KIMMY VALENTI
Staff Writer
Strong Christian leadership is redefined in the book “Shepherd Leadership,” released in 2003. The book is the collaboration of views on leadership from Dr. David Davenport, distinguished professor of public policy and former president of Pepperdine, and Dr. Blaine McCormick, associate dean for undergraduate programs at Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
McCormick had the idea to write a book about his beliefs on leadership, and he wanted to co-author the book with someone with experience as a leader. Davenport, having been in the position of leadership for many years, seemed knowledgeable about the topic and well able to contribute relevant ideas.
Psalm 23 of the Bible is used in the novel to define quality leadership. Upon first hearing that the book was to be based upon Psalm 23, Davenport was confused as to why a book about leadership would be written on this Psalm.
“I originally saw the twenty-third Psalm with more of an emphasis on comfort than talking about leadership,” said Davenport. “Then I realized that Psalm 23 was written by a leader, David, about another leader, God.”
A shepherd is one that herds sheep, watching over them and providing for them with love and care. This is the book’s description of the way a leader should tend to his followers, the way that God cares for his children. Psalm 23 takes a look at how a shepherd watches his flock, never leaving them, even through the dark of night. The book encourages leaders to act this way in leading followers in the right direction with comfort.
The ability for people to trust their leader is a necessity in the type of leadership described by the authors. Sheep submit to the authority of their shepherd, trusting and following their leader without question. The same concept is described as a way that people should follow their leaders.
The book is meant to give readers a different perspective on leadership. It provides ways in which Christianity can be incorporated in the business world, and how leaders of today can use Christian principles when making decisions. According to the book, in order to become a leader who is respected and looked upon favorably by followers, one should follow the example David describes about how God acts as a shepherd.
“Shepherd leadership is something that is between the old, authoritarian type of leader and the newer, servant type leadership,” said Davenport. “It is a middle ground, a new set of ideas about leadership.” Rather than being too extreme natured as a leader, whether overly commanding or too submissive to demands of others, the book describes the need for balance, which is a theme that is important throughout the Bible.
This was Davenport’s first published book, however McCormick has written several. Writing the book was a learning experience for the authors as well as its readers. For Davenport, it provided him time to reflect upon his previous years of what he referred to as “intense leadership for a long period of time.” The book allowed him to slow down his fast-paced lifestyle as a leader at Pepperdine and bestow some knowledge he had gained onto students, in helping them learn to become better leaders.
Students who have read the book found it interesting and helpful, especially those going into the business world searching for a way to incorporate Christianity into their field. The book is meant to be encouraging, and illustrations and stories make it more interesting for students to read.
Connie James, associate professor of business at Pepperdine, has made the book a required read for her students.
“I hope that young, emerging leaders will find the book encouraging,” said Davenport of the benefits of his book for Pepperdine students. “It will give them a different way to look at leadership.”
The book concludes by proposing that Psalm 23 be read regularly and meditated on, to provide readers with the wisdom of David. This Psalm is emphasized throughout the book because it displays the qualities that a leader, such as David, require in becoming successful and gaining dedicated followers. The book explains how these qualities can be used in the competitive modern world of business, and leaders should hold a strong set of moral values. Prayer and meditation on God’s word are regarded with importance in understanding how to be a strong leader.
“Shepherd Leadership” was written by professors with experience in leadership, and is a book based on those experiences as well as the Bible’s depiction of a strong leader. It is about learning the qualities of leadership, and applying them in a strong Christian way in today’s world.
12-15-2005