There are many different types of leadership styles that are represented in the Bible. One of those is Pragmatic Leadership which is demonstrated by the Patriarch Jacob. This type of leaders is defined Elmer Towns as a leader who “ignores those who watch things happen and does whatever he / she can to make things happen and their followers may be among those left wondering what happened.” In Genesis 30:43 Jacob definitely fits this mold when he is trying to leave Laban and goes through the flocks of sheep and breeds the best and keeps them, creating a wealth for himself in order that he might have assets to help him leave. There are four aspects of this type of leadership that must be analyzed and looked at in order to gain a greater understanding of its importance. These are its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Strengths
Through Jacob’s service in Genesis 29-30 he was able to lead Laban to accept his plan for separating the sheep, so this type of leader, leads through service. Also, according to Towns “people follow this type of leader who gives solutions to problems that hinder them from reaching the objective,” which is what Jacob did to Laban and his servant. Jacob took the sheep that Laban believed were less pure and Laban the one’s he wanted. Another thing is they lead through the Law of Motivation; Jacob gave Laban good reason to listen to him and to do what he was proposing, because he would win in the end and so far Laban prospered because of Jacob.

Weaknesses
Many times this leader will become frustrated with were they are, Jacob sure was. In Genesis 29-30, Jacob is tired of continuing to work for Laban and was ready to be done with it all. Another thing is they feel as if they cannot function because the feel overwhelmed by certain existing policies and procedures in which they are forced to be in. Also, they sometimes fall prey to forcing things in order to get things done.

Opportunities
These leaders are great at solving problems; many people will look to them for leadership when troubles arise. Once again in Genesis 30 Jacob is the one who was looked at for the solution to the problem. These leaders are also able to make healthy compromises that do not breach ethics in order to see that the task or problem is taken care of, which Jacob does by offering a solution that must be accepted for it can occur. They are kind of people that just make it happen.

Threats
In the process of getting things done and getting them done quickly these leaders are often times in danger of stepping on others feelings. Also, sometimes these leaders have so much zeal and are so energized to get it done they often times lose followers and is probably because of the previously stated danger. One more thing is they usually hold to the idea that the end justifies the means. In Genesis 30 Jacob looks at what will be when he gives his solution to the problem of the sheep, knowing that it will pay off and give ample opportunity for him to get away. For he was not then he would have the threat of having to stay in the service of Laban forever.

Godly Traits
It has been shown that this type of leadership style is very attractive and useful, but there are also some issues that would cause alarm. In all, this leader has qualities that a Godly leader would need, such as; seeing a problem and taking care of it, being aware of problems to come, build credibility, and are committed to doing right. A leader in the church or a Christian leader in trenches of life need to be aware of the things that are going on around them and the problems that people are going through, for if they are then they are able to take care of the problem.

Josh and Sharon Graff
The Woodlands, TX