From One Life to Another: An Introduction to Biblical Leadership

The introduction to the textbook underscores the overabundance of literature available on the subject of leadership. Spillane and Joullie (2015, viii) emphasize the concern of this growing preoccupation, writing in their introduction, “It is perhaps surprising that in the century that saw around 100 million people die because of the lunatic beliefs of political ‘leaders’, people in our time should have become obsessed with leadership and its applications in diverse fields—religious, military, political, entertainment, sport, arts and more.”[1]

The definition of biblical leadership on page 3 of the textbook offered for personal consideration and opinion reads as “Biblical leadership is taking the initiative to influence people to grow in holiness and to passionately promote the extension of God’s kingdom in the world.” This definition instantly reveals its objective authority, being “biblical.” Biblical leadership is not a display of raw human power or will power, subjective rationalization, confrontation, management, or the result of some contractual obligation. Instead, the definition implies the leader has made significant personal growth in holiness and obedience as the result of an encounter with rational and objective divine truth. It suggests that one understands his or her place as having been influenced by the obedience of another and is now a citizen of God’s kingdom. The definition resonates with tones of evangelism and discipleship. One easily imagines Bunyan’s “Evangelist” or any other positive character in that story as the embodiment of biblical leadership.

The first definitive criterion of proactivity indicates that biblical leadership does not wait, but leaps into action. This area is most flexible and allows for a wide range of talents and abilities to be utilized. The second standard of purpose reflects the direction of the way, the agenda. The third and final characteristic of comprehensiveness indicates this leadership is not exclusive. Biblical leadership does not postpone until the neighbor realizes his house is on fire but instead runs over and bangs on the door, warning of the danger and directs to safety. If there is a way to expand or improve on these criteria, no suggestions come to mind.

One simple definition of biblical leadership might be, “the impact of absolute authority, from one life to another.”

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[1] Spillane, Robert and Jean-Etienne Joullie. 2015. Philosophy of Leadership: The Power of
Authority. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. p. viii.