FROM THE EDITOR
Joshua Henson

On behalf of the Regent University's School of Business & Leadership and the editorial board of the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership, I welcome you to the relaunch of JBPL after a two-year hiatus.

This edition renews the vision of JBPL to broaden the horizon of exegetical-based research in organizational leadership in both scope and research methodology. The theme of this edition is "Gospel Perspectives of the Leadership of Jesus." As we continue the vision of JBPL, the journal will contain new elements that will be beneficial to our exploration of biblical principles of ecclesial leadership. Given that leadership is a multidisciplinary field, the editorial board recognizes the need for a multidisciplinary format. Given this, JBPL now accepts manuscripts written in both Chicago (16th ed.) and APA (6th ed.) format.

 

 
 

Another new element of JBPL is the inclusion of two categories of manuscripts: featured and thematic. The thematic articles will contribute to our exploration of the journal's chosen theme for the edition, while featured articles will be accepted based on their unique contribution to Christian leadership.
Some of the highlights in this edition include a cutting-edge examination of the best practices for digital media in the church; a challenging study on creating leader credibility; and finally, a provocative exploration of a biblically based expansion of servant leadership.

We remain grateful for the support and guidance from our esteemed reviewers and the visionary support of Dr. Gomez and Dr. Winston at the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University.

Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.
   
JOURNAL OF BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES IN LEADERSHIP: RENEWING THE VISION
Joshua Henson

In the Fall of 2006, the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership launched as the "culmination of a dream" of the School of Business and Leadership at Regent University (Winston, 2006, p. 1). With the stated mission of Christian Leadership to Change the World, there was a need for a journal that offered a platform from which Bible and leadership scholars could present their research about what the Holy Scriptures has to say about leadership. Over the next eight years, under the leadership of Dr. Corné Bekker, the journal became a valuable asset to leadership scholars interested in the role of Scripture in the development of Christian leadership throughout the world. After a two-year hiatus, JBPL is back. In partnership with the School of Business and Leadership's annual Research Roundtables, JBPL serves to give a voice to those scholars whose heart is to explore the Biblical principles of leadership. Thus, we have worked hard to Renew the Vision and bring you this edition. download/print article

   
FEATURED ARTICLES
   
   
DIVINE EMPOWERMENT OF THE EARLY CHURCH MOVEMENT AND RAPID GROWTH IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE EXEGETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK OF ACTS
Xavier Becerra

Using an aspect of exegetical socio-rhetorical criticism, this paper identifies four principles of empowerment found within the Book of Acts in chapters 1, 2, 4, 6 and 15 that are very different to the modern culture of individual empowerment in hierarchical organizations. Applying exegetical analysis – (b) historical intertexture analysis; (c) social intertexture analysis; and (d) cultural intertexture analysis - gives a greater understanding of the issue of divine empowerment as the main explanation for growth in the Nazarene movement, beyond previously proposed social models. This paper builds upon Schor (2009), who developed four models to explain growth in the early Church, to which this contribution adds a fifth, that is, a non-institutional explanation of growth based on the nature of community teamwork and most importantly divine empowerment. Stark (1996) describes the early church as an open but organized movement, with certain social boundaries and a kernel of doctrine. According to Stark, this character of early Christianity, coupled with a high birth rate, resulted in an exponential growth during the first three centuries (Stark, pp. 4–45). However, this may give the impression that the church grew as a result of human endeavor and natural reproductive rate. We must not look just to the growth numbers of early Christianity, Luke's repetitive references to the empowerment and direction of God's Spirit emphasize the fact that the mission to which the new movement founded by Jesus are called is not simply human activity. The explosive growth activity of the early Church could only be fulfilled by the power bestowed upon believers by the gift of God's Spirit. download/print article

   
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IN THE CONTEXT OF LEADERSHIP
Steven S. Crowther
In the study of leadership many models have been proposed based upon sociological research and concepts. While there is a need for a values based model of leadership, values have often been an addendum to a more empirical base for leadership models. Theology can add to this study through applying Biblical studies to the field of leadership and leadership theory, especially in the area of values. This study begins with the nine fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and contextualizes them into leadership theory. The leadership model develops a values based theory. This model includes different aspects of leadership from relational issues to vision, integrity, and humility. Though this model is based upon values as listed in Scripture it contains behaviors that could be validated empirically. download/print article
   
INTEGRATING A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE IN THE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING PRACTICE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)
Cynthia S. Gavin

Return-on-Investment (ROI) is a decision-process. The objective is to render a decision about the amount of investment one must allocate up front in hopes of making a larger return later. When estimated total returns exceed total costs, leaders consider the ROI metric beneficial. Although it is not a perfect process, leaders can apply one of three models to filter their data when formulating their decision. The first model considers the consultant's decision-making process related to capturing new billable work. In this model, the preponderance of the assessment focuses on the upfront investment. The second model, often experienced when government agencies receive grant funding and the decision-making process is not predominantly influenced by money, the concept shifts to assessing the returns or the importance of the outcomes or products. The third model, which the author is proposing, is based on a Biblical perspective, considers the work within the context of the consultant-client relationship, as this aspect is paramount to achieving project success. This model suggests when Christian leaders evaluate ROI based on motive, trust, partnership, and elements that denote being yoked together they are more likely to predict future success. download/print article

   
CREATING A LEADER CREDIBILITY CLIMATE AS MODELED IN THE LEADERSHIP OF JESUS
Samuel S. Hemby
Recent popular press has been full of articles relating to severe gaps in leader credibility. These issues are trans-organizational including corporate scandals, suspicions of manipulation within national offices, and accusations of sexual misconduct within prominent religious leadership. This paper examines leader credibility in the light of Kouzes and Posner's (1993, 2003, 2011) leader credibility theory. Discussion focuses on the importance of credibility, the ingredients of credibility, and six disciplines of credibility enhancement. These six disciplines described by Kouzes and Posner and modeled in the leadership of Jesus in the Gospel narratives provide significant applicability in training future Christ-centered influencers in a changing cultural context. download/print article
   
THE KINGDOM OF GOD, COMMUNITY AND DIGITAL MEDIA: FROM THEORY TO BEST PRACTICE
Mike Mahan & Sean Pomory
While for millennia the most natural conceptualization of where we find ourselves has perhaps been the City as a community of locality, other types of community, such as the Internet community (a community of mind according to Tonnies', 1912, definitions), are likewise where we find ourselves. This paper examines the overlap of communities and sets a theoretical basis from which to see the expansion of the Kingdom and the overlap of Internet communities, local communities, and the community of the Kingdom. This paper attempts to recognize what the Vineyard movement has done well so far in our usage of digital media and proceeds to discuss best practices for how we can more aggressively contribute to Kingdom expansion through our use of the Internet community. download/print article
   
THE SPIRITUAL FORMATION OF ECCLESIAL LEADERS: INSIGHTS FROM A BURGEONING FIELD
Carlo Serrano
Christian spiritual formation is an all-inclusive process that integrates the ancient practices and disciplines of the Christian faith with the "everyday" life of the Christ-follower. Therefore, one could assume that spiritual formation informs the ecclesial leadership development process. This article presents an overview of spiritual formation and its connections with discipleship and ecclesial leadership development. The results of this review reveal a significant gap in the literature regarding how suffering and church planting may inform the spiritual formation process for ecclesial leaders. download/print article
   
MODERATING VARIABLES FOR SERVANT LEADERSHIP MODELS: A SUB-MODEL BASED ON ANTECEDENTS TO JESUS' FOOTWASHING DEMONSTRATION
J. Andrew Wood, Jr.
Various models have been proposed that explain the nature of servant leadership, either as a function with organizations or a dynamic interaction between leaders and followers. This paper proposes to address reasons why servant leaders vary in their effectiveness by offering a sub-model consisting of four moderating variables that should fit any current or future model of servant leadership. The variables are drawn from four specific facts that Jesus Christ knew prior to the time he washed his disciples' feet (John 13:1-5). The resultant variables include (a) how leaders respond to opportunity, (b) how leaders react to the power inherent in the leadership role, (c) how leaders perceive their identity, and (d) how leaders go about the process of influencing followers. Exploring each of these variables more fully will show (a) the connection between what Jesus knew and how leaders can relate to and apply this, (b) the relationship between that variable and what we know of servant leadership today, and (c) how this functions as a moderating variable in servant leadership models. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for leaders today and the need, as always, for further research. download/print article
   
GOSPEL PERSPECTIVES OF THE LEADERSHIP OF JESUS
   
   
JESUS AND THE BEATITUDES: EMBODIED DISCIPLESHIP FOR ECCLESIAL LEADERS
Justin R. Bowers
Recent ecclesial scholarship explores the difficult areas of missional leadership and missional discipleship (Beard, 2015). One of the most challenging elements within this field of study continues to pertain to the actual examination of how this type of spiritual formation is carried out (Beard, p. 175). The current paper seeks to consider embodied discipleship through the lens of authentic leadership theory and a rich exegesis of Jesus' beatitude statements in Matthew 5. Through this work, it is possible to identify the beatitudes as a framework of kingdom values that Jesus not only believed but also embodied as he conducted his ministry and leadership. The implications of this reveal a number of insights for ecclesial leaders today. download/print article
   
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AS PARTICIPATION IN THE UNFOLDING OF GOD'S ESCHATOLOGICAL FUTURE: AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF MATTHEW 9:35-38
Timothy A. Brubaker
This paper contributes to the literature on Christian leadership by providing an analytical study of Matthew 9:35-38 in order to build understanding of participatory leadership. Using an intertextual exegetical strategy, the paper explores the richness of imagery, metaphors, and recapitulation of Old Testament texts (especially Ezekiel 34) within Matthew 9:35-38. The fruit of this exegetical analysis is then applied to developing a better understanding of Christian leadership. Three characteristics of participatory Christian leadership are proposed and explained: (a) response to the will of God; (b) promotion of eschatological joy; and (c) posture of subordination. In summary, it is concluded that Christian leadership, followership, and the leader-follower relationship all exist and are best understood under the rubric of participation in the unfolding of God's eschatological future. download/print article
   
LUKE'S DISRUPTIVE JESUS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF DISRUPTIVE LEADERSHIP
Doreen Bryant
Jesus disrupted the social and religious norms of his day. He first challenged them and then he applied his influence to lead his followers to do the same thing. Disrupting adverse conditions should be the aim of leaders and followers; but, leaders must model the way. Achieving this goal calls for a leader's willingness to implement change. Jesus' ability to influence his community was innovative and timely, especially for certain female disciples who benefited from a relationship with him. This report will study the discourse between Jesus, Martha, and Mary in the gospel of Luke to explore Jesus as a disruptive leader. The information is extracted using the ideological texture of the socio-rhetorical model which concerns itself with the alliances and conflicts that shape and cultivate the text. The report investigates the message that Luke disseminated to the Christian community by drawing out the social location of its leaders and followers during the growth of the early church. It used the disruptive leadership theory and ideological texture analysis in the socio-rhetorical tradition to apply an exegetical analysis of the biblical account to this theory. The analysis suggests the disruptive model and development will enhance an emerging leader's effectiveness. download/print article
   
LEADERSHIP: MORE SACRIFICE THAN GLORY A SOCIO-RHETORICAL READING OF MATTHEW 12
Daniel P. Rogers

Power and authority are difficult topics because researchers tend to play out the implications of each in extremes. Jesus does some fascinating things in Matthew 12, where words, actions, law, family, miracles, historic prophecy, current prophecy, power, and authority all intersect in a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees. This paper analyzes the narrational texture/pattern, argumentative texture, opening-middle-closing texture/pattern, social texture, and inter-texture of this chapter using socio-rhetorical criticism as Jesus interprets David, Leviticus, Hosea, Isaiah, Jonah, and the Queen of Sheba. Specifically, the analysis should help Christians reflect on their importance, opportunities, and responsibilities in the world, especially relating to Christian leadership. Through the various interactions with the Pharisees, it looks at the purpose of authority, the use of power, and how Jesus "proves" his words when the Pharisees ask for a sign. The only sign Jesus offers, that of Jonah, will be also explored. Overall, Jesus points to an authority that enthrones God, using sacrifice and undesirable calling as proofs. Finally, reflection will be provided on Jesus's invitation, especially as it contrasts with modern notions of leadership (charismatic, servant, transformational, and values-based). Ultimately, Christian leadership is more sacrifice than glory. Rather, it's more sacrifice, then glory. download/print article

   
A GENRE ANALYSIS OF THE PARABLE OF THE POUNDS AS IT RELATES TO KELLEY'S FOLLOWERSHIP TYPES
Sarah Rolle
Genre analysis, as an investigative tool, examines and applies passages of Scripture based on the type of literature. Luke 19:11-27 is a parable genre and as such, is suited for contemporary application of leadership because of the genre's multiple layers of meaning, the intersection of the spiritual and secular, and the use of the listener as a participant. Through Jesus's presentation of the parable genre's characteristics of major and minor points, earthiness, and listener-relatedness, Luke 19:11-27 relates to contemporary leadership and followership. Further, the parable of the pound's characters outlines the followership types presented by Kelley (1992). The three slaves, the bystanders, and the citizens in the parable of the pounds all represent Kelley's followership types as revealed through the Biblical descriptions and the research. However, the parable of the pounds describes an additional followership type not presented by Kelley being the saboteur follower. The parable of the pounds also challenges Kelley's assumptions about the goodwill of followers in the dyadic relationship with leaders. This paper has value in that this is the first paper to use Luke 19:11-27 to refine Kelley's followership model. download/print article
   
LEADERSHIP THAT SERVES: INSIGHTS FROM JOHN 11:1-27
Arthur L. Satterwhite III
When you think of leadership, where does the idea of servanthood fall within your frame of reference? Within contemporary culture, the leaders that are often celebrated are not typically celebrated for being servants. However, as one considers the character of Jesus and his contribution as a leader, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate the ideas of servant and leadership. In this article, an inner textural analysis from the socio-rhetorical criticism tradition is applied to the pericope of John 11:1-27, with the aim of drawing insight from the model of servant leadership as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. This research highlighted how servant leadership, as a contemporary theory, has rightfully started to take off with more and more research being done to support and speak to the positive benefits of a leadership style that serves. However, this author also found that it is imperative that contemporary servant leaders look beyond contemporary theory, as they endeavor to lead followers in their respective marketplaces. Only in employing a style of leadership that serves, which is grounded first in love, can leaders truly realize the greater organizational results they desire. download/print article
   
INEXORABLE VICTORY: AN IDEOLOGICAL TEXTURE ANALYSIS OF THE TRIAL PERICOPE IN JOHN 18:28-19:17
Jeffrey J. Singfiel
The Gospel of John is much loved, standing apart from the Synoptics in its language, theme, and content. It is also the product of a church leader attempting to frame the story of Jesus for the community he served. John lived during a time of dramatic change in the religious landscape and had a novel and compelling vision, which are hallmarks of charismatic leadership (Barnes, 1978; Conger, 1989). As such, this Gospel is a rich source for leadership studies to which the discipline of socio-rhetorical analysis may be applied (Robbins 1996a). In this paper, the ideological  texture of John 18:28-19:16 will be analyzed to understand John's objectives in writing the Gospel to the Johannine community. This community, most likely in Ephesus, was undergoing significant trauma after being expelled from the synagogue and looked upon as deviants by Roman society in general (Ashton, 1985, Beasley-Murray, 1987). The pericope, which contains the trial of Jesus before Pilate, brings together the agents of power in the Judean context, namely Jesus, Pontius Pilate and the Jewish religious leadership. In addition to ideological texture, aspects of social and cultural textures will be considered, specifically manifestations of honor-shame and patron-client relationships. The interplay between these three forces provides much to consider as today's ecclesial leaders as they address their communities' own issues of alienation from their contemporary cultures and civil governments. download/print article
   
THE END IS WHERE WE START FROM: MISSION AND THE FAREWELL DISCOURSE IN MATTHEW 28:18-19
Tim H. Vanderpyl
The Farewell Discourse of Matthew 28:18-19 presents a virtual compendium of insight into the mission of the early church. Using these final words of Jesus, this article analyzes the strategic foundation of the farewell discourse in this passage and argues that it summarizes both the Gospel and the Mission of the church. This article specifically analyses the social and cultural impact of this passage using Vernon Robbins' model of socio-rhetorical analysis and integrates strategic leadership theory throughout this analysis. From this analysis, leaders can utilize elements in articulating the mission of their own organizations. download/print article
   

The Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership is a publication of the
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