Strong words on Christian leadership are shared on this page. It is a work in progress.
"Again and again I repeat the warning: Never place as president of a conference that man who supposes that such a position gives him the power to dictate and control the consciences of others. It is natural for man to have a large estimate of self; old habits wrestle for the supremacy; but the man who occupies a position of trust should not glorify himself. The worker who daily subordinates his will to the will of Christ will be educated away from such an idea. He will practice the virtues of Christ’s character in all meekness and lowliness of mind; and this will give to those whom his ministration is supposed to benefit the precious freedom of the liberty of the children of God. They will be free to act out the grace bestowed upon them, that all may understand the precious privileges which the saints possess as members of the body of Christ. {Lt416-1907.13} The one who is in trust of sacred responsibilities should ever show forth the meekness and wisdom of Christ; for it is thus that he becomes a representative of Christ’s character and methods. Never should he usurp authority, or commend or threaten, saying, “Unless you do as I say, you will receive no pay from the conference.” A man who would speak such words is out of his place as president of a conference. He would make men slaves to his judgment." {Lt416-1907.14}
1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
"Now, Elder H., I want you to understand that I appreciate your interest in the scattering of the truth through a wide sale of Early Writings. I thank the Lord that I know you will not misunderstand me. I thank you for your kindly interest in my behalf. But I will closely watch and pray earnestly that the Lord will remove from me this pressure of debt without my taking a course that might seem unfair to the publishing houses. I know that your offer comes from the sincerity of your soul, and may the Lord bless you for your desire to help me. But I dare not venture to risk the consequences of the step you propose. {Lt106-1908.8}
It would not be best for you and me to unite our interests in a manner that might be misunderstood by some who knew that [I] advised that you be chosen as president of the California Conference. The Lord knows all about my situation, and He can bring relief in some other way. But let us preserve our influence as workers who are united with our brethren who are engaged in the Lord’s work. I know that the office at Mountain View has had a hard time, and is in debt, and I should be very sorry to take a step that would tend to discourage our brethren there. {Lt106-1908.9}
"He who is placed as a president of [a] conference must learn that the human heart is wayward, and that it needs to be strictly sentineled by watchfulness and prayer. As he seeks the Lord conscientiously and constantly, he is taught of God to grow into a representative man, and can be trusted as God trusted Abraham. He needs the whole armor of God, for he has to fight the good fight of faith, and having done all that the Spirit of God has taught him to do, to stand. His enemies may be those of his own household, his wife and children, or they may be his own hereditary and cultivated tendencies, which continually seek for the mastery. Man is human and defective in character, and must battle for the victory. Everyone who begins aright must begin at his own heart. Let the fervent prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” and it will bring the response, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.] {Ms 17, 1896, par. 21}
Lessons need to be learned by all who shall step into places where they are to be proved and tested by God, to see whether they shall be registered day by day as faithful and true stewards of God’s entrusted talents. Have they shown that they have the fear of God before them, whether they are superiors, inferiors, or equals? They need to cherish the truth as an abiding principle, that it may sanctify the soul. The creating, transforming power of God’s Holy Spirit will make them co-partners with Jesus Christ. Yoked up with Christ, they can be more than conquerors through Him. {Ms 17, 1896, par. 22}
The man who is fully sensible that he is in the service of Jesus Christ will aspire for the friendship of God. He will lie low before God, that he may be nothing, and God everything. Such a man is a co-partner with Christ, fitted to preside over a state conference. If he proves himself circumspect, he is prepared for any position, according to his experience and qualifications. Let the churches understand that such a man is to be trusted and sustained. They may go to Him, and talk with Him. Such a man will never feel sufficient to carry the work even of a state conference without the constant grace which God will give. He will not choose to do the work and bear the responsibility alone. Through wise management, he will have the tact to recognize talent in others. He will use those who have this talent, and help them, while they help to share his burdens." {Ms 17, 1896, par. 23}