Recently, I was in a meeting with several world-class leaders discussing how to better build bridges between local churches and the business community. It was an incredible time together in which my mind was significantly stretched by the leaders in the room.
One of the topics discussed was what was the meaning of the term “spiritual leadership” and how business leaders (many unchurched) would receive the term. I gave my off-the-top-of-my-head definition which was, “Spiritual leadership is using biblical principles to help a person expand their influence and impact more people for Jesus.” I was actually proud of that spur-of-the-moment thought:-)
During the discussion one high-capacity leader mentioned he always associated spiritual leadership with leadership in the home. This was not an indication it was limited only to the home but that was the primary application was there, not necessarily the office. I have thought a lot about what he said.
Here is what I want you to know and I write these words with as much love and grace as I can – There is no such thing as business leadership. There is no such thing as athletic leadership. Or non-profit leadership or private sector leadership or governmental leadership. This is tough for many people to understand but there is only spiritual leadership.
The reason is because all truth, even leadership, comes from God’s Word, the Bible. Some people simply stumble upon quality leadership practices in the dark but all truth comes from the Bible. And it applies in every area of your life – home, work, church, and play.
The Bible is greatest leadership book ever written. For me and my job, the Bible provides the framework for the following:
- How I treat my co-workers and clients.
- How I yield to and exert authority.
- How I manage my finances.
- How I distribute assignments and tasks based upon workload and capacity.
- How I communicate personally, electronically, and in written form.
- My public speaking style.
- How I manage my time and organize my workday.
- How I relate to vendors and network.
- My thoughts on diversity.
- My conduct on the road.
- Long range planning.
- How I handle success and failure.
- Discipline and coaching.
- Dealing with conflict. I’m still working on this. I hate conflict.
- Etc., etc., etc….
Once again, there is no such thing as business leadership principles. There is only spiritual leadership principles which are then applied to business situations. And to take an idea from Andy Stanley, following Jesus and reading the Bible has made the business I am a part of better and made us better at business.
For examples of applying the Bible to business practices, click the following:
- 11 Ways 11 Pastors Gave Me A Competitive Advantage In Business
- The Bible Verse All Business Leaders Should Pray When Not Meeting Their Goals
- 14 Things Churches Can Teach Business Leaders To Have A Competitive Advantage In Their Industry
- 12 Steps To Leaving A Godly Legacy To The Next Generation
Click HERE or on the image to the left and as a free gift for subscribing to this site, you can receive my new Ebook 1269 Leadership Quotes: Timeless Truths From 2016’s Top Christian Leadership Conferences. Featured are the Johnny Hunt Mens Conference, ReThink Leadership, Orange and Leadercast Conferences among others. If applied, these insights will make you an exponentially better leader. Enjoy!!!