Leaders are in demand when they see the personal growth, well being, and mentoring of their team as part of their leadership responsibility. Read Jeremiah 23:1-16.

God spoke harsh words through His prophet Jeremiah to the leaders of Judah for how they treated the people they led. Verse one starts with the words “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering …” In this context the word “Woe” is used as a threat to indicate that the shepherds (the leaders) would regret something or be punished in some way. God had put these leaders in charge to care for the people of Judah as a shepherd would care for the sheep in his flock, not to see them as a burden or as someone they could use to advance their own wealth or comfort.

Every effective leader will serve in the role of watchman at times and sound the alarm for their team when they see trouble ahead. Read Jeremiah 6:16-19.

Jeremiah was described in verse 17 as a watchman. By definition a watchman guards and patrols. The people of Judah had determined not to follow God’s laws or principles and Jeremiah sounded a warning to those living in error. Jeremiah illustrated the leader’s job as a watchman when God asked him to guard or patrol the covenant established between Him and the people.

Exhortation is a part of every leader’s tool kit. Christian leaders find confidence when they base the foundation of their exhortation on truths from God’s word. Read Jeremiah 1:16-19.

Jeremiah had to confront some powerful people about their sin. He was asked to exhort kings, priests, and city officials. He was told upfront that they would fight against him but that they would not overcome. Exhortation is a tough task, but when a leader stands on God’s moral principles they have an objective basis for exhortation.

Joshua continued to lead the people way into his old age. One of his great leadership skills was exhortation. Read Joshua 23:1-24:33.

Joshua’s farewell to the leaders was filled with passion exhorting the leaders to “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God as you have until now.”