by Joshua W. Jipp (Author)

What the Bible's Worst Rulers Can Teach You About Leading Well

Tyrants show up everywhere. In the workplace. In the pulpit. At home. And if we're honest, in our own hearts. In a culture that rewards charisma and results over character, how can Christians lead with honesty, humility, and virtue?

How (Not) to Be a Tyrant turns to ten of the Bible's most infamous rulers for guidance--showing us what not to do. From Pharaoh's greed to Pilate's cowardice, each chapter contrasts a scriptural example of destructive power with Jesus's radically different way of leading with integrity, mercy, and sacrificial love. This book will help you

● identify and eliminate unhealthy habits,
● apply Scripture to your everyday life, and
● develop Jesus's leadership qualities.

Short and practical, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to exert positive influence at work, at home, and in the world.

Back Jacket

What the Bible's Worst Rulers Teach Us About Life and Leadership

Tyrants show up everywhere. In the workplace. In the pulpit. At home. And if we're honest, in our own hearts. In a culture that rewards charisma over character, how can Christians resist the temptation to lead like the world?

In How (Not) to Be a Tyrant, biblical scholar Joshua W. Jipp turns to ten of the Bible's most infamous rulers for guidance--showing us what not to do. From Pharaoh's greed to Pilate's cowardice, each chapter contrasts a scriptural example of destructive power with Jesus's radically different way of leading with integrity, mercy, and sacrificial love.

This brief yet eye-opening book is essential reading for anyone who wants to exert a positive influence at work, at home, and in the world.

"It's easy to point to our favorite biblical characters and see ourselves in them, but Jipp asks us to do the harder work of looking at the Bible's tyrants to consider how our actions--or those of our heroes--might resemble those of the Bible's worst kings. Jipp reorients his readers to countercultural ways of wielding power and influence befitting those who follow the one true King."
--Michelle Knight, Litfin Divinity School, Wheaton College

"A prophetic and accessible reminder that the Bible consistently stands against exploitative rulers and calls God's people toward the way of Jesus. Wise, timely, and deeply needed, this is an important resource for pastors, leaders, and churches navigating our moment of authoritarian leaders."
--Drew J. Strait, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Author Biography

Joshua W. Jipp (PhD, Emory University) is associate professor of New Testament at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of several books, including Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture, Pauline Theology as a Way of Life, Saved by Faith and Hospitality, and The Messianic Theology of the New Testament. Jipp also serves as coeditor for the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.