LEAD 510 4MAT Book Review

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Feb 20, 2024

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4MAT Book Review: Dempsey, Earley, and McClendon Assignment Jeffery D. Smith LEAD 510: Biblical Foundations of Leadership Dr. Robert Gowins January 6, 2024

2 Abstract The book, “The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual & Practical Guide to Christian Leadership” is a beneficial knowledgebase used to train and direct readers who long to gain spiritual knowledge and learn religious leadership skills. Chapter 5 examines the significance of working together with the Holy Spirit before anyone tries to serve in any form of spiritual leadership. If anyone is overly fixated on spiritually pouring into others without being guided by the Holy Spirit, then they are not equipped to show anyone the way with authentic motives. Religious leaders must command with a strong awareness of God’s calling, innate righteousness, vast religious knowledge, and a strong reliance on Jesus. 1 Chapter 6 examines the importance and significance of taking time to reflect on the Scriptures and coupling that with prayer. Religious leaders have the accountability of guiding lay people, but the leaders must lead themselves before anyone else. The primary way that leaders can self-lead is to focus on their own spiritual health. Followers of Christ know that Jesus was the role model for Christian leadership because, He frequently took the necessary time to cultivate His soul, specifically through prayer. 2 Prayer was Christ’s instruction to the disciples to increase the outcomes of their spiritual efforts, as referenced in the Gospel of John chapter 15. 3 Chapter 7 examines the real meaning of advancing the Kingdom of God and the characteristics of a leader that is kingdom minded. The kingdom minded leader must be able to differentiate the kingdom of light (God’s Kingdom) from the kingdom of darkness. Also, there must be a surety that the only way into God’s Kingdom is through salvation and sanctification through Jesus Christ.4 Jesus assured his followers that His kingdom would be completely rebuilt when He comes back to earth to reclaim His authority. Until Jesus comes back, spiritual leaders must be vigilant in the quest of progressing God’s Kingdom. Leaders that are kingdom minded tend to be inspired by Godly motives and view authority as a tool to expand God’s kingdom, not for selfish motives. Chapter 8 examines how religious leaders should handle spiritual warfare. If the leader is not spirit-filled or spirit-led, it would not be possible to war against the tactics of the devil. Great importance is placed on prayer when it comes to dealing with spiritual conflict, because leaders are invoking God and depending on His authority to drive away all demonic spirits and kingdoms. Chapter 9 discusses the significance of a vision to the Christian leader. Additionally, the writers state that being a Christian leader necessitates that the person is a follower Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate leader. And the key to a Christian visionary is to make sure that the vision matches up with the ultimate call of Jesus, and that is teaching and training disciples that bring others to Christ. Chapter 10 discusses the importance of goal-setting within the Christian lifestyle. The spiritual health of all Christians should be the most important aspect of the church. Building a loving Bible-based community is key to uplifting Christianity. The Christian Church was based on a loving and sharing community and has to get back to that place. The overarching Christian goals must have strategic, attainable thresholds.

3 Chapter 11 goes over following Christ’s leadership plan in making disciples. The authors stress focus on understanding leadership within the context of the Great Commission. Jesus is and will always be our greatest example of spiritual leadership. The importance of growth groups to guide and encourage each other regularly. The immense importance of having a dedicated plan and system for training and equipping disciples for leadership. Chapter 12 discusses the importance of Christian Leadership teams. Leaders should always be evaluated based with Christ as the prime example. There is great importance on cultivating a team of Christian Leaders. The authors use John 3 as prime example of how Jesus cultivated the disciples by spending time with them, praying with them, teaching/training them, and then selecting them, before encouraging them to do greater works. Concrete Response One key experience in my own life that these chapters triggered was my own ministry journey. Since joining my church as an already licensed minister, I know the real understanding of Christ-Centered leadership. My paster frequently encouraged us to pray and journal in order to document our time with God daily. She also holds minister’s classes to train and re-train preachers and auxiliary leaders. This is also teambuilding where the minister’s team together on difficult tasks. She regularly calls for a fast for the ministry team and seeks counsel from us as she gives counsel. She repeatedly tells us that she loves us enough to correct us. We are encouraged to always have a sermon prepared, because we never know when we may be called to preach “on the spot.” Often, she will have a “pass the mic” service where she gives a topic and all of the ministry staff is called to expound on the topic. She holds us in a high level of accountability, and encourages a high level of humility. Reflection In my option, I think what would have made the passage more appealing for me would make the initial focus on the team leadership aspect. Even though all seven chapters were well written and informative, I would have been even more intrigued if I learned about Christian team leadership first. After learning about team leadership, then understanding how my private, individual prayer and study plays an integral part within the team. Similar to recognizing a puzzle, and how important my piece is to the puzzle. Action The first action I am going to take as a result of my reading is being more intentional in my study time and prayer time. I admit that it is very easy for me to get sidetracked by life, work, and random course corrections. I do not prioritize my prayer and study life nowhere near as much as I should. I think if I place more emphasis on prayer and studying the Bible, I will be better equipped to manage all the distractions of life. I have to bridge my zeal to read secular books with that of the sacred. Also, prayer is the lifeline we all need to get in contact with God. I pray, but it is often in motion, talking to God in the process of doing other things, and rarely taking time to listen for a response. It is very important to do as Christ did, and seclude myself in order to truly connect with God.

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4 The second action is placing an even greater focus on my educational studies. I enrolled at Liberty to grow within my calling. Tying in with prayer and study, focusing more on my education will assist me more within my calling. This includes giving myself ample time to study and focus on weekly reading. Scheduling time for assignments and turning them in on time. I admit this is something that also takes a back-seat to work and life. But remembering the purpose of me seeking my master’s degree will help me along the way.

5 Bibliography ADAM, DEMPSEY ROD;EARLEY DAVE;MCCLENDON. Three-dimensional leader;a biblical, spiritual, and practical guide to christian leadership . S.l.: KIRKDALE PRESS, 2023.

LEAD 510 4MAT Book Review

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