Biblical Slave Leadership: A Stewardship from Above to Lead from Below

by Daniel L. Anderson, Charles C. Ryrie (Foreword)

At a time when our world seems desperate for effective leaders, the church has the opportunity to display Biblical leadership. From the individual leadership of one's personal life, to the domestic leadership of family life, to the public leadership of ministry settings-at all levels and in all arenas, we must be Biblical leaders.Jesus taught His disciples a leadership style that contrasted markedly with the philosophy of His day. "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them" (Matthew 20:25). These words easily express the elements so frequently associated with position ("rulers"), power ("lord"), prestige ("great"), and privilege ("exercise authority").Jesus quickly countered current "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave" (Matthew 20:26, 27). Yes, Jesus described His model for leadership as a slave task!Join us on a journey to explore the only leadership model and style ordained by God. Welcome to the high and holy task of Biblical Slave Leadership.

Genres: Academic, Leadership

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Anderson, the president of Appalachian Bible College, describes what truly makes an effective Biblical leader by contrasting the Gentile model for leadership with the Biblical model. It’s not about position, power, prestige, or privilege. Nor is it one’s performance or influence or even having a gift of or a desire for leadership that makes a leader.

In fact, “the path to leadership is a paradoxical opposite to humanity’s popular perception” (p. 27). Jesus stated the true definition of a leader: “Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27).

Biblical Slave Leadership, as defined in this book, “is a stewardship from and to God requiring the surrender of one’s life to God for the development of others in the will of God” (p. 30). The author then devotes much of the book to describing how Biblical Slave Leadership works and examining the lives of several Biblical characters displaying such leadership.

This book stretched me to realize that leadership involves time, commitment, and prayer. Mistakes are a part of a growth mindset, and success does cost effort.

[Steve Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book and Dr. Anderson did an excellent job of explaining leadership from a solid biblical perspective. I really appreciated his continual use of scripture and the way he kept reminding the reader of the definition of Biblical Slave Leadership as he sees it.

This may not be the deepest theological treatment of the topic of leadership, however, it was solidly biblical! I'm of the opinion that every leader in the church should read this book. Excellent!

[Brandon Siwula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book, with some good practicality.