The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual, and Practical Guide to Christian Leadership

By Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley and Adam McClendon

A comprehensive manual for Christian leadership

Christian leaders need biblical character, spiritual power, and practical skills. Yet, often one of these aspects is overemphasized and the others are neglected. The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual, and Practical Guide to Christian Leadership recognizes that these traits need to be unified in Christian leaders. Jesus exemplified these most effectively, so we must look to him for our vision of leadership.

Authors Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and Adam McClendon bring together their decades of experience developing disciples into leaders for the work of the kingdom. The Three-Dimensional Leader provides a biblical basis, practical examples, and a helpful assessment tool that directs the Christian leader toward growth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kirkdale Press
• Release date: Aug 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781683597377

Rod Dempsey

Rod Dempsey is director of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Master of Arts in Theological Studies programs at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia.

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THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL LEADER

A BIBLICAL, SPIRITUAL & PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

ROD DEMPSEY, DAVE EARLEY & ADAM MCCLENDON

Copyright

The Three-Dimensional Leader: A Biblical, Spiritual, and Practical Guide to Christian Leadership

Copyright 2023 Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and Adam McClendon

Kirkdale Press

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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scriptures marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version. Public domain.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Print ISBN 9781683597087

Digital ISBN 9781683597377

Library of Congress Control Number 2023930861

Lexham Editorial: Deb Keiser, Elliot Ritzema, Elizabeth Vince, Jordan Short, Mandi Newell

Cover Design: Brittany Schrock

Patti, Cathy, and Adrienne,

who are the models of Christian leadership

Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.

—Proverbs 31:29

CONTENTS

Introduction

FIRST DIMENSION: BIBLICAL CHARACTER

1|Answering the Call

2|Living the Life

3|Increasing Devotion

4|Strengthening the Experience

SECOND DIMENSION: SPIRITUAL POWER

5|Cooperating with the Holy Spirit

6|Taking In and Living Out the Word of God

7|Advancing God’s Kingdom

8|Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

THIRD DIMENSION: PRACTICAL METHODS

9|Embracing the Mission of Jesus

10|Creating Goals for Disciple-Making

11|Developing a Plan for Joining Jesus on Mission

12|Training a Team for Christ’s Mission

Conclusion

Appendix: The Three-Dimensional Christian Leader Assessment

Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION

Christian leadership, as the name implies, is about following the example and teachings of Jesus regarding leadership. Specifically, Christian leadership is about examining how Jesus leads and then following his manner, his methods, his ethos, and his goals. We, as followers of Jesus, believe he is the ultimate role model in the philosophy and practice of leadership. We further believe that as you examine the leadership of Jesus, you can see three dimensions. First, Jesus had impeccably good character. He was sinless. Although we cannot be sinless, we can strive to be above reproach. Second, Jesus was spiritually powerful. Third, Jesus was a practical leader with excellent methods.

All visible, tangible things have three dimensions. Understanding the three dimensions is like looking at an object that you can see with your eyes. The three dimensions in the observable world are height, length, and width.

In the same manner, Christian leadership has three dimensions:

1.Biblical character

2.Spiritual power

3.Practical methods

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As we surveyed the landscape of Christian leadership, we could find books and articles related to the biblical characteristics required in Christian leadership. We could find correspondence related to the spiritual dimensions of Christian leadership. We could find information related to the practical aspects of Christian leadership. Nevertheless, we could not find one book related to all three combined in one treatise. We believe this book will help followers of Jesus to become impactful leaders for Jesus.

Let us be clear: Christian leadership should be biblically based, spiritually powerful, and practically effective. This should be understood. However, in our world today, the church seems to follow the latest trends in business or the latest mega personality. The leadership example and the leadership goals of the King of kings are almost an afterthought. As a result, many times the church looks like, thinks like, and, unfortunately, acts like corporate America. So, at the outset, let us clearly state, again, that the goal of this book is to examine the principles and the dimensions of Jesus related to leadership. Continuing, we believe the church and believers in Jesus have been too influenced by worldly models and methods.

Dave, Adam, and I (Rod) have been trying to follow the leadership model of Jesus for a long time. We have been and continue to be involved in the body of Christ in a variety of roles, places, and teams. We believe that, as we strive to meet the biblical characteristics, fight the fight with spiritual weapons, and lead with proven practical and biblical methods, we can lead like Jesus and lead people to Jesus. We believe a person can improve his or her leadership skills and can become a more effective leader in the kingdom. This takes awareness, honest reflection, assessment, and simple plans for improvement.

As a result, this book is divided into three sections, and each section has four chapters. Each chapter ends with four questions that guide the discovery and discussion of the particular dimension. We will pay close attention to what the Scriptures say, and we will examine how the passages and principles inform the philosophy and practice of the dimension. We will include personal stories and illustrations of how the specific dimension has been observed and practiced in our experience. At the conclusion of each chapter, we will offer questions leading to action steps and improvement.

To begin, you may want to start by completing the three-dimensional leadership assessment found in the appendix. This will give you an overview and help you identify some areas to take note of and address as you work your way through the book.

FIRST DIMENSION

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CHAPTER 1

ANSWERING THE CALL

"Calling is not limited to the ministry;

it reaches into every arena of life.

In God’s kind providence He orders

not only His church, but also society,

gifting persons for service in each."

—JASON ALLEN¹

"God doesn’t want the church to be so careful

about the possibility of selfish ambition

that we neglect to stoke godly ambition."

—DAVE HARVEY²

"Our ‘vocation’ … is to be Christ’s disciple and

to obey everything that he commanded—including

the commandment to make disciples of all nations.

In that sense, all Christians are ‘ministers,’

called and commissioned by God."

—COLIN MARSHALL AND TONY PAYNE³

Christian leadership is about influence, but it is not just about influence. The way we influence and the heart out of which we influence others matters. Our leadership matters to God, and he desires that we lead out of a heart committed to him.

Throughout this book, you will find many helpful and practical tips for being the leader God has called you to be. In this first section, however, our primary goal is not simply to provide practical tips, but to remind you of some profound truths. Your character matters to God, and as a Christian leader, your leadership is a reflection of God’s work in your life.

Much of this first section of the book is taken from 1 Timothy 3:1–7. This passage helps us see God’s heart for leadership and the heart he desires the Christian leader to possess. God’s heart is always the good news. If, as you are working through this section, you find you are lacking in a particular area, I (Adam) encourage you to pause, reflect, and pray. Don’t just rush through, but genuinely use this as an opportunity to examine your life as a Christian leader before God.

A GODLY DESIRE FOR LEADERSHIP

Because our desires matter, the things we desire are telling. Now, the heart of this is not intended to provoke the lurking narcissist in us all. Instead, it is important to address what drives us deep in our hearts. It is at the heart of the matter for the Christian leader. As a Christian leader, Your desire is not the final step—it’s the first, and your stamina in pursuing each subsequent step will reveal the intensity of your desire.⁴

The root of one’s desires brings clarity to secret intentions. True leaders feel an inner urging to take their positions; they feel a sense of responsibility.⁵ Since Christian leadership should not be driven by a desire for position but a desire for the service opportunities that position affords, we need to ensure that the motives which feed our vocational desires are consistent with the high calling of Christ.

When Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:1, Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task (NIV), he was not talking about desiring the office of elder as a status, which would be easy to assume since the office of elder is the highest position of authority in the local church in the New Testament.⁶ Paul is not encouraging those whose hearts long for power and authority to pursue that end. Not at all! Rather, Paul is fanning the flames of the heart of those whose deep desire is to serve others as a result of the opportunities that role affords. Thus, Paul is encouraging people to pursue this premier leadership position if their passions align with that role’s responsibilities.

Too many of us have worked with power-hungry and pompous leaders who seem to find their identity from the title and privilege their position affords them. Yet, as Christian leaders, our identity is to be firmly rooted in the work of Christ on our behalf. We are called to God in salvation through the work of Jesus.⁷ As a result of his life, death, and resurrection, believers are now children of God and heirs of heaven. We have all the rights and status that come with being a child of God (Ephesians 1:3–14).

So, our identity is not found in our company’s leadership structure but in our Savior. It is out of that identity that we are called to serve those God has placed under our care. The apostle Peter picks up on this point: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2–3 NIV). Both apostles, Peter and Paul, led out of a burden for people that flowed from the transformation they experienced in salvation.⁸

This burden and love for people should drive authentic, Christ-honoring leadership. It’s the well of love, not pride, from which we must draw our motivation. I once arrived at the hospital to be informed that a family in our congregation had suddenly lost their daughter. I went in with the doctor to notify them, and then sat weeping with them, helping them begin to cope with the reality of this devastating tragedy. As I was leaving, another church member was standing outside, waiting to love and support this family. He asked me, How do you do it? How do you go from triumphant to tragic moments day after day and serve people without giving up? I took a moment to think about my answer, and then I replied, It’s hard, but it’s a lot easier when you genuinely love them.

This love for others should flow out of the love we have experienced in Jesus. The love of Christ is the consistent catalyst for Paul’s ministry. When writing to the church in Corinth, concerned that the people will mistake his desire to serve them with a desire to promote self, Paul explains that his leadership role in their life is driven by an experience of Christ’s love in his life (2 Corinthians 5:11–15). Furthermore, part of Paul’s argument in Romans 12, and elsewhere, is to show how spiritual gifts, including leadership, are designed by God for the building up of others and not the exaltation of self (Romans 12:3–8; see also 1 Corinthians 12).

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While culture shouts that success is about building our brand, promoting our name, and leaving our legacy, the gospel subverts and inverts this cultural value system. Worldly culture is embedded within most corporations and churches alike. Rather than being distinct as servant leaders, too many of us have bought into the values and approaches of the world and are driven primarily by desires for fame and numeric success. Instead, Christian leaders should see themselves as servants who have the privilege of representing God in their work as they serve others. True Christian leadership is all about kneeling to wash feet versus kneeling to be knighted.

I know of a pastor who was once honest enough to ask a tough question. He asked himself, Why? Why do I work so hard to meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3? Why do I work to stay faithful to my wife? Is it because I don’t want to be disqualified for ministry so that I can continue to serve as an elder or because I cherish Christ, desire to honor him, and want to serve others in his name? What this pastor was struggling with was the tension between position and purpose. As he shared his struggle privately, he admitted that he did not know the real answer but needed some time to reflect and examine the motives of his heart.

Before going further in the book, we want to encourage you to ask the question Why? and take time to reflect upon the honest answer. Why do you want to lead in this role? We need to ensure our motives are consistent with those of our Lord and not crafted in the forge of the flesh. If we don’t get this foundational component right, we will be building our leadership philosophies and approaches on the wrong foundation. Our role as kingdom citizens is to live in all areas for the glory of God, serving others in his name.

HAVE DESIRES FOR LEADERSHIP CONFIRMED BY OTHERS

One of the flaws of our leadership culture is that success is seen as moving up the organizational hierarchy rather than faithfully using one’s gifts and talents to serve others in the name of the Lord. Here’s a truth that needs to be carefully considered: not everyone needs to or should be in a leadership position. Let me say that more plainly, again: leadership is not for everyone.

The early church understood this idea and utilized various processes for placing select people in particular leadership roles. One of those elements of selection was community input, specifically input from invested people nominating and confirming others for leadership. The church had hardly begun when it was hit with internal tensions related to social and racial issues, specifically the feeding of non-Jewish widows who were being neglected in favor of their Jewish counterparts (Acts 6:1–7). This problem needed to be addressed urgently, and leaders needed to be put into place who could manage the problem in a godly fashion, ensuring all were appropriately served and honored. So, what did the early church do? The apostles approached the Jerusalem church and asked them to nominate seven people who had the proven reputation to be full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:2–3).⁹

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In other words, the apostles looked to the invested community for insight into who was best qualified to lead. Later in Acts, we again see community confirmation concerning leadership and vocation. The church in Antioch was led to appoint Barnabas and Paul for a specific ministry role (Acts 13:1–2). So, the community gathered around them and laid hands on them, confirming the role for which they were called (Acts 13:3). In 1 Timothy 3, Paul lays out the qualifications for eldership to the entire community of believers in Ephesus so that they, under Timothy’s guidance, can be involved in appointing elders. Even when Paul writes to other churches, he often commends, almost like a letter of recommendation, the person he is sending to that church to provide invested confirmation concerning that leader’s sufficiency to function in the respective role. Just pause and consider Philippians 2:19–23:

I hope in the Lord