Bridge-Building Leadership: A Biblical Approach to Human Flourishing Across Ethnoracial, Socioeconomic, and Gender Divides (Christian Faith Perspectives in Leadership and Business)

This book examines the role of leadership in addressing ethno-racial, socio-economic, and gender divisions. Through an analysis of the Apostle Paul’s writings, the authors investigate how leadership can bridge societal divides and facilitate human flourishing, conceptualized within a theistic framework of humanity’s stewardship of God’s creation.

Bridge-building leadership, rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ—who through His death on the Cross and His Resurrection built the ultimate bridge between God and humanity—transcends differences of race, class, and gender, fostering relationality and inclusion. The authors propose a relational and cross-cultural model that embraces diversity to counteract division and misuse of power. The goal is to reconcile humanity first to the Creator and, flowing from that restored relationship, to one another, thereby achieving human flourishing.

Differentiating bridge-building leadership from other leadership models, this volume employs themes of reconciliation, social justice, and neighborly love to present a framework for overcoming societal differences. It will appeal to researchers and practitioners interested in the application of a Christ-centered model of leadership in contemporary contexts to promote human flourishing.

Paul J. Palma is on the Faculty of Regent University, USA, in the areas of Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, and Leadership. His research and writing focus on Christianity in America, with particular attention to the intersection of faith, culture, and leadership.

Doris Gomez is Dean of the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University, USA. She has written and edited works on Christian leadership and business, with a particular emphasis on values-based leadership, and the integration of faith and leadership.