...1 Paul Cobb Anastasie Destouche Jennifer Kearns Paul Pirkle Mark Ricker Liberty University Abstract Servant-leadership is widely researched and discussed from a secular and Christian worldview (Fischer, 2010; see also Blanchard & Hodges, 2005). A Christian is called to follow God in all he does but life experiences can be conflicting in dealing with the spiritual and secular context; however, Christ wants his followers to operate within the context of the secular world. True servant-leadership is to emulate how Jesus led those around him - with complete selflessness and by serving others. Moreover, it is challenging for humans to be servant-leaders as they often desire personal recognition in life; yet, dedication to the Word and quiet reflection in God can help one to lead like Jesus. Larry Spears labeled Greenleaf a Grandfather of empowerment movement in business leadership (Greenleaf, 1996) because of his zeal toward servant-leadership. Greenleaf’s viewpoint, though commendable, conflicts with biblical principles. Thus, this paper analyzes Greenleaf’s work from a Christian worldview and institutes a biblical basis for servant leadership. Keywords: servant leadership, biblical perspective, gifts, loving, individual Introduction Servant-leadership is widely researched and discussed from a secular and Christian worldview (Fischer, 2010; see also Blanchard & Hodges, 2005). Paul encouraged believers to be imitators of Christ in this area when he...
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...trying to address such weaknesses. It is the belief that by fixing a person’s weakness, that person will begin to perform at an above average level, but this is far from being true (Clifton & Nelson, 1992). In the first two chapters of the book Soar With Your Strengths by Donald Clifton and Paula Nelson (1992), we learn that shifting focus to increasing strengths versus trying to fix weakness is more productive and efficient than the alternate. Important Concepts Concepts Applied to Organizational Management and Leadership: A Christian Perspective Strategies for Implementing the Concepts within an Organization In the first two chapters of the book Soar With Your Strengths by Donald Clifton and Paula Nelson, we learn that shifting focus to increasing strengths versus trying to fix weakness is more productive and efficient than the alternate. The strengths theory does not ignore weaknesses however, it explains that little can be profited by studying what went wrong or is being done incorrectly. 3 Important Concepts Strengths can over shadow the weakness. Essentially if an individual were to diligently hone the skills that they possess and essentially master the strength, it will make the weakness less vulnerable. Understanding your own key strengths is important. To manage yourself effectively, you want to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses (Sherman, 2013). Studying weakness is ineffective. Often times when analyzing the before and after of a business...
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...The most impacting concepts that I have learned about my understanding of servant leadership is that it is not a modern concept, but it was found in the Bible with documentations of Jesus being the model of a servant leader. Secondly, it is the focus on the growth of the individual, that they might flourish and achieve their full potential and not primarily the growth and potential of the organization that sets the servant leadership apart from other leadership styles. Thirdly, the primary concern of the servant leader is service to their followers (Philippians 2:3-4). In regards to the impact of the servant leadership and its application to my world, I am called to be a servant of God in every aspect of my life. The Bible makes it clear to me that this means serving humanity in accordance with the higher purpose of serving God. Please note that this must be done from a Christian Worldview because simply serving people is not sufficient, this is not an indicator that a leader is serving God (1 Corinthians 13: The traits that I consider most important as a servant leader includes the ones that Jesus displayed or demonstrated such as: compassion, humility, integrity, impartiality, trustworthiness, and wisdom (Sullivan, 2004, p. 144). “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:8-9). In honestly expressing me, my strengths that can be most effective in...
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...Abstract Reviewing Leadership by Banks and Ledbetter looks to review and evaluate the concept of leadership in our culture today. Initially the book looks to the rise in the interest of leadership and the development of leadership within churches. The book also delves into trends and societal issues while it forecasts that the central theme of leadership is the concept of values. On the other hand, the authors look to see how some people's faith affects their approach about leadership and use the example of the Apostle Paul. After the book addresses the interest in leadership today it looks to provide Biblical contemporary and historical aspects of leadership. The Biblical and contemporary aspects that Banks and Ledbetter include are Benedictine tradition, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Pentecostal; and contingency and transformational. Banks and Ledbetter state “[s]uch approaches have their basis in an institutional setting-primarily the church or a religious order-that was influenced explicitly or implicitly by a particular set of theological convictions” (2004, p. 28). Next the Authors address the spiritual and religious dimensions that leadership offers. In this chapter the authors look at spiritual dimensions of leadership characterized by Vaclav Havel and accordingly two basic Christian approaches to leadership. In the chapter following the spiritual and religious dimensions, Banks and Ledbetter look into the faith-based approaches to leadership. In this portion of the...
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...Business ethics and leadership can be a very interesting subject. This paper addresses the thoughts and leadership skills of a former boss of mine, Gail Painter. It contains a leadership assessment of me. And it also addresses how the concepts learned in this class can be applied at my current job. Business ethics and leadership styles and concepts are an ever changing thing. Interview Gail Painter was the Staffing Supervisor who hired me to run the Vinita office of Staffing Solutions, a temporary employment agency. Gail believes leadership develops with experience. Leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes and outcomes that reflect their shared purpose (Daft, 2011, p.5). Different circumstances require different actions and vision. Experience gives you exposure to different ideas and situations. Her experience working with the Director at her previous job was valuable in helping develop her leadership skills. She worked for a company with an amazing leader and she tries to model her leadership skills from his. He was always cool, calm and collected. He gathered all the facts before making any decision. Gail enjoyed working for a leader like that. Her views of leadership have changed over time. Her work experience in a variety of different arenas has given her insight on good skills as well as some bad skills. Technology upgrades as well as upgrades to employment laws have also changed her leadership views. Working...
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...Review of The Christian Calling to Business Life I have dealt with many people in my lifetime. In my opinion, people with religion believes do have better quality than the people don’t have. I came from China, and most Chinese people don’t have religions. They don’t even know wait in line when they are at cashier. When an old Chinese lady fell down on the street, there was nobody even trying to help her out because they were afraid of being framed. After reading “The Christian Calling to Business Life” by Shirley J. Roels, I deeply realize that Christian will bring a better quality of business styles. Church and its leadership structure are actually as same as business. They were both created with the same concepts. In Church organization, the people in ministry consist pastors, worship leaders etc, and they are guided by our GOD. In business, it consists employer, employee, supervisor, manager, and regular workers. In Shirley’s article, she highly recommended that Christian should be called in order to better quality the business, and she also suggested this should be happened in 21st century. This really brings me a bright sight that there are many businesses went to bankrupt or collapse nowadays. But I did not hear a Church falling down so far. The reason been is the Church’s effective leadership and its ethical strategies are more powerful than a regular business. This theory really leads me to imagine if there is a business filled out with all Christians from the leaders...
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...Christian Worldview of Leadership Introduction The Christian worldview of leadership is distinctly different from most secular views on the subject. In the secular, leadership tends to be viewed primarily in terms of a company’s bottom line and how well the leader can urge employees to produce more and better work. That view is profit-centered rather than person-centered, and it does not give much attention to employees’ human needs and qualities nor on how developing excellent work relationships can promote productivity. In the Christian worldview, however, people are key, and their human needs are important. The leader in the Christian worldview understands how meeting employees’ needs promotes the kind of productivity desired and how developing strong work relationships can do more for the company’s success than micromanaging or other forms of harassment can achieve. This paper will discuss the characteristics of a leader and the keys of leadership, group behavior, and conflict management and resolution from the Christian perspective. Leadership Today’s business leaders often have difficult tasks to achieve in turning around failing companies and galvanizing an overworked workforce fearful of losing their jobs, but their tasks do not outweigh those of the great Biblical leaders, such as Moses, who led the Israelites out of bondage, or David, who had to slay the giant before becoming a leader. The characteristics of a leader in the Biblical context still differs...
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...Individual Biblical Integration Project BUSI502-D02 Abstract The concept of Servant Leadership was pioneered by Robert Greenleaf in 1970. According to Greenleaf’s original concept, through the act of servant leadership we, as contemporary Christians, are attempting to lead as Jesus did. In short we are striving to be leaders/managers who serve instead of being served. Specifically, there are 10 Principles which are considered to be important characteristics of the servant leader. According to Spears’ article Practicing Servant-Leadership, these include listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community. Servant Leadership as a whole concept is deeply rooted in Biblical principles. Further, each of these individual traits are ‘backed up’ by Biblical doctrine and support. Through the utilization of these ten traits, the Servant leader is able to not only lead their team/people from their head, but to lead them with their heart. While the concept of Servant Leadership is relatively simple, it can be hard to apply to our everyday lives. In short, if we lead like Jesus; we will become more like Him. (Blanchard & Hodges, 2008) Spears (2004) summed up Greenleaf’s 10 characteristics of a servant leader. Listening The first trait is listening. A servant leader must listen to their co-workers ideas. Through this action, the leader is able to ascertain the will and needs...
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...Faith-Full Leadership, Ethics and Accountability: Using the work of Moses Pava to enforce the need for moral leadership and governance The general rationale of this paper is quite simple: moral leadership and moral governance matters. It has taken me the entire semester and the detailed reading of the book, Leading With Meaning: Using Covenantal Leadership to Build a Better Organization by Moses Pava (2003) to help me make the solid connection between operational (structural) governance and moral/ethical governance. If the reader of this paper is an enlightened, educated academic, this point may not have a significant impact. On the other hand, if the reader is a “typical” lay practitioner, the point of this paper, supported by evidence provided by Pava (and the other cited resources) might offer a deep and long lasting influence which could possibly change how the reader thinks and acts in matters related to organizational leadership and governance. I was able to make many connections between the Pava text and the Sison (2008) text that helped me better understand how Sison is interpreting Aristotle in today’s complex global business world. I have cited several of these cases to help the reader make a solid connection between structure, intent morality, ethics, accountability and corporate motives. I typically use colored “flags” to note important points and passages in a book I am reading for meaning. After reading the Pava (2003) text, I looked back and saw over fifty...
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...are approximately 2.18 billion followers of the Christian faith, of all ages around the world, representing nearly a third of the estimated 2010 global population of 6.9 billion. That is vast. So, how did the religion survive pressure, from both Judaism and Islam, and go on to become the leading religion in the world? Christianity’s history is immense to say the least. This Abrahamic religion originates from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth, also known as the Christ, in the 1st century AD. His stories and history can be found in the Holy Bible and more specifically the gospel via the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Christianity as a whole acknowledges that humanity is flawed and needs a savior. According to Christians, Jesus Christ is that savior. It is written in the Holy Bible, in the book of John, Chapter 3, verses 16–18: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This belief in Jesus’ divinity helps followers to embrace the doctrine of original sin and directs its followers on how to repent for committed sins. Initially, the Christianity cause was an underground one. The religion was somewhat secretive and acts as basically a small sect. Its members would meet in secret at hidden locations. It suffered pressure from the Jewish faith and the Pagan religion amongst other difficulties. However, the Christian faith would continue to grow as Jesus’ followers...
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...1.1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Generally, of the various leadership styles no other leadership style has a deeper or stronger historical base than servant leadership. The concept of servant leadership can be traced through passages dating back to the 4th century B.C., most notably passages documented from Lao-Tzu who lived in China 570 B.C. (Brewer, 2010). However, the contemporary study of servant leadership may be traced to the groundbreaking work of Greenleaf (1977). The model of servant leadership, as proposed by Robert Greenleaf (1977) seems especially well suited to providing employees with the empowerment and participatory job characteristics that are related to both employee and customer satisfaction. Servant-leadership represents a model of leadership in which the leader assumes a supportive, service orientated role among stakeholders and followers (Greenleaf, 1977). The fundamental concept of servant leadership is placing others before self and accordingly servant leaders care about the people that work for them, other person’s agendas come before their own and commitment to service comes first. The servant leader serves by building the skills of followers, removing obstacles, encouraging innovation, and empowering creative problem solving (Spears, 2004). Servant Leadershipis an understanding and practice of leadership that places the good of those led over the self-interest of the leader. Servant leadership promotes the valuing and development of people, the building...
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...methodism Methodism Emilio R. Valdez University of Phoenix World Religious Traditions II REL/134 Dr. Russ Paden March 21, 2010 Methodism Methodism is a branch of Christianity under the banner of Protestant faith. This branch has roots that trace backto John Wesley. According to About.com (2011), “While studying at Oxford, Wesley, his brother Charles, and several other students formed a group devoted to study, prayer and helping the underprivileged. They were labeled "Methodist" by their fellow students because of the way they used "rule" and "method" to go about their religious affairs.” (Methodist Church History, para.). Methodism took shape in the context of the beginnings of modern industrialization, urbanization, and the Enlightenment emphasis on experience as the most secure path to knowledge. In addition to their roots in Anglicanism, the most direct influence on John Wesley and Methodism was pietism, specifically, the German pietists known as Moravians. (Patheos, Inc., 2008 - 2011). Origin The Methodist movement traces itself to its origins in 1739. (About.com, 2011). John Wesley was an ordained minister of the Church of England. Upon interaction with the Moravian societies, John Wesley was heavily influenced on his views. “This was not Wesley’s conversion; but it was deeply moving emotional experience that gave him assurance that Christ was his Savior. It is significant than Wesley based his assurance of salvation on his experience rather...
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...Leadership What it means to be a leader differs to people. There have been many theories on leadership and historical leaders that people try to emulate. Studies have found that the term leadership is broad. Nevertheless, they have found that the common denominator in the definition of leader. A leader is someone that has “the ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals.”- (Robbins & Judge, 2010, p. 339). There are many managers that think they are leaders but that would not necessarily be true. Although the terms manager and leader are often used interchangeably, a manager is “an individual who achieves goals through other people.”- (Robbins & Judge, 2010, p. 340). All leaders are managers but not all managers are true leaders. After further analysis, one will come to realize that there are strategic, ethical, legal, and organizational concepts that must be taken into account if a leader is to be effective. Furthermore, as Christians we must be mindful of what we do. A Christian leader should heed the advice of the wise and never compromise their integrity. There have been theories and debates about whether leaders are born or created. Trait theories of leadership has discovered that many of history’s greatest leaders have some common denominators. According to these theories charismatic, enthusiastic and courageous people are more effective leaders. Meanwhile, behavior theories argue that leadership can be developed. Citing that...
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...4-MAT Book Review Of The Making of a Leader: Recognizing the Lessons and Stages of Leadership Development Sha’Rae Washington Liberty University 2015 Summary Leadership, specifically Christian based leadership, is a very fascinating topic. In learning about leadership and the qualities it takes to be a great effective Christian leader one will begin to learn more about themselves and their own personal relationship with God. This was one of the lessons discovered while reading the book written by Robert Clinton entitled The Making of a Leader: Recognizing the Lessons and States of Leadership Development. In his book, Clinton does a great job at teaching readers the important lessons of what it takes to be a leader. While the book gives information on what it takes to be a leader it is also good for providing the instructions on how to recognize the growth process one experiences as they transition from a role of a follower to that of a leader. In efforts to better explain leader development and how Christian leaders must recognize lessons in life, Clinton develops a model that is based on research he has conducted on several Christian leaders to include A.W Tozer and Dawson Trottman. From the lives of these exceptional Christian leaders, the author uncovers five different phases of development that leaders experience while growing within themselves and maturing. In the first three of the five, sometimes six, phases it is important for readers to understand that “God’s...
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...A young pastor was conducting the funeral of a war veteran. The dead man’s military friends, wanting a part in the service, asked him to escort them to the casket, stand with them for a moment of remembrance, then lead them out through the side door. The pastor did precisely that, but not being familiar with the funeral home, he picked the wrong door. They marched with military precision into a janitorial closet! That story says two things about leadership. First, if you’re going to lead, you’d better know where you’re going. Second, if you’re going to follow, you’d better follow someone who knows where he’s going. Being someone who has been blessed with or cursed with the spiritual gift of administration this concept of not using my leadership...
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