Article on Christian Leadership

[riverdove]

Has anybody read this article? I really can agree with the many things that were said of what Christian leadership should be. If interested, here's the link:

http://www.bcwinstitute.com/press/Stowell%20cmr%202005.pdf

[David]

"“Distance tends to create distrust,” he said. “And that’s harder to bridge in larger organizations.”"

I think this statement stood out to me most of all in this article. For me, at the moment, at the fundamentalist Christian school that I find myself at, the principal is tending to move further and further away from the staff and tending to only confide in a few people. When she does talk to others, she tends to just get impatient and disagree and then walk away.

I can see the danger signs. I remember the same thing happening at out church-cult (I've got to stop saying 'our' I think). The pastor gathered a few around him, me included, met once a week with them and called them his inner circle. We were not allowed to discuss, even with our partners, what took place in those meetings, because "the angels and the demons see and hear what goes on in our very bedrooms." (Shudder)

Our principal seems to be heading down a similar path and I just ache to get out. Thankfully, it doesn't tend to affect me. I have structured my week purposely so that I no longer attend staff meetings. I just hear the stuff second hand now.

Thanks for the link, riverdove. Have you read a book called "A Tale of Three Kings" by (I think) Gene Edwards? A very short book, but imo the best book on leadership ever. I cried the first time I read it as it spoke to my heart so deeply.

[ex-shep]

It does describe the inner circles of leadership in the shepherding group Tammy and I were in. It might describe the inner circle at the bible school I attended. I may need to reflect on the dynamics there after a cup of coffee.

The good work environment at Moody shows. I listen to Moody radio, if you pardon the pun, religiously. It is a pleasant, relaxed, and professional environment. It comes over the air. They are serious about their missions, but they also have fun with. Their morning drive programme is delightful to listen.

Good link. Thanks for the share.

[riverdove]

David,

I haven't read the book, "A Tale of Three Kings,", but since you've brought it up, maybe I'll try to get hold of one and read. The name Gene Edwards sounds familiar. I might have read one of his books at some point in time though, but I've forgotten which. Another book I've just started to read is "The Ragamuffin Gospel" (Embracing the Unconditional Love of God) by former Roman Catholic priest Brennan Manning.

Sorry to hear about the current change of events in your teaching job. It's one thing to be at a regular school facing this kind of situation, but to be in a Christian school ... it must be an extra stressful time for you to have to go through this. I'm glad those staff meetings won't affect you that much, but if you have to get out of it and it's good for your sanity, I would say consider it seriously to do so. I have felt intimidated in past abusive meetings in the church setting, so I can relate to some of what you've said. I think there's much more to life than having to struggle in this kind of unhealthy and damaging environment. Take care and hope things will work out the better for you.

[riverdove]

Ex shep, I think the guy that was interviewed left the organisation because things were changing. He left in recent years after being there for a long time and he was commenting on the leadership that he wasn't happy while he was there, thus the article. That was what the artcle was trying to say, I think. Whatever it is, I hope the people there will take what he said seriously. I wish many more Christian organisations who have gone "modernised" with their secular method of management to seek those Christian principles of managing people. You know, adopting the secular way of managing people have hurt so many ... and churches included. So, it's time someone with the spirit of true leadership speak up that others may learn from.

I agree with what you've said about their radio programme and I like it too.

[ex-shep]

Ex shep, I think the guy that was interviewed left the organisation because things were changing. He left in recent years after being there for a long time and he was commenting on the leadership that he wasn't happy while he was there, thus the article. That was what the artcle was trying to say, I think. Whatever it is, I hope the people there will take what he said seriously. I wish many more Christian organisations who have gone "modernised" with their secular method of management to seek those Christian principles of managing people. You know, adopting the secular way of managing people have hurt so many ... and churches included. So, it's time someone with the spirit of true leadership speak up that others may learn from.

I agree with what you've said about their radio programme and I like it too.


I guess I was not reading closely. That will teach me to post before I pour a cup of coffee. Your points, however, are well taken. Good perspective on your part. Good read nonetheless, even if we had different takes. :)

[riverdove]

I've zipped through reading materials in a flash myself, so that is not a prob at all. I'm big on tea, but will enjoy decaf coffee too :)