Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
The malady of bad leadership bedevils the rich continent of Africa, argued ABLI speaker Professor Mumo Kisau. And many overlook the solutions that are hidden in the word of God.
‘This is the time to look carefully at what the Bible has to say about good governance and leadership examples,’ he told the ABLI Forum.
Prof Kisau identified leaders in the Bible who, ‘felt a sense of calling in their leadership roles and had strong religious attachments to their leadership skills.
‘They consulted with their God either directly or via others as they made key decisions in the leadership endeavours.’
Joseph – Visionary Leadership
Joseph worked under the authority of Pharaoh. African leaders need to be visionary. They also need to be administrators who can interpret and implement vision to the benefit of the people. When Joseph eventually meets the needs of his kinsmen, he does so within the law.
Moses: Stewardship Leadership
Moses is described by God as a faithful steward par excellence. Africa needs faithful stewards of the resources God has bestowed upon the continent.
Resources have been wasted through corrupt deals, where leaders act as though the reason they have been given leadership positions is to enrich themselves.
In the most difficult of times, Moses was willing to listen to God and later to his father-in-law.
As the late Kofi Annan, Chair of the Global Elders, stated: 'You have to be open as a leader, willing to listen. A leader need not always be right; a good leader is also a good follower.'
Leaders in Africa and elsewhere must be willing to listen to the needs of others, since the position of leadership is a gift from God, who demands accountability, both here and in the hereafter.
Joshua: Inspirational Leadership
Joshua inspired others to conquer in hard times. He was eventually able to lead the people to the Promised Land.
ENDS
Andrew Boyd
