5.2 Discussion-Christian Leader
Getting Started
What is a Christian leader? Does that phrase refer to a leader in a Christian organization? Does it mean any leader who also happens to be a Christian? Does it mean a leader who models specific principles and practices consistent with a Christian worldview? Is it all of the above?
Regardless of how you might define Christian leaders, this discussion will give you the opportunity to consider some of the key principles in a model of Christian leadership and how those principles might contribute to more effective ethical leadership.
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
Explain key attributes that define a Christian Leader.
Background Information
YOU-TUBE Being Your Best Self, Part 1: Moral Awareness |
Every issue has a moral aspect to it. Thus, ethical decision-making and ethical leadership are not just occasionally relevant but are always relevant. The Ethics Unwrapped material suggests four steps to be our “best self” when it comes to ethical thinking and action. A good first step is Moral Awareness. How does your worldview integrate or value moral awareness?
Moral Awareness (step one).
Anacker and Shoup (2014) noted that a Christian worldview is not “just a set of beliefs; it is the way of life. To be a Christian is to live all of life in a new way, according to new principles—God’s principles” (p. x). Further, the authors stated, “Christian leadership argues for ethics informed by Christian principles” (p. 50).
Anacker and Shoup (2014) offered 11 foundational elements in a model of Christian leadership, including:
Be a Christ-follower.
Be filled with the Spirit.
View your engagement in an organization as a holy calling, a vocation from God.
Understand that your vocation is carried out as an ambassador of Christ, a citizen of heaven.
Know that you are a steward, not the owner, of the gifts and talents God has given you, and their purpose is to do kingdom work.
An experienced Christian fellowship on an ongoing basis.
Know and apply relevant biblical principles for every word and action.
Pray without ceasing.
Actively participate in the body of Christ, His church.
Align truths from general revelation with special revelation to guide practices.
Walk by faith and not by sight (i.e., trust in the Lord and do not lean on your own understanding). (pp. 61 – 62)
We might also say that the following list of values articulated by Jesus (and commonly called “The Beatitudes”) suggests some fundamental properties of Christian leadership:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (New International Bible, 1973/1984, Matthew 5:3-10).
Instructions
Review the Background Information.
Read Faddis (course text).
Chapter 4; Strategy 9 – pp. 103 – 119.
Chapter 4; Strategy 10 – pp. 120 – 130.
Conclusion – p. 131 – 132.
Read Ludwig and Longnecker’s(new tab) article.
Write an initial response (300-400 words) to the following prompt(s) or question(s):
Select one or more of the elements of the Anacker and Shoup (2014) Christian leadership model and/or the Beatitudes and discuss the relationship with ethical leadership and decision-making. What other concepts from the course can you connect? Posts may also explain the possible alignment of ideas with other worldviews.