When it comes to biblical leadership, accountability isn’t about wielding power—it’s about carrying a burden. A burden that isn’t glamorous, and certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. Let’s dig into what Hebrews 13:17 (NASB) has to say and see how it dismantles any fantasies of leadership being a free ride to respect and influence.

Here’s the verse again for impact:

“Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.”
Hebrews 13:17 (NASB)

This isn’t just a job description. It’s a solemn warning.

Context of Hebrews 13:17

The book of Hebrews is a bit like a theological manifesto for early Jewish Christians struggling to reconcile their newfound faith in Christ with centuries of tradition. By the time you get to chapter 13, the writer—possibly Paul or someone else equally long-winded—is throwing down rapid-fire instructions about how to live as a community of faith.

Verse 17 drops into this with an emphasis on leadership. Not the kind where you wear a shiny badge and bark orders, but the type that involves vigilance over the spiritual health of others. The imagery suggests shepherds watching over sheep, not corporate CEOs staring at spreadsheets. And here’s the kicker: these leaders are accountable not just to the people they serve but to God Himself.

A Double Accountability

1. To the PeopleThe first layer of accountability in this verse is to the community of believers. Leaders are called to “keep watch over your souls.” The Greek here (ἀγρυπνέω) literally means to stay awake or be sleepless. Think night watchman, not daytime influencer.

   This isn’t a call for micromanagement or control. It’s about guidance, prayer, and discernment. A leader who forgets that leadership is servanthood might as well hang it up now.

2. To GodHere’s where it gets terrifying. Leaders must “give an account” to God for how they’ve handled their role. It’s like having a performance review, except the boss is omniscient, omnipotent, and unimpressed by excuses.

   This means that any abuse of authority, negligence, or failure to act isn’t just a personal failing—it’s a direct violation of the trust God has placed in that leader.

Theological Perspectives on Leadership and Accountability

Early Church Fathers

The early Church didn’t shy away from the heaviness of this verse. Chrysostom, the golden-mouthed preacher, once said:

“The souls of the disciples are required at the hands of their teachers. This is no light thing.”
Chrysostom

Modern Theologians

N.T. Wright emphasizes the communal nature of accountability, arguing that biblical leadership is rooted in the life of the church, not individual ambition.

John Piper has pointed out that this verse challenges the Western obsession with autonomy. Leaders are servants, not solo acts.

Denominational Views

Roman Catholics lean heavily on this verse to underline the pastoral responsibility of priests and bishops.

Protestants often focus on the communal nature of obedience and submission, especially in congregational settings.

Pentecostals might highlight the role of spiritual discernment in watching over souls, tying it to the work of the Holy Spirit in the leader’s life.

Practical Implications for Leaders

1. Leadership Isn’t Self-CareModern culture loves the idea of “self-care” for leaders. And while rest and boundaries are crucial, Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that leadership is sacrificial. If you’re in it for the perks, you’re in the wrong field.
2. Accountability Requires VulnerabilityLeaders must answer to others, both horizontally (to their teams) and vertically (to God). This means being open to criticism, correction, and even rebuke.
3. It’s About the Sheep, Not the ShepherdThe well-being of the people under your care isn’t a secondary concern—it’s the whole job. Spiritual neglect is as serious as financial mismanagement in God’s kingdom.

For the Followers

This verse isn’t just for leaders—it’s also a call to the community to respect and submit to their leaders. Let’s not sugarcoat it: this can be uncomfortable, especially when leaders fail or disappoint. But biblical submission isn’t about blind obedience—it’s about mutual trust and accountability.

Conclusion

Biblical leadership is not about titles, fame, or wielding power. It’s about sleepless nights, selfless service, and standing before God with a clear conscience. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that leadership comes with a cost, and the price is accountability.

Would-be leaders, count the cost. Followers, pray for your leaders. And everyone, remember this: the greatest leader of all time didn’t come to be served but to serve.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45 (NASB)

Further Reading Suggestions

• “The Call to Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders
• “Leaders Who Last” by Dave Kraft
• “The Making of a Leader” by Frank Damazio
• The Shepherd Trilogy by W. Phillip Keller (especially A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23)

Accountability isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of biblical leadership. And in the end, it’s not about you—it’s about God and the people He’s called you to serve.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB® New American Standard Bible®, Copyright ©, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.