and see my leadership gain momentum as I lead with greater confidence, love and wisdom.  When I feel burnt out with leading, discouraged easily with people or just flat out unmotivated, it invariably is tied to the fact that God's truths are not penetrating my mind and heart.

A great example of how God’s word powerfully impacted someone’s life is told by Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. I hope this encourages you to fully engage with God as he guides you in leading people that he dearly loves.