Leadership Pt I
The following series was written as a paper for SBTS on my personal leadership philosophy.
“Leader” is an oft-quoted appellative for individuals at the helm of organizations in business, healthcare, politics, education, and theology. The terms leader and leadership are referenced so frequently in virtually every sphere of life that a useable definition is elusive. Often, leadership is associated with what one does. It is seen as the product of one’s personal achievements and sacrifices. Western society relishes the stories of larger-than-life CEO’s from humble beginnings who reach the pinnacle of success through sheer grit and determination. A recent article in Forbes magazine acclaimed the leadership prowess of Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, as the richest, most successful businessman in the world. He is labeled as the star “Titan” that propelled Microsoft to the top of the successful Fortune 500 list of companies (Davenport 2008). His brash leadership style is celebrated for keeping Microsoft’s investors pleased with their returns. In contrast, the scriptures share a much different portrait of leadership.
In the book of Exodus, the narrative indicates God’s leadership of the nations is established by “being.” Moses shudders at God’s plan to use him as the mouthpiece for Israelite deliverance. Seeking to abdicate the responsibility bestowed upon him, Moses indicates to God that his captive brothers and sisters would not know who is sending him to deliver them. God proclaims, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent me to you” (Ex. 3:14). God does not indicate His leadership abilities by what He had accomplished; the essence of His leadership is found in who He is. Likewise, in modern scholarship, the useful development of a philosophy of leadership is not found in a litany of accomplishments. Nor is it found in a larger-than-life personality. Rather, true leadership is the product of submission to Christ, humility of heart, and integrity in deed.