Leadership Theory (EDL 841)

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Biblical Models of Leadership

Biblical leadership draws from examples in Scripture such as Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, and Jesus. Themes include servanthood, humility, stewardship, calling, and God-centered authority.


Common Search Terms (with a sample search string):

Biblical Leadership

(biblical leadership OR spiritual leadership OR christian leadership) AND (principles OR qualities OR characteristics)

Leadership in the Old Testament / New Testament

 (leadership OR leaders) AND (Old Testament OR Hebrew Bible) AND (biblical OR scriptural)

(leadership OR leadership roles) AND (New Testament OR biblical leadership OR Christian leadership)

Servant Leadership | Spiritual Leadership | Leader Member Exchange (LMX) 

(servant leadership OR servant leader) AND (management OR leadership OR organizational behavior)

 (spiritual leadership OR spiritual leadership theory) AND (management OR organizational behavior OR leadership development)

(LMX OR "leader-member exchange" OR "leader member exchange") AND (theory OR model OR framework)

Christian Organizational LeadershipChristian Leadership Models

(Christian leadership OR faith-based leadership) AND (organizational management OR organizational development) AND (ministry OR church administration)

(Christian leadership OR biblical leadership OR spiritual leadership) AND (model OR approach OR framework)


Christian Leadership Philosophy

Christian leadership philosophy integrates biblical principles with leadership practice. Common themes include servant leadership, stewardship, character formation, calling, and leadership as ministry.


Common Search Terms (with a sample search string)

Christian leadership philosophy  
Theology of Leadership

(theology OR religious leadership) AND (leadership OR organizational leadership) AND (spiritual OR religious principles)

Christian Worldview and Leadership

(leadership OR leadership skills) AND (Christianity OR Christian) AND (religious aspects OR spiritual leadership)

Search an Individual Database:

Leadership theory spans many disciplines and exploring databases in fields such as business, psychology, education, and theology helps you see the breadth of research in order to gain a deeper, well-rounded understanding.

Below are some suggestions to get you started.

Check our complete database list here: A-Z Databases