Welcome to the new Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership (JBPL). This first issue is the culmination of a dream first envisioned by Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez when she was the Dean of the School of Leadership Studies (predecessor of the current School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship). Dr. Reid-Martinez wanted to see a high-quality journal in which Biblical scholars could present their research and findings about what Scripture has to say about leadership. more

From the Editor
Corné J. Bekker

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership. We have worked hard to bring you this first issue and will continue to increase our efforts to foster and facilitate exegetical research in leadership studies. I want to thank our production staff and the members of our editorial board for their hard work and continued efforts to not only raise the level of research evident in this journal but also to extend this field of enquiry. more

Leadership Reflection
David J. Gyertson

The theory of servant leadership popularized by Robert Greenleaf and extended by the work of the Greenleaf Center is a key concept in training and development throughout contemporary leadership thought. Much of Greenleaf's insight appears to be shaped by his own religious background and personal spiritual convictions. It seems clear that he had, at the core of his theory and practice, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as a significant influence. more

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. download/print article

JOHN 21: A JOHANNINE MODEL OF LEADERSHIP
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. download/print article

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. download/print article