Responsibilities of Spiritual Leaders
Scripture Reflection
Ezekiel 34:4 “The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.” NKJV
There have been practices by some church leaders in the 21st century that go against God’s will, but this passage provides a biblical framework for understanding the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in the church and what you as a believer should expect from them.
1) Strengthening the Weak: Leaders are called to support and build up those who are weak in faith or struggling with life’s challenges. Paul emphasises this in 1st Thessalonians 5:14. Leaders should provide encouragement, resources, and spiritual nourishment to help the weak grow stronger in their faith.
When a leader has been abundantly blessed by God, it reflects a genuine servant’s heart and compassion when they use the resources God has entrusted to them, as led by the Holy Spirit, to support members of their church who are in dire economic need.
2) Healing the Sick: Spiritual leaders are to care for those who are spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes physically sick. James 5:14-15 speaks to this role: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Leaders should be involved in the ministry of healing through prayer, counselling, and providing practical assistance.
While, as leaders in God’s kingdom, we should believe and pray for our members to receive supernatural healing from God, and actively teach them to have faith that God can heal, it is not wrong or a sign of weak faith to encourage those with medical conditions to see their doctor, as God can use medicine to bring about His healing power.
3) Binding up the Broken This refers to comforting and restoring those who are broken-hearted or wounded. Isaiah 61:1, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, states: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.” Leaders should offer compassion, support, and pathways to healing for those who are hurting.
4) Bringing Back What Was Driven Away Leaders should actively seek to restore those who have strayed from the faith. Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7 illustrates the importance of seeking the lost: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine… and go after the one which is lost?” This involves outreach, reconciliation efforts, and maintaining relationships to bring back those who have wandered away.
Leaders in the church must remember that buildings and structures will erode over time, but your godly investment in a soul will outlive you and lead to generational impact. Therefore, my humble advice is to focus more on building people, as they are the true and most valuable “structures” God has brought into your life.
5) Seeking What Was Lost Similar to bringing back the driven away, seeking the lost emphasises proactive efforts to reach those who do not yet know Christ. Jesus’ mission for the lost is described in Luke 19:10. Leaders should be committed to evangelism and missions, spreading the gospel, and integrating new believers into the community.
6) Ruling with Compassion, Not Cruelty or Harshness Leaders are to exercise their authority with gentleness and humility, not with force or cruelty. 1 Peter 5:2-3 advises leaders to “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly… nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” This means leading by example, serving others, and exercising authority in a Christlike manner, characterised by love and humility.
Dear friend, spiritual leaders in God’s kingdom are called to nurture, heal, restore, and guide with compassion, not control. Ezekiel 34:4 reminds us that neglect and harshness betray God’s heart. True leadership strengthens the weak, seeks the lost, and serves with humility, reflecting Christ’s love and care for every soul entrusted to their care.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my old ways and ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me live for You. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus Name. Amen“
Prayer:
· Please spend 2-3 minutes praying for your church leader and leadership in your local assembly as the Holy Spirit leads you.
· Father, please help church leaders in every denomination around the world to pattern their lives according to the blueprint of spiritual leadership set in Your Word, in Jesus Name
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