Contemporary ministry leaders face numerous potentially polarizing social considerations in ministry practice (e.g., divorce, homosexuality, transgender, co-habitation). To what extent, if at all, does having a clearly defined personal theology of leadership help the Christian ministry leader address these types of potentially polarizing social issues? Explain. Support your view with relevant research and practical examples that consider specific theology of leadership components as well as their synthesis in ministry praxis.

Question:

To what extent, if at all, does having a clearly defined personal theology of leadership help the Christian ministry leader address these types of potentially polarizing social issues? 

Answer:

With contemporary leaders facing numerous potentially polarizing social considerations in ministry practice, leaders must have a clear and concise understanding of the Word of God and a solid spiritual foundation (Gunder, 2018). When leaders have a personal theology of leadership helpes those that the lead in the ministry to understand God percepts and draw them closer to Him. Ministry leaders are called co- laborers with God participating together in God's mission.

Effective leaders work align the organization with the desired cultural atmosphere, by creating expectation and direction for all stakeholders. Leadership turnover in a ministry can shake the foundation and weaken the strength of culture. Each change in leadership increases the probability that unity of shared goals and standards will dissipate. As such, a leadership model with succession in mind should focuses on cultural alignment. A servant leadership model which include self disciplined leaders who demonstrate maturity in character sets the foundation. Next a servant leaders impacts he culture by earning the respect of mentees when encouraging and molding them for success. The servant leaders also trains and equip mentees to conduct the business oft the church or other organization which impacts the mentees confidence to continue. Also, an analytical and assessment strategy to identify success and areas of opportunity helps the leaders to keep the program on track. However, one of the most impactful elements of opportunity leadership plan is creating and communicating the vision which drive the need to continue the shared culture of the organization.

Successful leadership development and succession planning in Christian ministries mean that the importance of continuity and formation are embedded in the structure of the ministry. Ministry leaders understand and teach others that ministry is not built on a personality no matter how charismatic. Jesus developed leadership within his disciples to ensure that his message would continue. The apostles followed what Jesus had demonstrated for them to select leaders in the church, which ensure leadership development and continuity of ministry and message. Hollinger(2013) noted that an exegetical analysis of scriptures related to succession and development reveals that there was a deliberate process based on core values, leadership, qualities, and competence. Of emphasis is that secular leadership is defined differently than leadership within faith communities. Leaders are often considered to represent the perspective or mindset of the people they lead or the head of a group or association. , but in Christian communities, leaders are guides, teachers, and caregivers. (Kopiczko, 2017).