Tom Harper is president of Church Central and NetWorld Alliance, a leading business-to-business media communications company. I have known Tom through our connection with the Great Commission Research Network and Society for Church Consulting. His new book is scheduled to be released next month, and you will want to check it out. I was able to talk with him about this work, and wanted to share this information with you. Tom not only has a heart for leadership but also evangelism as well.
Tell us about Leading from the Lions’ Den: Leadership Principles from Every Book of the Bible.
Leading from the Lions’ Den is a survey of fresh leadership principles throughout the entire Bible, supported by modern research and illustrated by personal experience. The book looks closely at the drivers of human nature. An understanding of why people act the way they do is the foundation of successful leadership.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote it to help leaders navigate difficult moments with poise. Not just so you look good or save face, but so you can turn hard times into positive leadership opportunities.
My goal was to find some fresh concepts from the ancient Scriptures that aren’t widely known. These principles are practical in whatever kind of organization you lead – whether a business, church, small group, non-profit, sports team, military unit, corporate department, division, or project team.
What makes Leading different from other books about leadership?
I read a lot of leadership books. Many of the best ones actually mirror some of the wisdom from the Bible, whether the author believes in God or not. Jim Collins’ Good to Great is the best example of this – his description of the “Level 5” leader sounds just like he is describing Jesus.
But there’s so much more the Bible offers our generation of leaders. It is so immensely practical from Genesis to Revelation. During my two-year study, I found a treasure trove of content far more valuable than any single leadership or business book I’ve ever read.
Since I couldn’t possibly deal with all the concepts I found, I limited myself to one per book of the Bible, ending up with 66 pertinent pieces of advice that anyone in leadership can benefit from.
Why is this book important for the 21st century missionary?
Part of a missionary’s job description is to lead – whether leading a Bible study, church planting endeavor, mission trip, or leading someone to Christ. Building relationships with non-believers is easier when they see us act like leaders. If they respect us before they hear us speak the way of salvation, how much greater is the opportunity for the seed to fall on receptive soil!
Is there a difference between secular models of leadership and biblical models of leadership? If so, how are they different?
The main clash between the models that I see is in the humility arena. Secular literature defines humility as acting contrite and leading quietly from behind, whereas the biblical model leans toward simply building others up while obeying God.
It’s a difference in focus: secular leadership focuses on me and how great my humility is, while the biblical model focuses on others and how valuable they are, without lowering my own stature. I’d much rather make my followers feel better about themselves than think less of me.
This is what Gideon did when his critics complained he was selfishly seeking victory – he simply built up their own egos and led them to the next battle. He didn’t denigrate himself or apologize with a lowly posture. With his victory plain to everyone, he simply responded, “What was I able to do compared to you?” (Judges 8:3.)
Thanks, Tom, for sharing with us today.
Don’t forget to check out Leading from the Lions’ Den: Leadership Principles from Every Book of the Bible. If you would like to know more about Tom, you will want to visit Church Central or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TomRHarper.
