FROM THE EDITOR
Joshua Henson

On behalf of the Regent University's School of Business & Leadership and the editorial board of the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership, I welcome you to the relaunch of JBPL after a two-year hiatus.

This edition renews the vision of JBPL to broaden the horizon of exegetical-based research in organizational leadership in both scope and research methodology. The theme of this edition is "Gospel Perspectives of the Leadership of Jesus." As we continue the vision of JBPL, the journal will contain new elements that will be beneficial to our exploration of biblical principles of ecclesial leadership. Given that leadership is a multidisciplinary field, the editorial board recognizes the need for a multidisciplinary format. Given this, JBPL now accepts manuscripts written in both Chicago (16th ed.) and APA (6th ed.) format.

Another new element of JBPL is the inclusion of two categories of manuscripts: featured and thematic. The thematic articles will contribute to our exploration of the journal's chosen theme for the edition, while featured articles will be accepted based on their unique contribution to Christian leadership.
Some of the highlights in this edition include a cutting-edge examination of the best practices for digital media in the church; a challenging study on creating leader credibility; and finally, a provocative exploration of a biblically based expansion of servant leadership.

We remain grateful for the support and guidance from our esteemed reviewers and the visionary support of Dr. Gomez and Dr. Winston at the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University.

In the Fall of 2006, the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership launched as the "culmination of a dream" of the School of Business and Leadership at Regent University (Winston, 2006, p. 1). With the stated mission of Christian Leadership to Change the World, there was a need for a journal that offered a platform from which Bible and leadership scholars could present their research about what the Holy Scriptures has to say about leadership. Over the next eight years, under the leadership of Dr. Corné Bekker, the journal became a valuable asset to leadership scholars interested in the role of Scripture in the development of Christian leadership throughout the world. After a two-year hiatus, JBPL is back. In partnership with the School of Business and Leadership's annual Research Roundtables, JBPL serves to give a voice to those scholars whose heart is to explore the Biblical principles of leadership. Thus, we have worked hard to Renew the Vision and bring you this edition. download/print article

Using an aspect of exegetical socio-rhetorical criticism, this paper identifies four principles of empowerment found within the Book of Acts in chapters 1, 2, 4, 6 and 15 that are very different to the modern culture of individual empowerment in hierarchical organizations. Applying exegetical analysis – (b) historical intertexture analysis; (c) social intertexture analysis; and (d) cultural intertexture analysis - gives a greater understanding of the issue of divine empowerment as the main explanation for growth in the Nazarene movement, beyond previously proposed social models. This paper builds upon Schor (2009), who developed four models to explain growth in the early Church, to which this contribution adds a fifth, that is, a non-institutional explanation of growth based on the nature of community teamwork and most importantly divine empowerment. Stark (1996) describes the early church as an open but organized movement, with certain social boundaries and a kernel of doctrine. According to Stark, this character of early Christianity, coupled with a high birth rate, resulted in an exponential growth during the first three centuries (Stark, pp. 4–45). However, this may give the impression that the church grew as a result of human endeavor and natural reproductive rate. We must not look just to the growth numbers of early Christianity, Luke's repetitive references to the empowerment and direction of God's Spirit emphasize the fact that the mission to which the new movement founded by Jesus are called is not simply human activity. The explosive growth activity of the early Church could only be fulfilled by the power bestowed upon believers by the gift of God's Spirit. download/print article

Return-on-Investment (ROI) is a decision-process. The objective is to render a decision about the amount of investment one must allocate up front in hopes of making a larger return later. When estimated total returns exceed total costs, leaders consider the ROI metric beneficial. Although it is not a perfect process, leaders can apply one of three models to filter their data when formulating their decision. The first model considers the consultant's decision-making process related to capturing new billable work. In this model, the preponderance of the assessment focuses on the upfront investment. The second model, often experienced when government agencies receive grant funding and the decision-making process is not predominantly influenced by money, the concept shifts to assessing the returns or the importance of the outcomes or products. The third model, which the author is proposing, is based on a Biblical perspective, considers the work within the context of the consultant-client relationship, as this aspect is paramount to achieving project success. This model suggests when Christian leaders evaluate ROI based on motive, trust, partnership, and elements that denote being yoked together they are more likely to predict future success. download/print article

Power and authority are difficult topics because researchers tend to play out the implications of each in extremes. Jesus does some fascinating things in Matthew 12, where words, actions, law, family, miracles, historic prophecy, current prophecy, power, and authority all intersect in a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees. This paper analyzes the narrational texture/pattern, argumentative texture, opening-middle-closing texture/pattern, social texture, and inter-texture of this chapter using socio-rhetorical criticism as Jesus interprets David, Leviticus, Hosea, Isaiah, Jonah, and the Queen of Sheba. Specifically, the analysis should help Christians reflect on their importance, opportunities, and responsibilities in the world, especially relating to Christian leadership. Through the various interactions with the Pharisees, it looks at the purpose of authority, the use of power, and how Jesus "proves" his words when the Pharisees ask for a sign. The only sign Jesus offers, that of Jonah, will be also explored. Overall, Jesus points to an authority that enthrones God, using sacrifice and undesirable calling as proofs. Finally, reflection will be provided on Jesus's invitation, especially as it contrasts with modern notions of leadership (charismatic, servant, transformational, and values-based). Ultimately, Christian leadership is more sacrifice than glory. Rather, it's more sacrifice, then glory. download/print article