Diversity within leadership is not simply a vivid portrait of varied colors, but a variety of perspectives, customs, experiences and backgrounds. Therefore, leadership as a whole, is the presence of all souls beating in different tempos to inspire the masses. Theology of Leadership Journal invites readers to delve into the theories, perspectives and personal reflections of each author and formulate their own convictions of leadership. The journal invites one to peruse through the varied topics of cross-cultural perspectives, metaphorical language, synergy, authentic presence, suffering and conflict perception. Each page echoes the heartbeat of the masses and challenges the reader to comprehend the cultural context of one\u2019s audience.<\/p>\n
Russel L. Huizing welcomes his readers and challenges them to understand the vast perspectives of theology of leadership. He believes that, \u201cOrganizations have shifted from a highly localized emphasis with perhaps tertiary connections to outside influences to outside influences becoming the primary driver of the organization.\u201d[1]<\/a> According to Huizing, leadership is driven by the need to communicate amongst cultural spans because influence is globalized in praxis. Therefore, leadership is the stance of learning. The author elaborates on his position and concludes that, \u201cIf Christianity is to inspire through its leadership in not only ecclesial environments but every sphere of cultural influence, then this analysis of Christian leadership must occur.\u201d[2]<\/a> Therefore, he adheres to the belief that healthy leadership is compelled by global impact and implementation.<\/p>\n Jeffrey J. Singfiel delves into this concept further by giving us a glimpse at Paul\u2019s preference towards team leadership, preparation tactics and contextual understanding of conflict. Singfiel explains that, \u201cBroad cultural dimensions such as individualism-collectivism and power distance also affect the way people interact with each other. All of these dynamics create a complex picture of conflict in the first-century team.\u201d[3]<\/a> Therefore, the author believes that one must be able to understand the reason and context of conflict in order to move forward towards a solution. Hence, \u201cbecoming a real team requires an intentional decision on the part of its members. Teamwork is not a virtue. It is a choice \u2013 and a strategic one.\u201d[4]<\/a> Leadership is a conscious choice and a decision for the betterment of the organization. Consequently, one must understand that introspection is not simply a personal decision, but a cooperate choice. Singfiel advocates for leaders to take on the position of pupil. This approach is more than stepping into one\u2019s shoes, it is delving into their context and allowing them to shape your leadership methodology \u2013 it is the willingness to be changed by those you are leading.<\/p>\n Sheryl Sandburg, COO of Facebook and best-selling author delves into the concept of diversified leadership and invites all to lean in and join the table. She believes that, \u201cThe opportunity to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.\u201d[5]<\/a> Sheryl Sandburg alludes to the idea that leadership is tied to the response of the masses rather than the rhetoric of the individual. It is through the lens of submitting oneself to change that one can lead successfully.<\/p>\n Fred Wantaate presents an example of cultural context by conducting a comparative study on the topic of pastoral authority. The experiment reveals that one\u2019s experience, culture and customs impact one\u2019s perception. Wantaate goes on to discuss that, \u201cExperiencing a calling is perhaps the single most important phenomenon that takes place in an individual\u2019s life and has many positive consequences for the individual and organizations.\u201d[6]<\/a> However, calling is a fluid concept colored by cultural context, societal norms and familial expectations. Consequently, one\u2019s interpretation dictates one\u2019s leadership definition. The author delves deeper and creates a comparative list between cultural concepts of individualism, collectivism, power distance, masculinity, femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term avoidance verses short-term avoidance.[7]<\/a> He explains that these varied cultural norms influence one\u2019s perception of successful leadership and one\u2019s definition of calling. This is why it is critical to understand that self-actualization is not dependent on Western ideals, but personal and cultural goals. If we refuse to grasp this concept, then we risk creating a schism of expectation because of ignorant assumption.<\/p>\n For instance, Mel Robbins, best-selling author and influencer is the perfect example of the modern concept of calling. Robbins claims that, \u201cWhen it comes to goals, dreams, and chasing your life, your inner wisdom is a genesis. Your goal-related impulses, urges, and instincts are there to guide you. You need to learn to bet on them.\u201d[8]<\/a> According to Wantaate, modern calling is driven \u201ctowards self-fulfillment or personal happiness\u201d[9]<\/a> because followers are driven by Western individualism. This is why most books in the Western world create formulas of conversation and multiplication. However, is this really great leadership?<\/p>\n Stephen Woodworth asks us to consider, \u201cIn every age, the church must ask, what are pastors for?\u201d[10]<\/a> Throughout the following chapters, various authors seek to reveal the theology of leadership. However, not all forms of leadership are equal. Hence, leadership methodology must be the based on sacrificial demonstration, not personal oration. Stephen goes on to assert:<\/p>\n While concrete training in the functional tasks of pastoring is an essential aspect of any ministerial training program, it needs to be recognized that such courses are often highly influenced by the liturgies and traditions of their country of origin, emphasizing culture-bound challenges and perspectives that often fail to be universal in nature.[11]<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Debby Thomas reminds us that, \u201cJesus gives a clear call to his disciples, the early church, and Christian leaders today to go against the power constructs of the culture, and to embrace leading as a servant.\u201d[12]<\/a> Leadership occurs when we understand the individual value of humanity without filtering it through generalized assumption. Therefore, making a difference is not making “them” different. Leadership is simply the art of generating influence that brings change to the soul, not the outward custom or cultural value. Hence, diversity needs to the basis of one\u2019s organization and one\u2019s leadership methodology. Leaders must comprehend the cultural ideas of leadership in order to provide unified purpose. Therefore, cultural nuance needs to be assessed before Christian ministry can make a difference.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 3.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 3.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 12.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a>Patrick Lencioni,\u00a0The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business<\/em>\u00a0(San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2012), Pg. 21.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a>Sheryl Sandberg and Nell Scovell,\u00a0Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead<\/em>\u00a0(New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013), Pg. 35.<\/p>\n [6]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 52.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 53.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [8]<\/a>Mel Robbins,\u00a0The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage<\/em>\u00a0(Place of publication not identified: Savio Republic, 2017), 33.<\/p>\n [9]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 82.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [10]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 81.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [11]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 82.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n [12]<\/a>Russell L. Huizing: Ph.D., \u201cTheology of Leadership Journal: Volume 1,\u201d\u00a0Theology of Leadership Journal<\/em>\u00a01, no. 1 (2018): Pg. 73.,\u00a0http:\/\/theologyofleadership.com\/index.php\/tlj<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Diversity within leadership is not simply a vivid portrait of varied colors, but a variety of perspectives, customs, experiences and backgrounds. Therefore, leadership as a whole, is the presence of all souls beating in different tempos to inspire the masses. 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