Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership

I recently discovered a new publication that addresses the intersection of biblical leadership, theological appropriation, and ethics. And while the articles are a bit simplistic in their exegetical approach and analysis (e.g., mapping of management leadership models to biblical precepts and frameworks, etc.), as biblical studies is all too often divorced from theological appropriation, the journal is a welcome addition. The articles are currently available for free download.

The purpose statement for the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership reads as follows:

"The Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership (JBPL) is a refereed scholarly journal that aims to provide a forum for international research and exploration of leadership studies focused on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Representing the multidisciplinary fields of biblical, social-science, historical and leadership studies, the JBPL publishes qualitative research papers that explore, engage and extend the field of knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon of leadership as found within the contexts of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. To stimulate scholarly debate and a free flow of ideas, the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership is published in electronic format and provides access to all issues free of charge."

The first issue contains the following articles:

TOWARD A THEOLOGY OF LEADERSHIP
by Michale Ayers
With all the dynamic research in leadership over the past fifty years, the writings of Hickman, Northouse, and Yukl reveal that leadership studies do not generally embrace theology in the leadership context. This study examines this reality and proposes a common language for the convergence of theology and leadership. A theological treatment of leadership is offered through an exegesis and socio-rhetorical critical analysis of the Christological hymn of Philippians 2:5-11, along with the application of the common language in this theological treatment. The paper concludes by applying the convergence of theology and leadership as found in this text to social definitions of leadership and transformational leadership theory.

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS: INSTILLING VALUES USING SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP
by Gordon R. Middleton
Values lie at the heart of leadership, and the infusion of values to followers remains an important, and sometimes, difficult challenge. The apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians to instill particular values within the recipient Christian fellowships. In so doing, his letter exhibits insightful assessment of his audience and demonstrates the use of situational leadership in attempting to instill the values he felt were important. Paul adapted his approaches to leading followers according to the readiness level of the followers. He tailored his communication style to the characteristics of his audiences in a way very consistent with the Situational Leadership Model of Hersey and Blanchard. Ephesians provides an excellent example from the first century of a leader assessing his followers and adjusting his leadership style to fit their readiness as followers. These results provide encouragement to religious and secular leaders today to follow his approach in achieving effective communications.

JOHN 21: A JOHANNINE MODEL OF LEADERSHIP
by Randy Poon
In John 21:1-25, the author provides a description of Jesus' third encounter with His disciples following His resurrection. Through the use of socio-rhetorical criticism and in particular, inner texture analysis, we exegetically examine the text and ascertain John's perspective of Jesus' leadership. Four key themes emerge from this analysis of Jesus as change agent and guide. We come to understand leadership as love, restorative preparation, the nurturing of commitment, and the guidance toward higher-order objectives. Together these elements come to form a Johannine model of leadership that aligns with socio-cultural norms and beliefs in both the author's time and today.

SAFETY IN UNCERTAINTY FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: AN INNER TEXTURE READING OF HEBREWS 11:23-29
by Daniel Rogers
This article explores the inner texture of Hebrews 11:23-29 and attempts to decipher the components of Moses' leadership development by faith. The process that Moses goes through as portrayed in this passage is then related with additional passages in Hebrews and its implications for global leadership. This article uses a socio-rhetorical approach to Scripture to focus on the relational aspects of leadership development within both people and organizations. After analyzing the Scripture, this process is compared and contrasted with Winston and Patterson's integrative definition of leadership, an example of its cross-cultural effectiveness is provided, and a recommendation is formulated to help us understand safety in uncertainty.