November 5, 2025
In the last post, we saw that dependence is the lifeline of biblical leadership. But what does leadership rooted in dependence actually look like? Psalm 23 provides the answer. While many know it as a psalm of comfort, for leaders it is also a framework for shepherd leadership — a vivid picture of how God’s care for us becomes the pattern for how we care for others. Psalm 23 shows us how dependence shapes leadership in practice.
David’s Posture
David begins, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Even as king, he identified as a sheep before recognizing himself as a shepherd. This humility is foundational. Leaders cannot guide others without first being guided themselves.
Lessons for Leaders
Each verse of Psalm 23 paints a picture of leadership rooted in God’s care:
Provision – “I shall not want.” Leaders must lead from God’s abundance, not their own scarcity.
Rest – “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Leaders refreshed by God can refresh others.
Guidance – “He leads me in paths of righteousness.” Leaders model submission before they ask others to follow.
Presence – “I will fear no evil.” Leaders walk with people in hardship, not just in success.
Legacy – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.” Leaders leave behind a trail of God’s character.
Psalm 23 reminds us: before undershepherds lead God’s people, they must be led by Him. Shepherd leadership is not a strategy but a posture. It is leadership rooted in dependence, sustained by God’s care, and reflected in how leaders care for others.
Reflection for Leaders
What do people experience under your leadership—pressure or peace?
What legacy will follow in the wake of your ministry?
An Invitation
This post draws from themes in my book Kingdom over Culture: Restoring Biblical Leadership in a Secularized Church. If you’d like to go deeper, you can order the book here https://drmeredithjames.com/shop. I also offer workshops, staff trainings, and speaking engagements on shepherd leadership and other frameworks for kingdom leadership. To learn more or invite me to work with your team, connect with me here https://drmeredithjames.com/.
