20231110 LEAD510 4 MAT Book Review The Three Dimensional Leader DK

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4 – MAT Book Review The Three-Dimensional Leader Douglas A Kuhl LEAD-510: Biblical Foundations of Leadership November 10, 2023

Contents The Three-Dimensional Leader .................................................................................................... 1 Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Concrete Response ......................................................................................................................... 2 Reflection ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Action .............................................................................................................................................. 3 The Significance and Application ................................................................................................. 4 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 5 ii

1 The Three-Dimensional Leader Abstract "The Three-Dimensional Leader" by Rob Dempsey, Dave Earley and Adam McClendon delves into a profound exploration of Christian leadership, drawing parallels between the observable world's three dimensions of height, length, and width and the three dimensions of Christian leadership: Biblical character, Spiritual power, and Practical methods. The authors’ premise is “as we make progress in the biblical, spiritual, and practical areas of our leadership, we can follow the example of Jesus and influence people for Christ”. 1 With a concise and enlightening approach, the book equips readers to be effective leaders in the Christian community. The first section of the book focuses on the foundational dimension of "Biblical character." The author emphasizes that Christian leaders, while not expected to be perfect, are called to embody Christlike character in their words, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This section serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about authority but, more importantly, about influence for the kingdom of God. By aligning one's character with the teachings and principles of the Bible, leaders can set a Christlike example and inspire others to do the same. In the second section, the book delves into the dimension of "Spiritual power." It highlights the spiritual warfare that Christian leaders must engage in as they contend with the formidable forces of darkness that oppose the kingdom of God. The author underscores the importance of relying on spiritual tools and weapons that are available to leaders through their 1 Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and Adam McClendon, The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual & Practical Guide to Christian Leadership (Bellingham, WA: Kirkdale Press, 2023), 208.

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2 faith. By doing so, leaders can draw strength from their spiritual foundation and follow the exemplary path of Jesus in confronting these spiritual challenges. The final section of the book offers insights into "Practical methods" of leadership. Here, the author addresses the tangible skills and competencies that leaders must possess to effectively influence people for the kingdom. However, the author also cautions against the misuse of these practical tools and emphasizes the significance of having a proper philosophy and an exemplary leadership model. Jesus, portrayed as the ultimate teacher and example, is presented as the ideal role model for navigating the complex terrain of leadership. By following the teachings and practices of Jesus, leaders can learn how to wield their skills judiciously in their mission to advance the kingdom of God. "The Three-Dimensional Leader" offers a holistic and well-structured approach to Christian leadership. By dividing leadership into three dimensions, the author provides readers with a clear framework for developing and enhancing their leadership skills. The authors say “let us be clear: Christian leadership should be biblically based, spiritually powerful, and practically effective.” 2 Throughout the book, the notion of following Christ's example consistently resurfaces, reinforcing the idea that true Christian leadership is rooted in imitating the qualities and actions of Jesus. This book is a comprehensive guide for aspiring and current Christian leaders, inspiring them to lead with authenticity, spiritual fortitude, and practical wisdom. 2 Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and Adam McClendon, The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual & Practical Guide to Christian Leadership (Bellingham, WA: Kirkdale Press, 2023), 2.

3 Concrete Response I served in the US Army for 24 years. I was a senior officer when I deployed to Afghanistan in 2008-09. I can remember praying through Psalms 91 the night before a big mission. The morning of the mission we could not get one of our radios to link up with the other radios in our convoy. This was an important mission. We were escorting key leaders to a meeting in town that we were co-leading with another group from the opposite side of town. I had about ten Afghan Border Police vehicles, heavily armed with men and machine guns and we had about twenty civilian vehicles with leaders and their personal security teams other than our three US tactical rigs going to this meeting. It was a really big deal. However, we had to have three operational US vehicles to leave our operating base. All our radios and equipment checked out fine an hour before we were to leave, my soldiers reported. However, 3 minutes before we were to depart the one radio would not synchronize with the others or the rest of the US forces in country. I had to make the call to cancel. This was so disappointing because this was a significant leader engagement. I could not imagine why this had happened. As I was asking God why this happened in my mind, the Afghan Border Police were departing our compound without us. As they got on the route outside our compound that we were to take, their lead vehicle hit a massive IED. Three men were instantly killed, and many had to be evacuated. I got a lesson in how important it is to pray before you take on any activity. I am sure that without God’s intervention, we would have lost American lives that day. I wonder if I should have been praying for those Afghan soldiers that night. I sure got a lesson in prayer and spiritual warfare that day.

4 Reflection What troubled me most about this book is the assumption that all men in today's Church aspire to be better leaders, which doesn't align with my observations. While there are certainly exceptions, it's essential to acknowledge that most individuals attend church primarily for Sunday services and may, at best, engage in a Bible study or midweek event hosted by the church. These activities typically attract those already actively involved in leadership roles, rather than those seeking to take on such responsibilities. It's crucial to recognize that the path to active participation in a church community is not universally appealing. Several factors contribute to our rural farming community's lack of church participation. One reason people do not feel comfortable going to church as often as they should is the stereotype of the stoic, independent worker who puts family and work first. They believe that taking on more responsibility in church will disrupt their comfortable routines, which discourages their participation. Cultural and social norms that place a premium on a person's career and family life have, historically speaking, made church activities other than Sunday service attendance less appealing. Additionally, youth sports draw significant attention from many families, competing with church-related activities for their time and participation. So, as we go to the ends of the earth how do we get men involved? How do we teach them to make disciples if they only are in the church one hour a week? So as the authors talk about being gentle and listening and consider others perspective, they fail to address this issue. 3 3 Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and Adam McClendon, The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual & Practical Guide to Christian Leadership (Bellingham, WA: Kirkdale Press, 2023), 36.

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5 Action In the opening of this chapter, Paul emphasizes the imperative for all believers to preserve the unity of the Spirit within the Body of Christ. How do we do this? He gives a clear instruction on how to reach the unity, as articulated in Ephesians 4:7-16, asserting that it is attained by the grace of God, enabled through the gifting of the Holy Spirit. No two members of the Body of Christ are alike, and the Holy Spirit's unique gifting serves with the purpose of equipping this diverse assembly of believers for their roles in ministry, resulting in the edifying and strengthening of the entire body. 4 The Church is like a mother, it is responsible for the nourishment of the believers. The Church like a mother who sustains her family with proper spiritual nutrition. 5 Believers need to support the church by fulfilling their roles so the church The Significance and Application In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with ongoing economic challenges and global conflicts, individuals have endured a sense of isolation and weariness. The Australian Journal of Social Issues notes that as the pandemic gradually subsides, the lasting consequences and disparities in terms of social interaction and loneliness remain uncertain. 6 What remains evident is that, despite the surge in remote worship services, there are undoubtedly diverse 4 “4:7-16 The Gifts of Christ” in Reformation Commentary on Scripture, New Testament X , ed. Gerald L. Bray (Downers Grove, Illinois, 2011), 334-335. 5 John Calvin, “God Has Delegated His Work to Human Beings” in Reformation Commentary on Scripture, New Testament X , ed. Gerald L. Bray (Downers Grove, Illinois, 2011), 343. 6 Roger Patulny, and Marlee Bower. "Beware the “loneliness Gap”? Examining Emerging Inequalities and long‐term Risks of Loneliness and Isolation Emerging from COVID‐19." The Australian Journal of Social Issues 57, no. 3 (2022): 562-583.

6 personal, emotional, and essential social needs that will necessitate a collective and continuous community response from the Body of Christ. 7 7 Maghboeba, Mosavel, Ariel Hoadley, Aderonke A. Akinkugbe, Dina T. Garcia, and Sarah Bauerle Bass. "Religiosity and COVID-19: Impact on use of Remote Worship and Changes in Self-Reported Social Support." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 16 (2022): 9891.

7 Bibliography “4:7-16 The Gifts of Christ” in Reformation Commentary on Scripture, New Testament X. Edited by Gerald L. Bray, Downers Grove, Illinois, 2011. Bruce, F. F., The Epistle to the Ephesians: A Verse-by-Verse Exposition . Bath, UK: Creative Communications, 2012. Bruce, F. F. New Testament History . New York, New York, Doubleday, 1980. Buisson, J. C. Du. “Philippians” in A New Commentary on Holy Scripture: Including the Apocrypha. Edited by Charles Gore, Henry Leighton Goudge, and Alfred Guillaume, New York: The Macmillan Company, 1942. Calvin, John, “God Has Delegated His Work to Human Beings” in Reformation Commentary on Scripture, New Testament X. Edited by Gerald L. Bray. Downers Grove, Illinois, 2011. Hoehner, Harold W. “Ephesians.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 2:614. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown . Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Vol. 2 . Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997. Lowe, Stephen D., and Lowe, Mary E. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education . Downer’s Grove: IVP Academic, 2018. Mosavel Maghboeba, Ariel Hoadley, Aderonke A. Akinkugbe, Dina T. Garcia, and Sarah Bauerle Bass. "Religiosity and COVID-19: Impact on use of Remote Worship and Changes in Self-Reported Social Support." in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 16 (2022): 9891. Max, Turner. “Ephesians.” In New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. edited by D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed. Downers Grove: Inter- Varsity Press, 1994. Patulny, Roger and Marlee Bower. "Beware the “loneliness Gap” Examining Emerging Inequalities and long‐term Risks of Loneliness and Isolation Emerging from COVID‐ 19." In The Australian Journal of Social Issues 57, no. 3 (2022): 562-583. Thielman, Frank S. “Ephesians.” In Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament . Edited by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2007

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20231110 LEAD510 4 MAT Book Review The Three Dimensional Leader DK

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