Leadership Bible Study:

Growing Fruitful Leaders

Theme: Leadership through Abiding in Christ
Text: John 15:1–8

Opening Scripture

John 15:1–5 (KJV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Part 1 – A Leader Must Be Fruitful

Key Idea: Leadership is not just about activity or numbers; it is about transformation in people. Leaders are fruitful when they help others grow spiritually, become more Christlike, and align with the vision and values of the church.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean for a leader to be “fruitful”?

  2. How can we measure fruitfulness in a fellowship group or ministry context?

  3. Why is mere activity or attendance not enough for a leader to be considered fruitful?

Scripture References:

  • Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit shows evidence of Christlike character in people.

  • Matthew 28:19–20 – Making disciples is central to fruitfulness.

  • John 15:16 – “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”

Commentary Insight:

Albert Barnes: “A branch that is truly connected to the vine will bear fruit; all else is superficial. Fruit is the evidence of life in Christ.”

Reflection Exercise:

  • Identify people in your group who are beginning to show transformation. Are you investing in their growth effectively?

Part 2 – Fruitfulness Comes from Abiding in Christ

Key Idea: Personal spiritual life is the foundation of leadership. You can bring people to a group, but you cannot make them grow if you yourself are not abiding in Christ.

Four Key Areas of Abiding for Leaders:

  1. Prayer – Daily communication with God (Philippians 4:6–7).

  2. Scripture Engagement – Meditating and applying God’s Word (Psalm 1:2–3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

  3. Obedience – Living according to God’s commands (John 14:15).

  4. Fellowship/Community – Being accountable to Christ-centered relationships (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of these areas is strongest in your life? Which needs attention?

  2. Who in your group could be sent out or released in the next 3–5 years, and are you helping them get what they need?

Commentary Insight:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: “Abiding is the continual dependence on Christ, not merely a temporary association. It is the lifeblood of leadership.”

Part 3 – To Increase Fruit, Leaders Must Be Pruned

Key Idea: Fruitful leadership requires discipline, focus, and removal of distractions. God’s pruning is about cutting back things that hinder your spiritual growth and leadership effectiveness.

Scripture References:

  • John 15:2 – “Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 – “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things…”

  • 2 Timothy 2:4 – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

  • 1 Corinthians 10:23 – “All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient.”

Discussion Exercise:

  • Identify three things in your life that are distractions or unhelpful habits preventing you from being an effective leader.

  • How can pruning these help you become more fruitful?

Commentary Insight:

Matthew Henry: “The pruning of Christ is not punishment but preparation; it removes that which hinders growth so that the branch may bear more abundant fruit.”

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are you willing to be challenged and corrected to grow as a leader?

  2. How does humility play a role in effective leadership?

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

  1. Leadership is measured by fruitfulness, not activity.

  2. Fruitfulness flows from a personal, abiding relationship with Christ.

  3. Effective leaders are willing to be pruned, removing distractions and unhelpful habits.

  4. Growth and fruitfulness in others depend on your connection to the Vine.

Final Scripture:

  • John 15:8 – “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”