In 1990 the U.S. government declared the next decade as the “Decade of the Brain” to foster more research about the brain. Since that time we’ve learned incredible new insight about how the brain and our minds affect life and leadership.

Pastors and other ministry leader would do their ministries well to incorporate learning about the brain into their leadership development and growth. Research has discovered that subtle processes in our brains impact teamwork, emotional regulation, motivation, and communication. The new term “neuroleadership” describes this emerging field.

I’m fully convinced that the more we learn about this incredible God created gift called the brain and about how our minds work, the better leaders we’ll become.

I’ve listed eight biblical foundations that support learning about our brain and its function. I’ve also written several blogs on this subject. You can click hereto read them.

1. References to the mind/thinking fill the Scriptures (over 120 times).

• Is. 26.3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
• Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks so he is . . .
• Rom. 8:6… the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
• Col. 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

2. Since the brain is part of the body, we must honor God with our brains.

• 1Cor. 6.19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

3. The bible links the working of the mind with the working of the Holy Spirit and our spirits (I Cor. 2).

4. God commands us to remember (over 175 time). Remembering is an important function of our minds.

5. We are to strive for an undivided heart and mind.

• Psa. 86.11…give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
• James 1.8 …he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

6. The bible commands us to renew our minds so that we can live transformed lives.

• Rom. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

7. The bible instructs us to think a certain way because what we think about profoundly impacts behavior.

• Phil. 4.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

8. Jesus wants us to love him with our entire being, including our minds.

• Matt. 22.37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

If you’d like to read a great primer on the brain with many applications to leadership, I recommend a secular one called, Your Brain At Work, by Dr. David Rock. I’m currently writing a book for IVP that will release late 2013 or early 2014 that will incorporate some of these new insights.

What insights about the brain have helped you lead better?