Introduction

Noah was an outstanding character of his time. He lived an exemplary life to the rest of the
people by not compromising in the relationship with his creator, Yahweh (Genesis 6:8). The
principles he followed to become a successful one in leading a small group of followers from
the wrath of God are his persistence and Godly character. His ability of influencing at least
his family members to believe something like rain, which they have never experienced
before, has become the only reason for the existence of the human race to date. While God
was lamenting about the disobedience and sinful nature of people He created (Genesis 6:6),
Noah stood out of the crowd because of his principles (Genesis 6:9). Leadership principles
play a vital role in shaping the leader and also has an impact on the way a leader follows to
accomplish his vision.1 Noah was living in a spoiled world and had every chance to slip into
sinful temptations (Genesis 6:5), but his persistence in following the commandments of GOD
to execute His plan made him a successful leader and brought life to him and his family
members, who followed him (Genesis 6:18). It is always important to study and understand
these leadership principles as it helps to be strong and to lead others during uncertainties.2

1. Godly character
Noah's greatest accomplishment, however, was his faithful commitment to obeying and
walking with God all the days of his life. (https://www.learnreligions.com/noah-righteous-
man-701200)

2. Persistence
Mary Fairchild said “Noah’s life can be seen as a model of patience, persistence, and
unwavering faithfulness to God in the face of a faithless society.”3 His persistence was
exceptional. After reading 5th, 6th & 11th chapters of Genesis we can say that it took so many
years to build the ark.4 And in these years was not living with friendly and like-minded
people, but he did it in adverse and difficult conditions. He was so persistent in following the

1
Timothy C. Geoffrion, The Spirit-Led Leader: Nine Leadership Practices and Soul Principles (Herndon, Va:
Alban Institute, 2005), XXII.
2
Andy Stanley, Next Generation Leader (Crown Publishing Group, 2011), 91.
3
Mary Fairchild Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister et al., “Valuable Takeaways from the Life of
Noah,” Learn Religions, accessed January 11, 2020, https://www.learnreligions.com/noah-righteous-man-
701200.
4
Bodie Hodge, “How Long Did It Take for Noah to Build the Ark?,” Answers in Genesis, accessed January 11,
2020, https://answersingenesis.org/bible-timeline/how-long-did-it-take-for-noah-to-build-the-ark/.
word of God. As eight souls were saved in this flood (Genesis 7:13), it is easy to understand
that a floating city to accommodate a pair of every kind of creature on the earth was built by
Noah with the help of his family members. Tim Chaffey goes further and talks about the
possibility for Noah to employ the ungodly people in building the ark, as even today we can
see this kind of outsourcing to unbelievers is done in churches to get their work.5 This is all
done by Noah in unfavourable conditions. He showed his high persistence in doing the work
assigned to him by very well managing and leading the people towards the vision. David
Akers says that it is not even possible to imagine the derision faced by Noah and his family
while building a football ground sized ark.6 In spite of all this mockery Noah was able to lead
his family members in helping him to build the ark. This is the true brilliance of his
leadership in such difficult situations.

Example
Persistence is a key element in being a successful leader…

Noah
1. Obedience
a. In building boat ()
b. In following God’s word (6:22, 7:5)
c. Not being discouraged by the critics
d. Blind faith in God.
e. Aligning with God’s purpose (Timothy C., The Spirit led leader – pg. 85)

2. Righteousness
a. Walking with God (274)
b. Was not influenced by wicked people ()
c. Standing out of the crowd ()
d. Creating a vital spiritual environment around you (Timothy C., The Spirit led
leader – pg. 107)7

5
Tim Chaffey, “How Many People Built the Ark?,” Answers in Genesis, accessed January 11, 2020,
https://answersingenesis.org/noahs-ark/how-many-people-built-the-ark/.
6
David Akers, Winning in Spite Of: Nine Biblical Principles for Turning Hard Times into Personal Growth,
Increased Impact, and Abundant Life (Redemption Press, 2016).
7
Geoffrion, The Spirit-Led Leader, 85.

2
3. Discipline??