I will highlight two aspects of Paul’s leadership for application within our own spheres of leadership and shepherding, whatever those may be. These qualities are Paul’s leadership as exhibited by his spoken message and his example lived out. But first, let’s briefly refresh on some background details of Paul’s correspondence to those in the Christian community at Philippi.

Background of Philippians

The Book of Philippians is Paul’s last letter to a church, his last to an individual being Second Timothy. Paul openly expressed his affection for the Philippi congregation. Their origins went back to the conversion and subsequent hospitality of Lydia, the first to receive the gospel via Paul’s preaching in Macedonia (see Acts 16:9–15, 40).

The apostle wrote the letter in the early 60’s CE during his first Roman imprisonment for his gospel work. Knowing Paul was a prisoner at the time of this writing is an astounding realization considering that joy emerges as a primary theme of Philippians. The apostle had certainly gained the experience and authority to instruct others on having joy and contentment in all circumstances, for indeed he had learned the secrets of these practices (see Phil 4:4–12).

Other thematic emphases include unity and Christ-centered fellowship and lifestyle. This great letter came by way of Epaphroditus, messenger of the Philippian church, following whatever the illness was he had overcome (see Phil 2:25–30). Paul sent this coworker to visit the beloved Christians at Philippi, and with him this letter that remains a relevant source of instruction and encouragement to Christians today.

1. Paul on Leading with Our Words

A beautiful quality about the Bible is its honest telling of the lives featured within its writings. In contrast to more typical Ancient Near Eastern writings which give strictly positive, grandiose portrayals of leading political and religious figures, the Bible records the messy bits too. This feature lends to the authenticity of the Scriptures.

As to Paul, his blunt nature and propensity for issuing instructions which seem harsh to a 21st century ear, often cause people to view the apostle as hard and even unlikeable. Yet a closer look reveals a different perspective. Paul was a connector, as evidenced by the various listing of names observed across his letters. A great example is Romans 16 featuring Paul’s greetings to multiple Christians at Rome, a church he had not planted, thus demonstrating the movement of the first century church across the Mediterranean. Paul kept track of people, he cared for others’ physical and spiritual well-being, and he always expressed hope, even in dire situations, that a story was underway and never without the possibility of restoration (e.g., Acts 27; Phil 4:2–3; 1 Tim 1:18–20).

Philippians perhaps best displays Paul’s tenderness.

Philippians perhaps best displays Paul’s tenderness. Notice first that the apostle put his cards on the table, that is, he spoke directly of his feelings for and expectations of those he led. To the Philippi believers he conveyed his longing and affection (1:7–8) and referred to them as “dear friends” and his “joy and crown” (4:1).

Therefore to Spur Believers’ Progress

Next observe his strategy using the term “therefore” to call these beloved believers to higher standards. In Phil 1:29–30 Paul acknowledged the suffering and struggle the Philippian church faced against certain opposition. He then used “therefore” to launch into encouragement aimed at spurring their progress even still.

Paul stated, “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded. . .” (2:1–2). The conditional term “if” here can also be understood as “since” from the Greek text. Paul affirmed what was true about their fellowship before giving the directive for them to level up on their unity and discipleship.

Another instance of “therefore” at the start of chapter four links content regarding the surety of what believers have in Christ (3:20–21), and a charge from Paul to stand firm based on this knowledge (4:1). These examples of affirmation as a way of ushering others to some further step, remains an effective model of leadership.

2. Paul on Leading by Example

A distinctive of Christianity is how the Christian ethic is rooted in example. Every biblical directive given to Christ followers – whether to love, to forgive, to lay down one’s life – was first modeled by Christ. As such, Paul readily referenced Christ as a way of providing the reason and example for directives he issued.

For instance, the “next level” Paul initiated using “therefore” in Philippians 2:1. He went on to charge Philippian believers to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others” (2:3–4). He followed this instruction by pointing to Christ’s example of these actions (2:5–11).

The original Greek reveals a symmetrical poem at work. The English phrase “vain conceit” translates from the Greek “kenodoxian,” which combines two words, “keno” meaning “to empty,” and “doxa” meaning “glory.” Rather than living for “empty glory,” Paul charged the believers to have the same perspective as Christ, who “emptied” himself (v. 7, “keno”) to the “glory” of God the Father (v. 11, “doxa”).

Paul as a Model of Gospel Living

Paul also put forward his own life and lives of others with mature Christian walks as examples for the Philippian believers to follow (see 3:15–17). The apostle demonstrated himself to be a leader who wanted the ball when the game was on the line. He opened himself up to the utmost scrutiny and accountability by placing himself out front as a model of gospel living. Neither his past nor his shortcomings kept Paul from a forward pursuit of Christ, both for himself and the benefit of others.

As Christian leaders today, are we willing to do the same?

As Christian leaders today, are we willing to do the same? Does the nature of our own pursuit of Christ qualify us as models for those we lead? These questions, along with Paul’s practice of grounding his leadership in the example of Christ, are ever worthy of consideration.

We look forward to exploring these discussions, questions, and concepts of leadership with you. See you at the 2024 Outcomes Conference!

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Dr. Courtney Veasey serves as an itinerant Bible teacher, frequently speaking to women and teenage girls in conference and retreat experiences. Courtney is the founder of Brunch Ministries and serves as a leadership trainer with Lifeway Christian Resources. She is a graduate of Florida Southern College (BA), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv; PhD), and Gateway Seminary (ThM).

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