{"id":40832,"date":"2025-03-04T14:00:58","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T22:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=40832"},"modified":"2025-03-04T13:54:26","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T21:54:26","slug":"rare-leadership-is-biblical-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/rare-leadership-is-biblical-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"RARE leadership is BIBLICAL Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"

In RARE Leadership,<\/em>[i]<\/a> Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder provide a framework for leaders to build emotional resilience and thriving teams. By integrating principles from neuroscience and theology to offer strategies that enhance leadership effectiveness, RARE Leadership<\/em> emphasises that emotionally mature leaders cultivate trust and engagement, creating environments where individuals and organisations flourish. Warner and Wilder structure their framework around four habits summarised in the acronym RARE:<\/p>\n

R: Remain Relational<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: Act Like Yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

R: Return to Joy<\/strong><\/p>\n

E: Endure Hardship Well<\/strong>[ii]<\/a><\/p>\n

Each habit reflects a commitment to emotional maturity, which the authors argue is foundational for effective leadership. Their insight challenges the traditional focus on technical competence or charisma, determining that leadership rooted in emotional and relational strength is far more sustainable and impactful. Before looking at the Biblical application of the acronym and its principles, the connection between Neuroscience, Theology, and particularly Joy is worthy of exploration.<\/p>\n

One of the book\u2019s unique strengths is its integration of neuroscience.[iii]<\/a> Warner and Wilder draw on “joy capacity,” which refers to an individual\u2019s ability to remain relational and return to joy, even during challenges. The authors link this capacity to brain science, explaining how emotionally mature leaders can calm themselves and others, fostering environments of trust and safety.<\/p>\n

This neuroscience foundation is paired with biblical principles, particularly the idea that humans are designed to connect with God and others. Leaders are encouraged to model Christlike character, acting humbly, authentically, and gracefully. The synergy of these perspectives creates a robust, scientifically grounded, and spiritually resonant framework.<\/p>\n

In a practical sense, Warner and Wilder offer tools for cultivating RARE<\/em> habits. While the book\u2019s repeated encouragement for readers to access a deeper understanding and development of RARE leadership through the Life Model Works<\/em>[iv]<\/a> program is somewhat tedious, their claims that leaders regularly assess their relational circuits, mental pathways that determine whether they remain relational or reactive under stress, holds merit. Practices like pausing to reflect, praying for guidance, and seeking community accountability are essential for sustaining relational engagement.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the book\u2019s emphasis on the importance of identity-based leadership, which is leaders who “act like themselves” and align their behaviour with their core values and identity in Christ, is a wholly welcome addition to the leadership narrative.\u00a0Building on the truths surrounding identity in books such as Yasha Mounk\u2019s\u00a0Identity Trap<\/em>[v]<\/a>and\u00a0Leading Out of Who You Are\u00a0<\/em>[vi]<\/a>by Simon Walker enables the truly discerning leader to foster authenticity and thereby reduce the emotional dissonance that often leads to burnout.<\/span>\u00a0This authenticity enhances trust, as teams tend to follow leaders who exhibit consistency and integrity.<\/p>\n

The habit of “returning to joy” is not entirely new. There is a lot of insight into the refreshing aspect of joy in leadership.\u00a0 Wilder himself and Michel Hendricks write further on this topic in their book, The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation.<\/em>[vii]<\/a>This book integrates brain science with Christian leadership, focusing on the role of joy as a critical element in spiritual and relational growth. It explores how joy fuels effective leadership and fosters a healthy community.<\/p>\n

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box<\/em>[viii]<\/a> by The Arbinger Institute explores overcoming self-deception and building authentic, joy-filled relationships. By shifting from a self-centred to an others-focused perspective, leaders can cultivate a culture of trust and joy in their teams. Other resources include Emotional Intelligence 2.0<\/em>[ix]<\/a> and Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations<\/em>, Whole Hearts,<\/em>[x]<\/a> and The Joy Switch: How Your Brain’s Secret Circuit Affects Your Relationships<\/em> and How You Can Activate It.<\/em>[xi]<\/a> Joy is particularly relevant in today\u2019s volatile leadership contexts.<\/p>\n

Biblically and theologically speaking, RARE<\/em> leadership is found throughout the Old and New Testament teaching. Without commentary (for the sake of word count), the following bible passages are just a small portion of the Bible that leans into RARE<\/em> leadership.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Remain Relational<\/strong><\/p>\n