The Critical Need in Leadership Development

There is a lot that has been written in both the secular and Christian press about leadership.  Much of it is very good.  Much of it, even if not acknowledged in the secular, is Biblical.  While in seminary, Dr. Howard Hendricks taught a course on leadership which I took and subsequently graded for him for two years.  One of his tenants was that the best learning on leadership development was in the business community.  Based on his recommendation, I began to read all of the secular leadership material that I could get my hands on.  It was very, helpful, much of it, as I stated above, Biblical.

While I continue to benefit from much of that literature, there were some assumptions that Prof made that were not voiced but implicit based on his audience.  He assumed, since he was talking to seminary students, a grounding in the Word of God through which the secular business literature would be filtered.

That is key.

I have been reminded of this critical assumption as I have observed some leadership development in the Body that does not place much emphasis on the importance of that essential grounding in the Word of God.  Further, I was reminded in 2 Chronicles 29:20 (here in Bible Gateway), of the clear need for a spiritual leader of men to focus on the Lord and His Word.

In the context, Hezekiah, after taking the throne of Judah, cleanses the temple and restores proper worship of the Lord, highlighting his regard and obedience to the Word, Law of God.  Then he assembles the princes, leaders, of the city and leads them to the house of the Lord.

Hezekiah got it.  He understood clearly that those who are to lead the people of God have to have a dependent relationship on Him.  He responded as the leader of leaders by insuring that they were coming to the Lord.

Paul tells us in Romans 15:4 (here in Bible Gateway), that Hezekiah’s example is instructive.  If we are charged with developing leaders, and if I read Matthew 18:18 – 20 (Bible Gateway) correctly, we are, a critical part of that charge is to insure that those who would lead are well grounded in the Word of God.  It is not enough that they know the strategy and tactics of leadership.  They first and foremost have to be established, grounded fully in the Word of God.