COURSE: MAL 610

THEOLOGY OF LEADERSHIP

INSTRUCTOR: DR. EDWARD NZINGA

BY

JOSHUA MWANGI MUTHEE

MALD/13125/0/19

TASK: MINOR PAPER 1

guide for leadership practice

“What is our theology of leadership?” The answer to that query will necessarily include

the leadership examples from Adam’s dominion in the garden (Gen. 1:26) to the saints’ reigning

in eternity (Rev. 22:5). Christians cannot solely depend on the general leadership theory to guide

them to an expression of Christ-like leadership. On the contrary, there must be an understanding

of how their faith is expressed under God’s governance. This governance focuses on Christ and

given the revelation of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. Their concern is the extension of God’s

mission and power into all other aspects of life, including leadership. The Christian’s leadership

activity places Christ on display, through His church, irrespective of whether the leadership

occurs within the ecclesial sphere or not.

In a world where Christians must exhibit organizational, interpersonal and societal

leadership styles. This is because it is a duty that cannot be relegated to a future generation or the

back pages of systematic theology after the “important theological material” is explained.

Christians have always tried to comprehend Jesus` nature and ministry. They should also attempt

to comprehend the impact of his death, resurrection, and ascension in various dimensions,

including leadership. An example of such a theory would be considered to be counterintuitive.

However, its strength would be in its long and diverse historical support.

Firstly, a theology of leadership helps to produce leaders who are full of integrity. The

integrity of the leader is crucial to the successful symbiotic operation between a leader and

follower-submissive staff. A theology of leadership produces a truthful, honest and faithful

leader (Exodus 18:21) to warrant submission from followers and protect them from abuse.
 Secondly, a theology of leadership helps to filter out God’s truth after studying various

theories “to discern nuggets of God’s truth about leadership from his general revelation” (Arbur,

1995). Christian leadership authors recognize those general leadership theories have valid and

often useful truths that can be applied within a Christian aspect. In some ways, these ideologies

can even contribute to the theology of leadership. However, the limits of these theories are that

they are often based on material outcomes. These leadership approaches may cause a church to

be successful but bereft of any indication of its association to the Kingdom of Jesus.

Thirdly, the leader who is fully engaged in ministry while practicing full and meaningful

theological reflection will be the Transformative practitioner, known by Hough and Cobb as a

“Theological Practitioner.” This is the leader who will be best fitted to guide the church through

the cultural and ideological clashes and opportunities we face today. The qualitative depth of

one’s ministry and theological reflection is determined by the extent of personal formation one

has achieved. The more deeply formed a person is, the more caring they are Intersect the

caring of a deeply formed intellectual and a pragmatist and the results are the fruitfulness of a

Transformative Practitioner who can bring about change that produces peace and stability in our

world

Peter Nyende contends that properly structured theological education (TE) will lead to a

moral society. Moreover, peaceful society: Theology, and thus the subject matter of Theological

education and leadership is about God and his created order. For that reason, TE is intrinsically

characterized by the intersection of God-his words and actions, agency, nature, and character,

among others. And his world-human beings, nature and environment, societies/communities etc.

Consequently, TE is distinguished by the fact that although it has professional, civic and

intellectual purposes, it is, based on its transcendent subject, essentially moral and value-laden.
 Thus, in concrete terms, TE invariably offers inquiry, instruction, knowledge and

practice, concerning humans’ perceptions and experiences of the transcendent, draw from both

the moral and value-orientated domains. It can influence most other human endeavors, whether

scientific, artistic, social or political, for good or ill. “What is more, seen in this perspective, the

contribution of TE is distinct and necessary in any pursuit of a just, moral and peaceful society,

vital elements in for Christians, any society's viability is germane to God’s telos (purpose) for his

world-a new heaven and earth. A moral, just, and peaceful society will not come about

automatically, just by itself. We come to that quality of social living through the persistent

efforts of men and women who practice wisdom leadership. These people include the ones that

have been shaped for theological education.

The theology of Christian leadership also produces biblically obedient leaders who

demonstrate obedience to biblical authority. They shape their worldview and all subsequent

actions and behaviors on biblical truths. They have humble and genuine respect for the Word of

God. They embrace the statement of King Solomon: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of

wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9 .10). This biblical

obedience takes on the character of deep personal piety and the godly character that reflects the

image of Christ, whereas the Apostle Paul says, “... you prove yourselves to be blameless and

innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,

among whom you appear as lights in the world ...” (Phil 2.15, EST).

The theology of Christian Leadership produces transformational focused leaders who live

contentedly in the presence of brokenness, conflict and chaos. They understand the power of

truth that grows from their theological reflection and engage in change-producing actions. The

theology of Christian Leadership produces courageously gifted leaders who take wise risks. They
have the courage to step out into the unknown and untested with confidence that their

understanding of truth and faith in God will guide their decisions and actions.

They take to heart Joshua’s instructions to the Hebrews: “Be strong and courageous. Do not

tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua1.9).

They take comfort in the promise that God gave Moses at the base of Mt. Sinai: “My Presence

will go with you and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33.14). They embrace the confidence of Isaiah:

“Fear not; for I am with you.”

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