Leadership Concepts from a place of Shepherding: A look into

The Bible has much to say about a local church government and leadership. This study will examine some key passages that will help us to understand New Testament terms for leaders and to define or shape a biblical concept of leadership within a local church. The majority of Bible students agree that there are three main terms which are used in the Bible for spiritual leadership with a local church. Because of limited space, this paper will not address deacons.

This article responds to the assertion that the New Testament model for leadership is corporate, which consists of a group of elders for each local church leadership structure and emphasizes that, there is no biblical basis for a ‘senior’ pastor whom alone shepherds the church. This view asserts itself to the view that there has been an evolution in church leadership from the NT until now. Although, we ultimately agree with this view, we will however share some of our own insights in this regard.

This paper presents key aspects of church leadership as taught by the Apostle Paul in the second chapter of his second letter to Timothy. Other references pertaining to Biblical teaching on church leadership, which are greatly needed in the church today, are also included.

This paper draws out select leadership principles from the lives of four Biblical men: David, Nehemiah, Paul, and Joseph. Their leadership qualities are examined to inform a modern philosophy of leadership.

LEADERSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT This article takes issue with the widely accepted view that leadership in the New Testament church evolved from a loose charismatic form into a more structured form. It seeks to demonstrate this thesis firstly by drawing attention to indications that more formal authority existed at an earlier stage than is often accepted, and secondly by demonstrating that both charismatic and formal authority can co-exist. It is argued that the church of the first century adopted automatically the authority structures common in their environment, especially those of the synagogue, but allowed for the modification of these structures by the inbreaking of the charismatic Spirit. The conclusion is that the actual form of church order in the first century was largely a matter of contingent expediency, but the combining of formal order and charismatic power was an important principle.

The scholarly literature in the area of leadership has not paid much attention to what the Bible has to say about successful and unsuccessful leadership. This paper presents numerous articles dealing with biblical leaders such as Abraham, Judah, Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Esther, Ezra and many others and demonstrates numerous insights about leadership that may be derived from their stories. These readings might be of value to someone teaching a course in biblical or ethical leadership.

Sanyasa Journal of Consecrated Life , 2008

The author undertakes a serious investigation to find out the fascinating leadership qualities that are found in Moses and Jesus by going through various incidents which occurred in their lives and tries to apply them for the rightful exercise of leadership in the context of today's Consecrated life. This study is very much selective rather than all-inclusive in its nature.

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership, 2011

The church’s leadership experience spanning the centuries places it in a unique position to contribute to leadership studies. Any contribution should grow out of the development of a theology of leadership. Consideration of that development should be informed by general leadership studies while uniquely drawn from its faith. Its primary elements should include a Scripture-based, God-governed, Christ-centric reflection on the use of the gifts that the Holy Spirit has empowered all believers with in order to accomplish His mission in and for the world. A theology of leadership must constantly balance the biblical narrative and contextual application. This leads to both ecclesiology and practical leadership being advanced simultaneously. Research can be furthered through greater analysis of both scriptural and historical leadership contexts.

The scholarly literature in management has paid little attention to the study of Biblical figures as leaders. This paper aims to advance the effort to fill this gap by demonstrating that many insights about successful and unsuccessful leadership may be derived from the Bible. Successful leaders demonstrated a willingness to be different, a passion for justice, humility, and a concern for others. Unsuccessful leaders were sidetracked from their mission by the hunger for power or by lust and envy.

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2014

The scope of this article is to expand the shepherd model of leadership functions as portrayed by the shepherd metaphor. The identification and the biblical usage of the shepherd and the sheep is explored, with special focus on the role of the shepherd. This role is identified as that of caring, courage, and guidance. The caring function includes activities such as restoration, feeding, watering, grooming, shearing, delivering lambs, leading, and protection. The function of courage focuses on activities of assuming responsibility, serving and participating in change. The function of guidance gives a special highlight on hodegos [leader or guide] – to lead or to guide in regard to a decision or future course of action. This is where the leadership training is based. The conclusion is the call for leaders in the ecclesiastical community to pursue the shepherd-leader model for the advance and the effectiveness of the mission Dei [mission of God] in the world.