Leadership is an awesome responsibility, and regardless of where leadership occurs, followers want leadership that is trustworthy, inspiring, consequential, and most importantly, effective. Thus, effective leadership is often weighed in theory and common indicators such as the impact on a team or process, follower attitudes and perceptions, and even career longevity (Yukl, 2010). Furthermore, leadership effectiveness may also be determined by the leader’s title, position, skills, traits, and moral behaviors (Carolina College of Biblical Studies [CCBS], n.d.). Often overlooked in all these things are God’s purpose for leadership, and the call for the leader to remain obedient to God while leading (CCBS, n.d.). Since mankind is sinful by …show more content…
In the Acts 2 New Testament Church, leadership was defined in terms community without hierarchy and authority, in fact, leadership rested solely with the saints instead of a singular man (Bilezikian, 2007). Leadership was hesed to the New Testament saints and apostles by Christ who fulfilled the New Covenant on the cross, and shared in community through mutual accountability (CCBS, n.d.); hence, the function of leadership was to release the potential of the community in sharing the good news of the gospel with a broken world (Bilezikian, 2007). Following the advent of congregational churches, came authoritarian leaders who often disguised servant leadership with a lust for power and control over a community in stringent rules and dogma (Bilezikian, 2007). Thus, the end results of authoritarian leadership were the destruction of community leadership potential, and violation of the New Testament Church structure with hierarchy (Bilezikian, …show more content…
In leadership, the words and actions of leaders are in the spotlight of followers, moral failures often precede the loss of integrity; however, integrity can also be lost by failing to do the simple things such as following through on a promise or dodging a commitment (Stewart, 2003). Jesus requires integrity in leadership even in small matters; thus, when it comes to integrity, small matters can also be huge ones in Christian leadership (Stewart, 2003). Outside the confines of Christian leadership, one challenge to secular leadership is the ego of the leader; hence, the ego of a business executive can be a very destructive force and can prevent a good company from becoming a great company (Kleinman, 2004). Businesses that are termed successful have leaders with ambition but no ego; therefore, those leaders with ambition but no ego, ultimately place the business or institution above themselves (Kleinman, 2004). Ego comes at a great cost to leadership because of pride, in the end, pride leads to blindness in decision making and unavoidable future regret. My own view on the biggest challenge to leadership is developing management effectiveness. Management is frequently defined in terms of being a systematic process that controls people and resources; thus, with an overlap between leadership and management, many leaders greatly need
Martins Luther’s vision for a future church where the bible was the standard for truth was blocked time and time again by bureaucracies within the church. Martin’s vision enabled him to lead the people through every huddle along the way. Luther’s use of influence changed the way I look at how I lead and influence others. How many times in the past did I face hurdles and gave up quickly. I must convey a vision for the future, one that will inspire my members to perceive a need for change. Therefore, I must use transformational leadership tools like “Idealized influence” and exhibit moral behavior to do the right thing to ensure I move my airmen from our current state to a better future state. Additionally, I need to use cognitive flexibility to incorporate different thinking strategies to “develop plans for different situations to be able to respond to change” (Crs 14 v6, LM06-2SG - 5). When I face hurdles, I must have many strategies to ensure my airmen will be able to get around obstacles to see the vision through. Furthermore, Martin Luther was so concerned for the truth and for the people of the Church that he was willing to risk his life for it. Though I most likely won’t have to risk my life, I must demonstrate ethical leadership by standing up for what is right. Status quo is the easy route for most leaders, but doing what is right sometimes comes with risk. Ethical traps like worry over image, loyalty syndrome, and ethical relativism can get into way (Crs 14 V6 LM01SG – 6). If I let my personal faith bias or worry over what people might think of me when doing what is right, then I will likely do nothing to bring about change. Additionally, Martin Luther had to rectify his vision against the bible to discern truth from a lie during his ethical dilemma to do what was right. Being a military leader, when I am faced with an ethical dilemma, I have to go to
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon explained there is nothing new under the sun, so it should not surprise anyone that many times that which appears to be new was conceived earlier. As the body of knowledge enlarges in a particular discipline, that expansion sometimes bumps into something previously revealed. Great men and women from times past have provided a very rich source of material for the development of theology of leadership. These individuals applied godly principles to form deep, yet practical theologies, sometimes even during the darkest periods of human history. Two of these individuals were Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Mother Teresa, whose theologies of leadership contributed greatly to shaping the concept of God-centered leadership. Their efforts resonate throughout the church today, and impact church leaders around the world.
Although written for church leadership, everyday church members would also benefit from understanding the concepts that Dawn is directing at God-empowered leaders. Ms. Dawn's work is predominantly scholarly, and she cites several other works at great length.... ... middle of paper ... ...
In today’s society, Effective leaders are essential to an organization and exceptional leadership techniques impact the success of reaching goals. Most important leaders often viewed and analyzed as a key component of an organization improperly trained leader can cause both moral and costly negative consequences. Even though unprepared leaders lead in our community today, Billy Graham’s leadership style and communication skills affected the United States because he exhibits characteristic of a leader. There were several obstacles as a leader that Billy Graham endured as a visionary, and his leadership effectiveness and traits observed throughout his ministry.
A true spiritual leader follows the example of God. In the allegory, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Elizabeth Proctor and Reverend Parris’ actions prove that ordination does not necessarily mean sound spiritual leadership. Miller uses the backdrop of the 1692 witch hunts to criticize the flawed society of Puritanism. The play is also a critique of McCarthyism in the United States of America which occurred in the 1950’s. Goody Proctor, a simple farmer’s wife, is the moral centre for John and becomes the voice of his salvation. Elizabeth’s honesty is compromised when she gives it up in an attempt to save her husband. Elizabeth’s
Satterlee Anita. (2013), Organizational Management and Leadership: A Christian Perspective. 2Ed. Synergistics International Inc. Raleigh, NC
God is the focal point for spiritual gifts, talents, and training for leadership. The disciples were trained by Jesus. He did not take disciples into a classroom but He taught by examples.9 Many times the disciples were put in situations by Jesus to help them learn on-the-job. Even in missions, leaders cannot be prepared for every circumstance that may arise; however; with his talents, spiritual gifts, and the Holy Spirit, one can have the resources necessary to be successful. With one’s failures, spiritual gifts, and talents, the Holy Spirit will use these things to train leaders as they continue to aspire in
To be an authentic leader one must discover their True North and the purpose of leadership. Leadership decides the success or failure of organizations. The chief cause of organizational failure for the last decade has been failed leadership. A leader’s
In all the general aspects of this particular term one would conclude that, “Leadership” embodies different characteristics, goals, rules, and standards for different positions in society. In the text, Great Leader, Great Teacher: Recovering the Biblical Vision for Leaders, author Gary Bredfeldt states, “The nature of leadership differs from situation to situation. What is required of a leader on the battlefield is quite different from what is required on the ball field or mission field. Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all formula.” This bold statement makes minds take a deeper look at the general definition of leadership and how each individual can theoretically determine what that is for their lives. In addition, from a Christian Worldview perspective what attributes in which the Scripture provides on servitude can be applicable and relevant to becoming a successful leader.
When one walks in integrity one will always need to know when one must need to assess the current situation in make the right decision for oneself and the company or organization that one works for. A leader will always “feel that gut-wrenching, darker side of human behavior whether it concerns plagiarism, dishonesty, cheating, bias and apathy, one will and is not immune.” (Cipriano, 2015, p. #). As a leader one must still use good judgement on the decisions that we make as leaders, there is a scripture that says “and of perfect men is the strong food, who because of the use are having the senses exercised, unto the discernment both of good and of evil.” (YLT Hebrews 5:14) When we walk in integrity we lead by example. When we are honest as leader’s others will follow. For example, a lady while working as a contract worker for a hospital was one day asked to go to lunch with one of her co-workers, and while going to lunch she said, “hey let’s have a drink, we are at lunch no one will know.” Although this may have been true if she would have yielded and said yes she later could have affected not only her position at work but also her patients. Walking in integrity as a leader not only edifies one’s self but also everyone who is connected to him or
Robert Clinton states “The central task of leadership is influencing God’s people toward God’s purposes” (Clinton, 1988). George Barna defines a Christain Leader as “someone who is called by God to lead; leads with and through Christlike character; and demonstrates the functional competencies that permit effective leadership to take place” (Barna, 1997). It is a shame we as Christians fail to recognize that Christ would have us be leaders in more than the church.
In my opinion Christian and secular leadership vary greatly. Although they share the same basic principles of what a leader should be, Christian leaders take leadership a step further. First off, Christian leaders are called to lead by Him. This means He has chosen these individuals as His people to take on the responsibility of leading in a Christian manner. Christian leaders lead in a way that exemplifies Christ. They are caring, passionate, and invested in the organization in a way that differs from a secular leader. Some companies or organizations treat there employees poorly and only value them for what they can do for the company. On the other hand an organization lead by a Christian cares about the individual
Chung, Y. (2011). Why servant leadership? Its uniqueness and principles in the life of Jesus. Journal Of Asia Adventist Seminary, 14(2), 159-170.
This paper discusses three important elements of business communications as outlined in Chapter Five of the text-book, “Organizational Management and Leadership, A Christian Perspective” (Satterlee, 2009) and related to Chapters One and Two of the book “Resilient Leaders” (Dees, 2013). First, exceptional listening skills are essential for business leaders to enable effective responses during crises. Second, presentation substance, liken to competence, builds trust and credibility during stable times and times of crisis. Finally, leaders must understand the impact of their actions on organizational norms and on creating a corporate culture that encourages positive behaviors based on pure motives, especially during crises.
In addition it is by means of that identical instrumentality that individuals should have their impact upon those they teach. The Holy Spirit’s influence on the early church and apostles conveyed teaching, friendship, the leadership and prayer into fulfillment. I feel that the real-life love revealed shouts to the 21st era Church’s should refocus on these fundamental leaders. To my understanding the book of Act demonstrate the days of the early church. Also, the four frameworks concerning the modern-church can attract knowledge to integrate these heart-felt leadership skills are historical context, learned contexts, interpretation and devotion. 2 Timothy 2:15 states, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (NKJV). Believers who overlook the Bible will definitely be humiliated at the