In this quick-paced article, we will run through fourteen (14) Bible characters who acted like inspirational CEO’s.

 Before the word CEO existed, God was already raising leaders, planners, builders, and stewards. Each of these people holds some valuable wisdom and insight for us, so we won’t miss the opportunity to learn what they have to teach us. Let’s jump right in:

#1 Joseph, the faithful steward

First up is Joseph. He was in charge of managing all the food and supplies for Egypt. What started out as a horror story (his brothers sold him into slavery), quickly turned around because of Joseph’s careful organization, planning, and leadership. God rewarded Joseph with opportunities of influence because he was faithful with little. Later on, Joseph got the perfect chance to give his brothers the payback they deserved, yet he showed them mercy and offered forgiveness. 

#2 Moses, chosen by God to lead

When God’s people, the Israelites, needed saving, God chose a very special someone to lead them to safety. His name was Moses, a Hebrew boy adopted by the Pharaoh’s daughter. At the burning bush, Moses received the massive task of leading millions of Israelites out of Egypt. From the get-go, Moses was brave enough to ask for help and his brother, Aaron, joined his team. We can learn delegation, leadership, and problem-solving from Moses.

#3 Nehemiah, the project planner

Nehemiah is an example of a prayerful leader, filled with courage to do God’s will. Upon hearing of the state that Jerusalem was in, Nehemiah’s passion burned bright. He prayed and God gave him very precise instructions for how the repair project was going to work. Nehemiah teaches us about project planning, teamwork, and focus that leads to success with a widespread impact.

#4 Solomon, the wise leader

When Solomon (David’s son) had the opportunity to ask ANYTHING of God, he asked for… wisdom. Solomon’s wisdom surpassed that of anyone who’d ever lived. His God-given insight helped with decision-making, money management, trade relationships, and even building projects.

#5 Bezalel, creatively gifted

God’s giftings to CEO’s are not only with numbers and spreadsheets. The Bible is clear that God also cares about beauty and aesthetics. Bezalel led the craftsmen building the tabernacle. From him we can learn about quality control, creativity, and craftsmanship. Bezalel’s creative gifts were used for God’s glory and infused with purpose when he allowed God to use him.

#6 Noah, the obedient builder

Many leaders are called to long obedience in the same direction. When Noah was tasked with building the ark, he faced humiliation from others who didn’t understand his God-given mission. Noah teaches us about perseverance, endurance, and following instructions. Ultimately, obedience leads to protection.

#7 Abraham, receiver of God’s promises

Father Abraham managed land, livestock, and many workers. His life story teaches us about negotiation and trust. Abraham’s big decisions were guided by his unshakable faith in God. Leaders like Abraham receive callings that surpass them and stretch over generations.

#8 The Proverbs 31 Woman, a picture of success

Chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs tells us about a wise woman. She ran businesses, cared for her family, and worked hard. We can learn entrepreneurship, budgeting, and leadership from her. Balance is another helpful key seen in her example, for she managed both her household and her businesses.

#9 Peter, the fisherman

Peter, a fisherman by profession, when called to be a disciple of Jesus shows us resilience. In a moment of weakness, Peter denied Jesus before His crucifixion. Yet after the resurrection, Jesus approaches Peter when he’s out fishing, leading the miraculous catch of fish “on the other side”. Peter followed Jesus’ exact instructions and was restored on the very same day.

#10 Paul, the tentmaker

Instead of being a financial burden to the Early Church, Paul worked as a tent-maker whenever he needed to subsidise his income. Paul’s missionary journeys coupled with this job shows impressive time management and commitment. He could’ve sat back and given up, but Paul chose to use his existing skills to support God’s work. He was self-employed as far as we know.

#11 Lydia, businesswoman and church mother

Lydia was so successful in her business selling a luxury purple fabric in the days of the Early Church, that she could open her home as a gathering place for the first ever church in Europe. Lydia’s marketing, networking, and using business as a tool to bless others are impressive.

#12 Matthew, the tax collector

Jesus’ disciples lived ordinary lives before He called them. Luke was a doctor, a few of them were fishermen, and Matthew was a tax collector. Jesus Himself did carpentry in His father’s workshop. Matthew was a faithful and honest worker in his serious profession as a tax collector. Compare this to Judas’ accounting responsibility, which was found failing when he took a bribe for information which led to Jesus’ arrest.

#13 Barnabas, the generous giver

Acts 4 tells us about Barnabas, a committed believer, who sold a field and gave its proceeds to the Early Church. Barnabas’ giving grew his impact. He was well-known for his encouragement to and support of the early missionary efforts of Paul and others.  Giving money to help others is an important aspect of doing finances the Kingdom way.

#14 Jesus, visionary leader

It has been said that Jesus Christ was the most famous person to ever live. He carefully built His team of disciples and led them with great attention to their needs. Despite being firm on the vision, Jesus embodied servant leadership and often taught that the greatest leaders serve others. From Him, we can learn to be the kind of leaders who wash the feet of the people we lead.

Affirmation and Prayer

Affirmation: God used leaders in the Bible, and He can use me too! 

Dear God, You have always chosen to work through people. Thank You for making me a part of Your great plans and purposes in the world. Help me to identify my role to play, so that my work, life, and finances may be used for Your glory alone. Amen.