Invictus: Christian Leadership

Throughout the last semester leadership, in particular Christian or faith-based leadership, has been the focus of discussion. Many individuals believe that leadership resides in positions of power where individuals lead and effect the world from the influence society grants them. Christian leadership challenges that idea about leadership, that it necessitates a position of power. Power and money have become synonymous with leaders and this understanding of leadership is severely flawed and naïve. Rather, leadership is based in vision, mission and inspiration. True moral leadership is based in a vision that develops into a mission and inspires others to join and further carryout that mission. Christian leadership involves the same basic elements

Mandela starts as a man that cares and is trying to bring about a new age for his country. The strongest aspects of Mandela’s leadership are his steadfastness, ability to forgive and hope and belief in others. Mandela has his opinions and he holds to them firmly even when others strongly disagree with him. He possesses a vision for his country and makes it his mission to create and maintain a united society. Mandela also leads his country by example by not treating whites poorly though many have mistreated him throughout his life. Lastly, Mandela believes in others more than they may believe in themselves, because of this he brings out the best in the rugby team as well as others, helping them reach accomplishments that they probably would not have reached otherwise. Leaders must have a strong mission they are grounded in, but in addition to this they must believe in others. One person cannot fulfill their mission alone, they need others to join in and help them start a movement. One person can change the world, but it is because they believe in others and entrust others with the same responsibilities they possess themselves. Mandela is a great example of a moral leader covered in this class. However, Mandela is not a good Christian or faith-based leader for he lacks God at the center of the mission. One does not have to be a Christian or faith-based leader in order to be a good moral leader. If one

Pienaar does not seem to have any prejudice though his father seems to be fairly racist as well as he believes that the rugby club should be involved in the community more even though the other players seem to disagree at first. Pienaar also believes in his team far more than they believe in themselves, leading them to greatness. As demonstrated by both Mandela and Francois Pienaar, belief is very powerful. It enables others to do the same work one would do alone. It can transform an individual with a crazy idea into a movement that changes the lives of many. However, just like Mandela, though Francois Pienaar is a good moral leader he is not a Christian or faith-based leader for his mission does not revolve around God. This does not necessarily make him a bad leader, in fact he is a great leader just is focused on other aspects more than