Leadership in Christian Perspective: Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Practices for Servant Leaders - Paperback

by Justin A. Irving (Author), Mark L. Strauss (Author)

This book brings the best of leadership theory and research together with biblical reflection and examples of leadership in action to offer a practical guide to Christian leaders.

Combining expertise in leadership studies and biblical studies, Justin Irving and Mark Strauss explore how leadership models have moved from autocratic and paternalistic leader-centered models toward an increased focus on followers. The authors show how contemporary theories such as transformational leadership, authentic leadership, and servant leadership take an important step toward prioritizing and empowering followers who work with leaders to accomplish organizational goals. Irving and Strauss organize their book around "nine empowering practices," making it accessible to students, church leaders, and business leaders.

Integrating solid research in leadership studies with biblical and theological reflection on the leadership ideas that are most compatible with Christian faith, this book is an important resource for all Christian students of leadership.

Back Jacket

"A clear and comprehensive overview of Christian leadership"

"Irving and Strauss intentionally set out on a daunting task to deliver a fully integrated and biblically rooted perspective on Christian leadership. The genius of their work is found in the integration of models and what then emerges. Empowerment becomes the thread that connects them all. Jesus Christ remains the greatest leadership role model, and without question their mission for this work is accomplished. I highly recommend this book to all Christian leaders!"
--Tami Heim, president and CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance

"Irving and Strauss have provided a solid academic textbook on leadership, based on principles that have stood the test of time and on relevant biblical truths. Their combined expertise has produced a book that will inform those wanting a clear and comprehensive overview of Christian leadership."
--Marshall Shelley, Denver Seminary; contributing editor to CTPastors.com

"In this age, leaders strive to lead well but not always biblically. Irving and Strauss deliver a book that is robust from a biblical and scholarly perspective, and the message resonates--to seek not our own but seek to serve. Only when we strive to be servant leaders can we truly find the ultimate meaning in our lives and make people our priority."
--Kathleen Patterson, Regent University

"Our fast-moving, chaotic culture demands more of leaders than ever before. In this well-researched book, Irving and Strauss provide deep insight with a helpful framework for anyone who values people and aspires to lead their organization through significant change."
--Ken Cochrum, vice president of Global Digital Strategies, Cru

"Irving and Strauss provide practitioners and teachers of Christian leadership with a refreshing and compelling case for the need to practice transformational servant leadership. This accessible book promotes a leadership praxis rooted in personal character and authenticity, focused on empowering others, and directed toward effectiveness. With its integration of biblical and contemporary perspectives, blended with practical examples, Leadership in Christian Perspective is bound to become a new standard in the field of servant leadership, which is much needed."
--Samuel D. Rima, author of Leading from the Inside Out and Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership

Author Biography

Justin A. Irving (PhD, Regent University) is professor of leadership at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has authored numerous journal articles and has contributed to leadership books, including Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Research and Practicing Servant Leadership: Developments in Implementation.

Mark L. Strauss (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego. He has written numerous books, including How to Read the Bible in Changing Times and Four Portraits, One Jesus: An Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels. He also coauthored The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies.