The Four Principles of Bible-based Leadership

Bible-based leadership consists of four principles. They are:

1. All leadership roles exist only under the authority of Jesus Christ
2. Bible-based leaders have godly characteristics consisting of spiritual values and spiritual foundations
3. Bible-based leaders consistently practice spiritual habits of the heart
4. Bible-based leaders must act

The following diagram illustrates the four principles of Bible-based leadership.

The first principle of Bible-based leadership is a leader and his leadership role exist only under the authority of Jesus Christ. This principle applies to all leaders in all leadership positions. All leaders are selected, appointed, and remain in leadership roles only by the authority of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:16; Romans 13:1-6; Daniel4:17,25, 32; Daniel 2:21; Psalm 22:27-28).

The second principle of Bible-based leadership is a Bible-based leader has godly characteristics. The character traits of a Bible-based leader consist of the bedrock spiritual values and the spiritual foundations of a leader.

Bedrock spiritual values are the underlying emotional, intellectual, and psychological standards governing a leader’s behavior and forming the character of a Bible-based leader. These are the internal, conscious and unconscious processes influencing the actions and conduct of a Bible-based leader.

Bible-based leaders possess the following cornerstone spiritual values and character traits:

* Uprightness – God-centered, God-defined, and God-directed; based on God’s righteousness
* Fairness – Fairness is based on justice which is the consequence of God’s righteousness
* Integrity – an essential value of a leader
* Accountability
* Wisdom – a gift of God

Bible-based leaders also have spiritual foundations. These spiritual foundations consist of the following:

* Faith-based leadership
* Trust in God and the direction provided by God
* Submission to God
* Obedience to God

The third principle of Bible-based leadership is a Bible-based leader consistently practices spiritual habits of the heart. Habits of the heart are the practices, activities, and actions used by a spiritual leader in a recurring or repetitive manner. Whereas the spiritual values and foundations are more psychological governing behavior, the spiritual habits are behavioral and are reflected through the practices, activities, and actions of a spiritual leader. A Bible-based leader consistently practices the following spiritual habits of a godly leader.

* Worship of God
* Fellowship
* Service – a servant-based leadership
* Knowledge and study of the Word of God
* Prayer

The following diagram illustrates the spiritual habits of the heart.

The fourth principle of Bible-based leadership is a leader must act. Jesus said, “Go!” As the spiritual values and foundations become habits and practices, a God-inspired vision becomes evident to a leader. In pursuit of the vision, a leader engages in God-based and God-centered preparation and planning. A Bible-based leader then embarks on a move toward action consisting of the following activities:

* Vision
* Planning
* Commitment
* Preparation
* Action
* Boldness and courage