Running Head: EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP Biblical Examples of Effective Leadership Vantrel Perry Belhaven University MBA 682 August 18, 2018 Dr. Andrew Parker 1 LEADERSHIP 2 Biblical Examples of Effective Leadership Investopedia defines an effective leader as, “Effective leadership includes strong character. Leaders exhibit honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and ethics. Leaders act in line with how they speak, and earn the right to be responsible for others’ success in the company” (Staff, 2018). An effective leader is required in order for organizations to meet shareholder goals or expectations and also remain relevant in today’s ever-changing economy. Without effective leaders, organizations will fail from the top down, because leadership is where the company begins and how the organization survives. One looking to practice effective leadership can use the Holy Bible as a referencing tool, as many examples of effective leadership exists within it. These examples are prominent through the bible and exist throughout its many illustrious chapters and verses. The bible is a poetic guide to effective leadership and anybody looking to obtain knowledge in that specific area would be wise to utilize it. A more prominent example of effective leadership in the Bible lies in the story of Moses and the burning bush. In the story, Moses runs away from home into the desert. Once there, he sees God calling out to him from a burning bush. Moses headed this call and went on to become one of the greatest leaders in history. This happens in Exodus 1:11-15, “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’ Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the LEADERSHIP 3 God of Isaac and the God of Jacob has sent me to you.’ ‘This is my name forever; the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” Moses was an effective leader because he was alone and available to receive the opportunities presented by the Lord. Another example of effective leadership in the Bible is the story of Daniel and his experience in the lions’ den. In the story, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den because he refused to pray for the king, opting instead to pray faithfully to God three times per day. Daniel 6:10 explains, “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Daniel was an effective leader because even in the face of death, he remains courageous and faithful in the Lord. Daniel 6:26-27 goes on to say, “‘I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’” These verses further validate the notion that the Bible is tool that can be used to show effective leadership and how it affects those around us. Effective leadership is something that is required for an organization to be successful. Without it, organizations will lose out on productivity and customer retention because the effectiveness of any business model begins with it leadership and the various capabilities that he or she possess. Organizations who require examples of effective leadership shall look no further than the Holy Bible. As stated above, it is a poetic guide to leadership and looking to become an effective leader should utilize this ever invaluable tool. LEADERSHIP References the Holy Bible (New International Version). Staff, Investopedia. (2018). Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/leadership.asp 4
