Introduction
Leadership is a dynamic journey shaped by personal experiences, gifts, character, and
continuous growth. The Apostle Paul, a prominent figure in the Bible, exemplifies these
leadership qualities as outlined by experts such as Dave Kraft and Don N. Howell Jr. In this
essay, we delve into Paul's life to explore how he embodies lasting leadership. According to
Kraft, understanding one's unique purpose involves profound reflection on personal experiences.1
For Paul, this reflection was catalyzed by a dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus, a
pivotal moment that not only represented divine intervention but also marked a transformative
shift in his understanding of purpose. This essay contends that Paul was indeed a leader who
would last.
Calling
As mentioned before, understanding one's unique purpose involves deep reflection on
personal experiences.2 The life of the Apostle Paul provides a compelling illustration of this
principle. Paul's journey took an extraordinary turn with his dramatic encounter on the road to
Damascus. This pivotal moment was more than a mere historical incident; it represented a
profound calling that reshaped the very trajectory of his existence. Kraft's concept of a
transformative calling, characterized by a significant shift in one's understanding of purpose,
finds resonance in Paul's experience.3 The blinding light and the voice from heaven marked not
just a divine intervention but a momentous shift in Paul's perception of his purpose, aligning
closely with Kraft's framework for identifying and embracing one's calling.4 The road to
1 Kraft, Dave. Leaders Who Last. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010, p. 77
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid. p. 62.
4 Kraft, Dave. Leaders Who Last. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010, p. 82.
Damascus stands as a vivid example of how an individual's life can be dramatically redefined
through a calling that transcends the ordinary, echoing Kraft's emphasis on the transformative
power inherent in recognizing one's unique purpose. Moreover, Howell's insights into effective
communication and the impact of personal experiences on leadership could be applied to Paul's
case.5 The blinding light and the voice from heaven, as described in the paragraph, might be seen
by Howell as a profound personal experience that not only shaped Paul's perception of his
purpose but also became a powerful tool in his leadership, influencing how he communicated his
message to various communities.
Gifts
According to Kraft, leaders need qualities like faith, energy, and God-given dreams.6
Paul, an important figure in the Bible, showed these qualities through his smart thinking,
understanding of spiritual matters, and how he communicated effectively. This matches what
Kraft talks about. In Paul's letters, like Romans and Corinthians, he explained complex ideas and
helped people in different communities with their problems. Howell, helps us see more about
Paul's talents. Howell explains that Paul was not just smart; he had a deep connection with God,
especially after a powerful moment on the road to Damascus.7 This moment changed Paul and
became the foundation of how he led. Howell also shows us that Paul's way of talking and
writing wasn't just fancy words; it was a powerful tool that shaped what people believed and did
5 Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf
& Stock Publishers, 2003, p. 160.
6 Kraft, Dave. Leaders Who Last. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010, p. 89.
7 Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf
& Stock Publishers, 2003, p. 231.
in various Christian groups.8 So, when we look at Paul through Kraft and Howell's ideas, we see
a leader who had strong faith, understood spiritual things, and talked in a way that made a big
impact on others.
Character
In leadership, it's important to have a strong and committed character, as Kraft suggests.9
Looking at Paul's life, we see a remarkable transformation from someone who opposed
Christians to becoming a dedicated apostle who faced many challenges. Paul's letters show he
was open about his past, showing vulnerability. He stayed true to his beliefs even when things
got tough, displaying authenticity. This unwavering commitment, despite difficulties, highlights
the dynamic character that Kraft sees as crucial for long-lasting leadership. Howell's insights add
that Paul's strong connection with God played a big part in shaping his enduring commitment
and resilience.10 So, when we think about both Kraft and Howell, Paul stands out as a leader with
not only determination and commitment but also a deep spiritual foundation that supports his
enduring character.
Growth
Leadership, according to Kraft, demands an unwavering commitment to continuous
growth.11 Examining Paul's life serves as a compelling illustration of this principle. From his
dramatic transformation on the road to Damascus to his later letters expressing profound
8 Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf
& Stock Publishers, 2003, p. 231.
9 Kraft, Dave. Leaders Who Last. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010, p. 95.
10 Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf
& Stock Publishers, 2003, p. 266.
11 Kraft, Dave. Leaders Who Last. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010, p. 108.
theological insights, Paul's journey reflects an ongoing evolution in understanding and spiritual
maturity. The emphasis on finding strength in weakness, a central theme in 2 Corinthians,
underscores the transformative growth mindset advocated by Kraft. Paul's journey stands as a
testament to the interplay of faith and growth, where his unwavering commitment to his
convictions, even in the face of hardships, highlights a dynamic and resilient character—a crucial
aspect of effective leadership according to both Kraft and Howell.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life of the Apostle Paul, examined through the lenses of Kraft and
Howell, illuminates the profound principles of leadership. Paul's transformative calling on the
road to Damascus echoes Kraft's emphasis on understanding one's unique purpose through deep
reflection. The blinding light and the voice from heaven marked a momentous shift in Paul's
perception of purpose, showcasing the transformative power inherent in recognizing one's
calling, as Kraft suggests. Moving on to Paul's gifts, Kraft and Howell align in highlighting
qualities like faith, energy, and effective communication. Paul's intellectual acumen and spiritual
insight, as evident in his letters like Romans and Corinthians, align with Kraft's vision of leaders
possessing God-given dreams. Howell's insights emphasize the depth of Paul's connection with
God, emphasizing the powerful impact of his words in shaping Christian communities.
Examining Paul's character through Kraft's and Howell's perspectives underscores the
importance of a resilient and committed character in leadership. Paul's journey from a zealous
persecutor to a resilient apostle, as revealed in his vulnerability and authenticity, exemplifies the
dynamic character essential for enduring leadership, in line with Kraft's principles. Howell adds
depth by emphasizing the role of Paul's strong connection with God in shaping his enduring
commitment and resilience.
