Christian Leadership
Starting with biblical truth on any aspect of life is foundational to the flourishing of our Christian experience. Without it this knowledge of truth, we are tempted to be swayed too and fro in the patterns of the world that attempt to inform the way in which we react with one another. As a leader, being biblically grounded could not be of more significance. We all lead in some capacity/capacities. Parents, friends, co-workers, employers, church leaders and more. Our sphere of influence is ours to steward and shepherd well. Laniak highlights how vital the role of a shepherd and the required demand to pay attention to the life sustaining needs of the flock. Laniak writes about shepherds saying, “They were known for independence, resourcefulness, adaptability, courage, and vigilance. Their profession cultivated a capacity for attentiveness, self-sacrifice and compassion.”[1] At the time, successful shepherds were considered the ultimate example of leadership. Today, quality leadership principles are still derived from the role of a shepherd and his intimate relationship with his flock. Because, we are discussing people, other image bearing people of God, we must take even more care for those we influence. Thus, the stakes of having biblical truth as a guiding principle to any and all decision making are all the higher.
This is not to say that the secular world does not offer great value and insight to the human psyche and the leadership principles it develops. Just like advances in modern medicine is not a replacement for prayer of divine healing of a sick individual but is in addition to our petitions, nor is the sciences and anthropology in conflict with leadership styles and ideas. Many experienced leaders now share their wisdom in books, seminars, and podcast. Some have worked with psychologist and neuroscientist to help them lead incredible organizations. As believers, it is foolish to discredit these findings simply because they lack faith in Jesus. What we are likely to find is that these recently discovered ideas have been previously demonstrated in the biblical text.
A particular passage that comes to mind is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13. This act of ultimate humility taught the disciples that leadership is not about delegating task, though that is a part of it. But fundamentally, it is about illustrating to others what you care about in a way that they know you are willing to do what it takes to accomplish the goal. In this instance, Jesus showed the disciples I am not here to elevate myself as some “earthly” king you may have in mind. Washing the feces and dirt off the disciples feet was the total opposite of what a king would do. Instead, Jesus is communicating, my Kingdom is about love, compassion, and empathy. I am willing to do something rather disgusting so that you see that I (Jesus) am willing to do whatever is necessary to show the world that there is a better system of kingship available. This act ultimately opened the eyes of the disciples to the ways of Jesus and how they should carry the Kingdom of heaven forward after his ascension.
[1]Timothy S. Laniak, Shepherds after My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the BibleLinks to an external site., ed. D. A. Carson, vol. 20, New Studies in Biblical Theology (England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press; Apollos, 2006), 57.