In Search of a Biblical Model for Leading in Today’s Business Climate

1. In Search of a Biblical Model for Leading in Today’s Business Climate

2. Leadership Philosophies Abound!

3. Why a Biblical Model? The Lord’s Prayer clearly states that God’s Kingdom can come on earth as it is in heaven!! This has huge implications for our leadership!

4. “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on your right hand and the other on the left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; ‘but to sit on my right hand and on my left is not Mine to give, but it is for those whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10: 35-45

5. Luke 15: 11-32 The Story of the Prodigal Son… Approaching a Biblical Model of Leadership

7. Rembrandt – The Younger Brother

8. Then Life Happened (and it always does): • He lost his son Rumbartus in 1636. • He lost his first daughter Cornelia in 1638. • He lost his second daughter Cornelia in 1640. • He lost the love of his life, Saskia, in 1642. • His financial problems did him in in 1656.

9. Based on the Biblical text, what do we know about the elder brother? How does Rembrandt depict the elder brother in this painting?

10. As you think about your areas of responsibility: • Which of your current followers demonstrate the characteristics of the younger son? • Which of your current followers demonstrate the characteristics of the elder son? • What characteristics do we display to our followers when we revert into the younger son? • What characteristics to we display to our followers when we revert into the elder son?

11. The Biblical Mandate for Today’s Christian Leaders is to Assume the Role of the Father! ________________ Joshua 5: 2-8 Deuteronomy 30: 5,6 1 Corinthians 4: 15

12. The Leadership Role of the Father This step takes place as a result of the “son/child” staying put until they are healed!

13. Spiritual Continuum Caught up in the Flesh Led by the Spirit

15. Recognizing the Younger Son at Work: • This employee lives for the closing bell • They watch the time clock closely because it represents freedom to live – to party – to escape the portion of life that is not lively enough. • This employee is convinced of their great contribution and has an inflated view of their value to the organization. • They display an air of self-confidence that can easily spill over into an inflated ego. • They might feel entitled to a raise before it’s warranted. • They often add excitement to the workplace, but add limited value by way of output and/or production. Dr. Jon Burch, (C) 2010

16. Recognizing the Elder Son at Work: • This employee comes to work on time, does a full day’s work and truly is a hard worker. • They are committed to follow the policies of the organization, but have little patience for those who think outside of the box. • This employee will give you their time and their effort, but not their heart. They more resemble a hireling than an owner. • This employee is suspicious of co-workers and cannot be truly happy for those who are rewarded or recognized, as it communicates to them that by virtue of someone else being recognized, they have been overlooked. Dr. Jon Burch, (C) 2010

17. When I, the Leader, Behave Like the “Younger Son”: • I am undisciplined, sporadic, and moody • I tend to squander my talents and gifting • I often communicate with subordinates in an arrogant and condescending manner. • I often have an inflated view of my personal job security Implications: • This leaves followers unsure about the leaders fitness for leadership. • It makes it incredibly difficult for the leader to motivate followers or to gain traction on initiatives. • This type of leadership adds unnecessary stress and uncertainty to the workplace; which effects productivity. Dr. Jon Burch, (C) 2010

18. When I, the Leader, Behave Like the “Elder Brother”: A. I tend to care more about policies than people. B. I often have trouble being truly happy for a colleague who receives recognition or an award. C. I will do the work I am paid to do, but nothing extra. Passion no longer drives my efforts in the workplace. D. I tend to sacrifice creative energy for negativity. Implications: 1. This leader create a culture that often mirrors the personality of themselves. 2. The communication lines easily become strained between the leader and their co-workers. Dr. Jon Burch, (C) 2010

19. The Younger Son The Elder Son The Father