FROM THE EDITOR: TWENTY YEARS OF BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Paul J. Palma, Ph.D.
Regent University
School of Business and Leadership

On behalf of Regent University's School of Business and Leadership (SBL) and the editorial board of the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership (JBPL), I extend my deepest gratitude for your steadfast support.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, JBPL remains committed to exploring, engaging, and extending the field of knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon of leadership as found within the context of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Driving this issue is the ongoing conversation surrounding human flourishing, examined through the lens of steward leadership. Each contribution proudly advances our two-decade heritage of innovative leadership scholarship.

It is a privilege to continue the illustrious legacy of JBPL

leadership alongside my co-editor, Dr. Alex Wright, our distinguished editorial review team, and our dedicated production staff. We are especially grateful to Dr. Doris Gomez for her constant support since becoming SBL's dean in 2014. In addition to her oversight and encouragement, Dean Gomez designed JBPL's iconic, seamlessly symmetric logo, which remains a proud fixture on the journal's 20th anniversary.

Thanks to the support of our ever-increasing readership, at two decades in, JBPL is well-positioned to excel for many years ahead as the standard for robust biblical leadership scholarship. Thank you for the joy and honor of serving.

Grace and peace in the name of Christ.

Organizations are more commonly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into critical workflows, processes, and as team members to partner with technology for impact. Therefore, Christian leaders must consider what faithful technology stewardship requires. This article presents an exegetical examination of the Genesis creation narratives (1:26-28; 2:15) and the principle of the imago Dei as theological foundations for leadership in digitally mediated environments. Through exegesis of key passages on dominion, stewardship, work, and humanity's unique identity as image-bearers of God, the article explores distinctions between human beings and increasingly intelligent technological systems. While artificial intelligence may assist, optimize, and inform decision-making, it lacks the moral agency, accountability, or spiritual interiority uniquely granted to humanity. This distinction carries significant implications for leadership theory and organizational practice. The manuscript argues that human-centric leadership may be understood as a form of steward leadership in the age of intelligent machines, requiring leaders to intentionally design, govern, and constrain technological systems to preserve human dignity, relational depth, and organizational justice. This work contributes an exegetically grounded Christian leadership framework for responsible AI stewardship that maintains humanity at the center of technological transformation.

Keywords: imago Dei, artificial intelligence, human-centric leadership, technology ethics

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic decision systems are increasingly shaping organizational practices and influencing outcomes that affect human lives. From employment decisions to financial approvals and healthcare recommendations, intelligent systems now participate in domains historically governed by human judgment. This shift introduces new ethical and leadership challenges related to accountability, human dignity, and the stewardship of decision-making systems. While leadership theories such as transformational, servant, and stewardship leadership provide valuable frameworks for influence and responsibility, they were largely developed prior to the widespread integration of AI in organizational decision processes. This article introduces the concept of augmented leadership, a perspective that reframes leadership as a partnership between human judgment and intelligent systems while maintaining human accountability. Grounded in a biblical theology of stewardship (e.g., Gen. 1:28; Matt. 25:14-30) and contemporary leadership theory, this study argues that leaders must actively steward intelligent systems to ensure outcomes that promote human dignity and flourishing understood through the lens of the imago Dei. This article contributes a needed theological and leadership framework for guiding organizations in the ethical governance of artificial intelligence.

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Stewardship is a calling, one that requires conviction, purpose, and a willingness to serve. Oftentimes, our religious beliefs instill a deep sense of responsibility to lead. This study examines how general religiosity influences the likelihood of holding a formal leadership position, proposing that Motivation to Lead (MTL) serves as the pathway through which faith inspires leadership. Using survey responses from working adults in the United States, our findings reveal that individuals with stronger religious beliefs are more likely to step into leadership roles, a pattern driven by two key motivational forces: Affective-Identity and Social-Normative motivations to lead. Those who see leadership as part of their identity and those who feel a moral obligation to lead are significantly more likely to occupy formal leadership positions. However, a willingness to lead without concern for personal gain, reflected in Non-Calculative motivation to lead, was not a significant predictor of leadership attainment, suggesting that leadership often requires more than just selfless intent; leadership requires a clear sense of purpose and responsibility. Our findings reinforce the biblical narrative that stewardship is a calling and a sacred duty.

Keywords: faith-based leadership, religiosity, calling to lead, Christian leadership, organizational leadership, motivation to lead

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Clinical mental health supervision is one of the most influential leadership relationships within the helping professions because supervisors shape professional competence, ethical decision-making, counselor identity development, and ultimately client welfare. Although contemporary supervision literature increasingly emphasizes competency-based education, reflective practice, and evidence-informed leadership, supervision is often conceptualized primarily as an educational or administrative responsibility rather than as an exercise of entrusted moral leadership. This conceptual article argues that steward leadership provides a biblically grounded and theoretically integrative framework for understanding clinical supervision as leadership exercised on behalf of supervisees, clients, organizations, and society. Drawing from an exegetical examination of Genesis 2:15, Matthew 20:25-28, and 1 Peter 5:2-3, the article develops a biblical theology of stewardship characterized by entrusted authority, faithful service, accountability, and the promotion of flourishing. These theological principles are integrated with stewardship theory, servant leadership, authentic leadership, transformational leadership, competency-based supervision, instructional design, and adult learning scholarship to propose the Steward Leadership Framework for Clinical Mental Health Supervision. The framework identifies four interdependent supervisory responsibilities—formation, protection, accountability, and service—that collectively foster supervisee professional growth, ethical clinical practice, client flourishing, organizational flourishing, and ultimately human flourishing. The article concludes by discussing implications for supervisor education, leadership scholarship, behavioral health organizations, and future research.

Keywords: clinical supervision, steward leadership, servant leadership, competency-based supervision, biblical leadership, human flourishing, counselor education

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Steward leadership has gained increasing attention in contemporary leadership studies because it frames authority as a trust exercised for the good of others rather than as a possession used for personal gain. At the same time, the literature remains conceptually uneven in its treatment of entrusted authority, accountability, and human flourishing. In this study, the author applies Osborne's (2006) hermeneutical principles for interpreting parables to Luke 12:42–48 to address the following research question: How does an analysis of Luke 12:42–48 refine steward leadership theory's understanding of entrusted authority, accountability, and human flourishing? The analysis indicates that the parable presents authority as delegated rather than owned, accountability as morally evaluative and proportionate, and flourishing as faithful provision for others rather than leader-centered success. The setting, structure, earthly details, and theological thrust of the parable converge on a coherent model of steward leadership in which legitimacy is measured by how entrusted power is exercised on behalf of dependents under the expectation of judgment. In that respect, Luke 12:42-48 does more than illustrate stewardship. The findings refine steward leadership theory by clarifying the purpose of authority, the standards by which stewardship is judged, and the ethical content of flourishing.

Keywords: delegated trust, evaluative judgment, faithful provision, kingdom ethics, stakeholder welfare

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This conceptual article argues that leadership is best understood from a biblical perspective as entrusted authority exercised under God and for the good of others. Drawing on a sustained reading of Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15, the doctrine of the imago Dei, and the stewardship parable of Luke 12:42-48, the study develops a theological framework in which stewardship governs both the meaning and purpose of leadership. It then places leader-member exchange theory and self-determination theory in dialogue with this biblical framework to explain how stewardship is experienced through relational quality and how it supports the conditions necessary for human flourishing. Leader-member exchange theory clarifies the relational processes through which trust, respect, and developmental concern are enacted between leaders and followers, while self-determination theory explains how autonomy, competence, and relatedness shape the motivational foundations of flourishing. The article defines human flourishing as an ordered reality with a governing purpose, a relational ground, several developmental dimensions, and a structural condition, so that the concept is not reduced to well-being or performance. The distinct contribution of the study is architectural rather than additive: stewardship does not sit beside leader-member exchange and self-determination theory as one more model but subordinates and reinterprets their central constructs, so that trust, autonomy, competence, and relatedness are read as indices of faithful authority rather than as instruments of organizational performance. By integrating biblical stewardship, relational exchange, and motivational support, the study offers a framework that reframes leadership as faithful care for image-bearers within organizational life.

Keywords: human flourishing, leader-member exchange, organizational health, self-determination theory, stewardship leadership

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This article explores the biblical perspective of honoring aging faculty. A biblical interpretive approach is taken to tease out relevant biblical passages and truths that might assist college and university administrations in making decisions from a broad philosophical approach concerning aging faculty. The aim is to show effective and wise approaches to respect faculty while also meeting university needs.

Keywords: faculty, aging, biblical, servant leadership

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Although we can fill libraries with thousands of books, articles, and periodicals on the topic of leadership, an unsolved challenge of successful leadership is a successful transition. Servant leaders are charismatic and trustworthy. They inspire and elicit loyalty through their service and people-focus. Rather than prioritizing power, money, and personal success, servant leaders work to enable their people to succeed and empower them to meet the needs of the organization through their own self-realization. An interesting question arises in the exploration of servant leadership and succession planning. Are servant leaders better at planning their succession? In the United States, 84% of churches lack a succession plan for their senior leader (Vanderbloemen & Bird, 2020, p.30). In any 12-month period, there are approximately 30,000 U.S. pastors in transition, with more senior pastors older than 65 years of age than those under 40. Although leadership succession is expected (Sanou, 2021, p.29), inevitable (Olusegun, 2021), and a fact (Adkins, 2017), transition planning continues to be more of a reactive process (Blythe, 2005, p.14) and an afterthought. This article explores leadership succession through the lens of servant leadership and the transitions between Moses and Joshua, and Elijah and Elisha, and the working relationship between Paul and Timothy.

Keywords: servant leaders, leadership transitions, succession planning

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Servant leadership has been regarded as a transformative approach to leadership because it places service to others at the center of influence. However, a reflective biblical analysis of its application proposes the concept of “leader servantship” as the inward servant identity of the leader. This leader servant concept is not in any sense a rival theory to servant leadership or a leader-first claim to authority. Drawing on reflective qualitative inquiry from a six-month Africa Servant Leadership Development Institute (ASLEAD) certificate experience, relevant servant leadership literature, and biblical texts from the King James Bible, this paper argues that leader servantship under divine submission precipitates motives, humility, love, integrity, and the accountability that sustain authentic service. The discussion distinguishes outward servant leadership behaviors from the inner posture that purifies and stabilizes those behaviors. It further demonstrates, through the example of Jesus Christ, that legitimate Christian leadership is strengthened rather than diminished when the leader remains consciously submitted to God and committed to serving others. Leader servantship does not mean abandoning leadership to become passive or subordinate. It means exercising genuine leadership authority through humility, service, stewardship, and accountability to God and to those being led. The article concludes that leader servantship can be used as a careful conceptual lens for demonstrating Christ’s leadership service practice in the Church, organizations, and community contexts.

Keywords: Jesus Christ, humility, servanthood, servant leadership, biblical leadership, mentorship

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This article develops a biblically grounded leadership framework by examining the love-thy-neighbor commandment (Matt. 22:39; Rom. 13:8–10) as a normative principle within Ethiopian Evangelical churches. Engaging steward leadership emphasizing responsibility, accountability, and faithful management of relationships, it argues that this commandment constitutes the theological and relational foundation of ethical, relational leadership (Rodin, 2010). In this study, through exegetical analysis, theological reflection, and empirical evidence, leadership is reframed not as mere authority or effectiveness but as the embodiment of relational responsibility. Unlike models prioritizing the positional authority of Abraham Maslow's (1943) self-centered motivational paradigm, authentic leadership emerges through ethically embodied, others-oriented relationships aligned with biblical teaching (Walumbwa et al., 2008). Empirical data from adherents across five Evangelical denominations show that the commandment's influence on leadership is primarily indirect, mediated by leaders' ethical integrity, adherents' relational engagement, and the consistent enactment of faith values. These findings demonstrate that ethical and effective leadership is realized through lived relational commitments. By integrating exegesis, theology, and empirical analysis, the study extends steward leadership by identifying the love-thy-neighbor commandment as its foundational ethic, offering a contextually relevant and theologically robust model for ethical, relational, and transformative leadership in Ethiopian Evangelical churches.

Keywords: biblical leadership, love-thy-neighbor, theological ethics, steward leadership, Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Ethiopia

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This study examines John 13:1-17 as a model of transformational leadership using socio-rhetorical analysis, with particular attention to intertextual and ideological textures. Grounded in transformational leadership theory as described by Burns (1978) and Bass (1985), the research investigates how the foot-washing narrative engages biblical servant traditions while simultaneously challenging Greco-Roman honor-based conceptions of authority. Intertextual analysis demonstrates that the pericope is embedded within broader biblical motifs, especially Isaiah's Servant Songs and ritual purification texts, which collectively frame leadership as humility, obedience, and self-sacrificing service. Ideological analysis reveals that the narrative actively destabilizes hierarchical assumptions about status by redefining greatness as enacted service rather than positional authority. Findings indicate that John 13:1-17 functions as a foundational model of transformational leadership in which identity formation, ethical reorientation, and behavioral imitation are central mechanisms of change. The pericope reflects key dimensions of transformational leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized concern. It extends these concepts into a theologically grounded framework of sacrificial service. This study concludes that John 13:1-17 offers an ethical model of leadership in which transformation occurs at the level of identity and communal practice, thereby enriching contemporary leadership theory through biblical exegesis.

Keywords: biblical leadership, ideological analysis, intertextuality, leadership identity formation

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Transformational leadership theory remains one of the most influential frameworks for understanding leadership during periods of organizational change. Although extensive empirical research links transformational leadership behaviors with positive organizational outcomes, the literature remains predominantly leader-centered and gives limited attention to how leadership influence persists during leadership transitions. This study examines Acts 20:17–38 as a biblical case study of leadership transition to explore how leadership authority is constructed and transferred during organizational change. Using socio-rhetorical analysis as outlined by Henson et al. (2020), the study analyzes the inner and intertexture of Paul’s farewell discourse to the Ephesian elders. The analysis identifies rhetorical patterns emphasizing moral credibility, relational accountability, vigilance, and stewardship of entrusted responsibility. Rather than transferring authority to a single successor, the passage relocates leadership responsibility to a plurality of elders and anchors authority in the mission of the community and the “word of grace” (Acts 20:32). The findings identify a post-charismatic leadership continuity model that explains how leadership influence becomes institutionalized through moral credibility, communal stewardship, transcendent authority, vigilance, and mission anchoring following the departure of a charismatic leader. The study contributes to leadership scholarship by extending transformational leadership theory through a biblical case of leadership institutionalization following charismatic departure.

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This paper explores the governance of Israel's first four rulers: Saul, David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. It highlights the tradition of righteous kings consulting a higher authority, such as a prophet or the high priest, on pivotal decisions. Prophets played a vital role, providing moral guidance and correction to the king. Today, it is crucial for business leaders to have a chief ethics officer to navigate ethical decision-making. The consequences of CEO choices can be dire, with innumerable lives affected by prioritizing profit over human safety and reputation. Just as King David sought advice on significant matters, modern corporate executives should also rely on the counsel of those who understand the ethical implications of their decisions.

Keywords: Bible, leadership, ethics, chief ethics officer, King Saul, King David, King Solomon

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This qualitative study, grounded in bibliographic and documentary research, explores the educational legacy of the Waldensian movement as a historical exemplar of faith and leadership formation amid persecution. Drawing from their experiences in hostile contexts, it identifies core pedagogical principles and practices that sustained a resilient Christian community and its leaders. Key findings reveal an approach centered on the primacy of Scripture, holistic and missionary-oriented formation, communal solidarity and resistance, and ethical integrity in living out faith. These principles were embodied in practices such as Scripture-based teaching and memorization, practical training for leadership, clandestine educational networks, and consistent witness between belief and daily conduct. The study concludes that the Waldensian legacy offers a valuable biblical-historical model for contemporary Christian education and emerging leadership development, equipping believers with persevering faith and adaptive resilience to resist adversity and endure in turbulent or hostile environments.

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Leaders inevitably encounter moments when trusted followers fail at critical times. Moments of follower failure can destabilize leader-follower relationships and challenge the leader's ability to maintain organizational direction. Leadership relationships are often tested when followers fail to fulfill expected roles, and while leadership research has extensively examined leader-follower relationship formation and outcomes, less attention has been given to how leadership should respond when trusted followers fail. This study analyzes Matthew 26:36-46 to examine how leaders may respond when abandoned by followers. The purpose of this study is to explore leadership responses to follower failure through Jesus's interaction with Peter, James, and John in the Garden of Gethsemane. Leader-member exchange theory is applied as an interpretive lens to the intertexture and inner-texture analysis of the Gethsemane narrative. The analysis reveals Jesus's steadfastness in the mission, continued engagement despite follower failure, and His calling of followers beyond failure into future opportunities. The study contributes to biblical leadership scholarship by integrating leadership theory with biblical narrative to propose a Christ-centered framework for navigating follower failure.

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