Biblical wisdom: a real compass for the leader.

Biblical wisdom can boast to inform every other field of knowledge, because it is from God the creator of life and existence. This postulate leads us to contend that the field of exegetical research in strategic leadership carries great potential to advance leadership theory and practice in the future. Exegesis helps to dig deep into the Word of God to bring out solid food for the edification of the exegete. When applied to the field of strategic leadership, exegesis becomes a great toll for exploring and explaining the leadership phenomenon.

Duvall and Hays (2012) use the metaphor of a five steps journey to explain the process of biblical exegesis:

Step 1: Grasp the text in their town. What did the text mean to the original audience?

 Step 2: Measure the width of the river to cross. What are the differences between the biblical audience and us?

Step 3: Cross the principlizing bridge. What is the theological principle in this text?

Step 4: Consult the biblical map. How does our theological principle fit with the rest of the Bible?

Step 5: Grasp the text in our town. How should individual Christians today live out the theological principles? (p. 47).

While this simple yet practical method of exegesis can be used for any biblical text, Robbins (2012) formulates another approach that is very original: Socio-rhetorical interpretation.

Socio-rhetorical analysis looks at texts from five different angles: (1)inner texture analysis, (2)inter texture analysis, (3)social and cultural texture analysis, (4)ideological texture analysis, and (5)sacred texture analysis. From each interpretive angle, socio-rhetorical analysis puts several lenses in the exegete’s hands for interpretation. A complete texture analysis through socio-rhetorical analysis may reveal the biblical text as a rich tapestry with several layers of patterns and meanings.

This method has been used to exegete biblical texts and apply their meanings to strategic leadership in rather impressive ways. For example, McCabe (2008) used patterns from repetitive and progressive textures, sensory aesthetic texture, and argumentative texture of John 21, to reveal Jesus as a master implementer of two models of organizational change: Nevi’s (1987) Gestalt cycle of experience and Lewin’s force field theory of change as explained by Schein (1999). This example shows that biblical exegesis has great contributions to make to the advancement of strategic leadership scholarship. And Ayers went on to propose a common language of convergence between theology and leadership.

Indeed Ayers uses sacred texture analysis of the Christological hymn of Philippians 2:5-11 to describe:

1.    The nature and being (the ontology) of God in Christ which is self-emptying

2.    The process and approach (methodology) of God in Christ which is humility and sacrificial centeredness on others

3.    The final purpose(teleology) of God in Christ which is reconciliation and harmony with humanity

The leadership lessons Ayers draws from his applied exegetical analysis for organizations are as follow:

1.    Leaders should be selfless, so that they can create all space needed in their world for the purpose of the organization and for the people of the organization

2.    Leaders should demonstrate humility and service to followers

3.    The consequence of such a leadership approach will be harmonious organizations where no energy is drained in strife and fights

These two examples of applied exegesis demonstrate how leadership and biblical interpretation are strongly intertwined. One may ask why invite the Bible in the science of leadership (Blanchard & Hodges, 2005)? But this question would be similar to Peter asking Jesus on that morning after spending a frustrating fruitless night fishing, as a response to Jesus’ command to let the nets down: “Jesus, we are seasoned professional fishermen. You are a moral and behavioral teacher, why do you dare intrude into such a complex field as fishing to claim to teach us what to do?” Peter rather said “… at your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5, New King James Version). The result was a memorable catch.

I am personally challenged to pay special attention to biblical wisdom regarding leadership. I will endeavor to always check with God, what instructions the bible may have for me in my leadership journey before taking action.  Leadership is not a function that is reserved for certain “important” positions in society only; it is an every day journey for any human being who wants to excel in the assignments given to him or her at every moment (Maxwell, 2007). To deepen my personal leadership journey, I will hence systematically use the great skill of sound biblical exegesis learnt from the applied exegesis course this semester as a habit.

 

References

Ayers, M. (2006). Toward a Theology of Leadership. Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership,1(1).3-27.

Blanchard, K., & Hodges, P. (2005). Lead like jesus: Lessons from the greatest leadership role model of all times. Nashville, TN: Thomas Neslon.

Duvall, S.J. & Hays, D. J. (2012). Grasping god's word: A hands-on approach to reading, interpreting, and applying the bible [Kindle edition]. Available from www.amazon.com

McCabe, L. (2008). Jesus as Agent of Change: Transformational and Authentic Leadership in John 2. Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership, 2(1) 32-43.

Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The Maxwell leadership bible (2^nd ed.). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Nevis, E. C. (1987). Organizational consulting: A gestalt approach. New York, NY: Gardner Press.

Robbins, V. K. (1996). Exploring texture of texts: A guide to socio-rhetorical interpretation. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.

Schein, E. H. (1999). Kurt Lewin's Change Theory in the Field and in the Classroom: Notes Toward a Model of Managed Learning. Reflections, 1(1), 59-74. doi:10.1162/152417399570287