Book Review: Dempsey, Earley, and McClendon
Michael Simmons
LEAD510: Biblical Foundations of Leadership (B02)
June 1, 2025
CONTENT
Abstract..........................................................................................................................................2
Concrete Response.........................................................................................................................3
Reflection.......................................................................................................................................4
Action.............................................................................................................................................6
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................8
1
ABSTRACT
This assignment will cover the textbook “Three-Dimensional Leaders: A Biblical, Spiritual,
and Practical Guide to Christian Leadership” written by Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and Adam
McClendon. This book covers aspects of leadership from a Christian perspective. The text
specifically uses Jesus as the ultimate example and role model on how one should lead people
through His sinless and spiritual power.1
A Christian leader must possess three key dimensions to lead effectively and with God's
approval. The three dimensions are biblical character, spiritual power, and the leader must use
practical methods. In the past, there were many books and articles written about each
dimension separately. The authors of this book have integrated the three dimensions to help
readers understand and apply them. 2
The book consists of 12 chapters that thoroughly cover each of the three dimensions in
four chapters each. Chapters 1-4 covers the first dimension: biblical character. Chapters 5-8
cover the second dimension: Spiritual power. Chapters 9-12 finishes up with the third
dimension:
practical methods. The book ends with a three-dimensional "Christian Leader Assessment,"
providing readers a valuable tool to understand their leadership styles.
The book really focuses on the power of the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit can guide
a Christian leader. The book consistently references Bible scripture as evidence for the authors
to prove their points. It compares the differences between self-centered leadership and spirit
filled leadership.3 The book shows the reader how to effectively cooperate with the Holy Spirit
through prayer and living out through God’s word. The book also uses examples of modern
1 Dempsey et. el., The three-dimensional leader, 1
2 Dempsey et. el., The three-dimensional leader, 2
3 The three-dimensional leader, 65
2
Biblical leaders such as Dwight L. Moody, Hudson Taylor, and Henrietta Mears. To demonstrate
how the Holy Spirit guided their leadership.
Chapter six talks about the importance of scripture and immersing oneself in the word of
God. As a Christian leader, we must study God’s word daily. We must take time to read and
study God’s word daily. We should pray often and remain disciplined in our Bible studies.4 The
elements of daily Bible intake (listen, hear, read, memorize, study, and meditate) are discussed
on page 88 should be incorporated in any Bible study plan.
In the book of Matthew, the Bible talks about the importance of a Christian to go out into
the world and make more Christians.5 As Christian leaders, this command must always be
incorporated into the task at hand. Making the deadline at work, leading our family at home, or
completing a project on time are all important daily activities. They are even necessary. But we
should always be looking for the opportunity to spread the Gospel to anyone willing to listen.
We should make advancing the kingdom a priority in our decision-making process. If we follow
the principles of this book, the Holy Spirit will take over our Christian leadership and He will help
us with every decision.
CONCRETE RESPONSE
After reading and reviewing this book, I could not help being drawn back to page 65
where it discusses “self-centered” versus “spirit-filled” leadership. I did not grow up in a
Christian household. I was not a Christian for many years. In fact, at one point in my life, I
considered myself an atheist. I thought that the concept of an all-powerful “god” was stupid and
old fashioned. Looking back now, God always directed me to Him, but I was too into the “world”
to notice.
4 Dempsey et. el., The three-dimensional leader, 88
5 Matthew 28:19
3
I joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and as I moved up through the
ranks, I gained more and more responsibility. There came a point in my career where I was in
leadership positions. The Marine Corps is all about “mission accomplishment” Nothing else
matters. When an order is received from a superior, the “how” it gets done is irrelevant. The
bottom line is “get it done”.
At no point in my Marine Corps career was I a Christian. But I was considered a good
leader by Marine standards. My Marines always accomplished the mission. Failure was not an
option. As I looked at the chart on page 66, the chart said to look at the two columns and pick
out the ones that fall under self-centered and spirit filled. Interestingly, even though I was not a
Christian at the time, I still demonstrated some of the qualities under the spirit-filled column.
For example, my self-centered self was easily angered, had a limited tolerance for mistakes, was
a self-promoter, and filled with selfish ambition. But, at the same time, I was willing to help
people. I was patient, and I told the truth.6 Was the Holy Spirit already working through me?
REFLECTION
The book does not address non-Christian readers. It just assumes that only Christians
would read this book. I would like to see a section on how God can use non-Christians to
accomplish His desires. Looking at my past, I believe God showed great patience with me. I was
an atheist, a non-believer, a person without faith. But for whatever reason, Jesus Christ showed
grace and mercy, and I made it through almost unscathed. I think God was always working in me
even though I did not yet know Him.
6 The three-dimensional leader, 66
4
I had a successful military career. I served in a combat zone several times without any
major trauma. I did not come home maimed or mentally scared beyond repair. I managed to
stay married and raise three healthy children. I have a loving family. I had all this only by God’s
grace and I was too blinded by the world to even realize it. Like the people of Sodom, God could
have waved His mighty hand and brought all kinds of wrath down on me, but He didn’t. Today, I
thank God every day. Why has God spared me? Like the Apostle Paul, I am “chief” of the
sinners.7
So, now that I have completely repented of my sins. I have now been saved openly in
church and I have been baptized. I cannot help but wonder and ponder on these questions: For
what purpose has God spared me from the consequences of my lack of faith? Why did He allow
me to go on so long living in complete sin when He knew that I would eventually come to Him
on my face, begging for His forgiveness? Are the experiences of worldly living used for His
advancement? What else will He show me to do? I suspect that God will reveal these and many
other answers to me as I grow in my faith. For now, I will just thank God every day and give
Him all praise and glory and pray that His wrath for my sinful past is not still yet to be delivered.
ACTION
7 1 Timothy 1:15
Reflecting on my life, I realize there's still work needed to improve my relationship with
my Lord and savior. Throughout this course and these readings, I have pondered on a few things
that I should do. I already pray and go to church. I have already had a “Romans 9” experience
5
where I confessed with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is my Lord and
savior. I believe I am saved. But being saved is not enough. The Bible says that all people, even
Christians will be judged. We will all stand before Christ at the Judgement seat in Heaven.8
Jesus Christ died horrifically on the cross to atone for my sins. Only by His grace and
mercy, have I received forgiveness. The Bible mentions repentance and good works to show a
change from old ways. Currently, I am only at the starting point in my faith. I do the basics (read
scripture, pray, and go to church). I tithe (although not quite 10%) and I serve on the dream
team at my church. But is that enough? What is the Holy Spirit saying to me? I want to do more
to “jump start” my spirituality and have the Holy Spirit work through me.
The first thing I plan to do is increase my Bible intake. I need to use Bible intake as a tool
to get closer to God. To do this, I will follow the Simple Plan for Bible Intake.9 This plan requires
that I intake the word in different forms such as listening and hearing the word, reading,
memorizing, study, and thinking it over. This plan is not just daily Bible readings. It is immersing
in the word of God. This requires studying passages and scriptures. Discussing them with other
Christians. Practicing memorization. I need to practice meditation on the word. I will try to learn
and receive the word daily with a passion. I plan to start writing in a journal daily and often. I
have heard of people doing this throughout the day and it is a really great way to keep notes
and study often. Journaling provides a way to keep my thoughts and ideas fresh in my mind and
will benefit my Bible study plan. I will plan out my day by writing it down in my
82 Corinthians 5:10
9The three-dimensional leader, 88
journal and at the end of each day I will review my journal and try to improve and increase my
daily Bible intake. I must remain diligent.
6
Secondly, I am determined to try something that I have never tried as a matter of
sacrifice for the Lord. I plan to set aside 1-2 per month to start out and fast. I would like to
abstain from all food and only consume water. I will start with a one- 24-hour period and
eventually extend it to 48 hours or maybe 72 hours. During the fasting period, I only want to
read and study scripture and spend time in silent prayer and meditation. No Facebook. No
internet. Hardly any outside influences. I believe by trying this I will get to a place where I will be
able to hear the Holy Spirit and draw closer to God. The Bible talks about the power of fasting.
Jesus said that fasting is about humility.10 Eventually, I would like to do this 2-3 times monthly.
Fasting can also be done in conjunction with my Bible intake plan.
Regardless of how I increase God’s presence in my life, I feel the tug of the Holy Spirit
telling me to do more. What I am doing currently is beginner level worship. I need real
substance. No more milk. I need real food.11 I pray to God that I can follow this plan to see God’s
work come through. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Corinthians 3:13, The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) Biblica Inc. 2011.
10 Matthew 6:16-18
11 1 Corinthians 3: 1-3
7
1 Timothy 1:15, The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) Biblica Inc. 2011.
2 Corinthians 5:10 The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) Biblica Inc. 2011.
Matthew 6:16-18, The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) Biblica Inc. 2011.
Matthew 28:19, The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) Biblica Inc. 2011.
Dempsey, R., Earley, D., & McClendon, A. (2023). The three-dimensional leader: a biblical,
spiritual & practical guide to Christian leadership. Kirkdale Press.
This study source was downloaded by 100000903818227 from CourseHero.com on 02-25-2026 03:53:14 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/254229187/Dempsey-Book-Review-assignmentdocx/
