This essay is an attempt to suggest an effective Christian leadership by basing on a case study of Christian leadership in Myanmar. The essay has three parts. The first part tries to find a good definition of leadership, Christian leadership, and being effective. After discussing different definitions made by some prominent writers and leaders, I articulate my own definition of an effective Christian leadership.
The second part highlights the leadership situation in my own context. In other words, the second part discusses a key issue of Christian leadership in Myanmar, where both political and Christian leaders tend to practice authoritarian leadership, and my critique on it.
The final part is seeking an effective leadership for the Christian churches in the light of the key issue of Christian leadership in Myanmar. Here, I suggest an incarnational leadership, which calls the leaders to engage in suffering dying to their comfort zones, as a suitable leadership that will meet the need of the people today.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- I. Definitions
- I.1. Leadership
- I.2. Christian Leadership
- II. A Key Issue on Christian Leadership in My Context
- III. Towards an Incarnational Leadership
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to define effective Christian leadership, analyze its challenges in a specific context (Myanmar), and propose a model for more effective leadership. It draws upon various definitions of leadership, examines the issue of authoritarian leadership in Myanmar, and suggests incarnational leadership as a potential solution.
- Defining effective Christian leadership
- Critique of authoritarian leadership styles
- The concept of incarnational leadership
- The role of leadership in community development
- Application of leadership principles in a specific cultural context (Myanmar)
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the essay by highlighting the crucial role of leaders in organizational and community growth, referencing Rusbuldt's assertion that a church's success hinges on its leadership. It introduces the essay's structure, outlining the three parts: defining leadership, analyzing the situation in Myanmar, and proposing a solution through incarnational leadership. The introduction emphasizes the importance of effective leadership for positive change.
I. Definitions: This chapter explores various definitions of leadership and Christian leadership, drawing on the works of prominent authors such as Donald Dorr, James Plueddemann, Leonard Sweet, and James Lawrence. The chapter analyzes different perspectives on leadership, emphasizing the diversity of interpretations influenced by philosophical, theological, and cultural factors. It ultimately proposes a definition of leadership as the ability and willingness to take responsibility for guiding others toward a better future, emphasizing that effective leadership extends beyond formal positions of authority.
II. A Key Issue on Christian Leadership in My Context: This section focuses on the challenges of Christian leadership in Myanmar, specifically critiquing the prevalence of authoritarian leadership styles among both political and religious leaders. It analyzes the negative consequences of this approach and sets the context for the proposal of an alternative leadership model in the following chapter. This chapter highlights the limitations of the current leadership styles and their implications for the community.
III. Towards an Incarnational Leadership: This chapter proposes incarnational leadership as a solution to the problems highlighted in the previous section. It explores the characteristics of incarnational leadership and suggests that this approach—which involves leaders engaging in suffering and moving beyond their comfort zones—better addresses the needs of the people. This section contrasts incarnational leadership with the existing authoritarian model, showcasing its potential benefits and suitability for the specific context.
Keywords
Christian leadership, effective leadership, incarnational leadership, authoritarian leadership, Myanmar, community development, organizational leadership, cultural context, theological perspectives, leadership definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Christian Leadership in Myanmar
What is the purpose of this essay?
This essay aims to define effective Christian leadership, analyze its challenges in Myanmar, and propose a model for more effective leadership—incarnational leadership—as a solution to the prevalent authoritarian styles.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The key themes include defining effective Christian leadership, critiquing authoritarian leadership styles, exploring the concept of incarnational leadership, examining the role of leadership in community development, and applying leadership principles within the specific cultural context of Myanmar.
What are the main chapters and their content?
The essay is structured into three main parts: An introduction setting the stage and outlining the essay's structure; a section defining leadership, exploring diverse perspectives from various authors (Dorr, Plueddemann, Sweet, Lawrence); and an analysis of the challenges of authoritarian leadership in Myanmar, proposing incarnational leadership as a more effective alternative.
How does the essay define effective Christian leadership?
The essay explores multiple definitions of leadership and Christian leadership, ultimately proposing a definition that centers on the ability and willingness to take responsibility for guiding others toward a better future, extending beyond formal positions of authority.
What is the critique of authoritarian leadership in Myanmar?
The essay critiques the negative consequences of authoritarian leadership styles prevalent among both political and religious leaders in Myanmar, highlighting their limitations and implications for community development.
What is incarnational leadership, and how is it presented as a solution?
Incarnational leadership is presented as a solution to the problems of authoritarian leadership. It involves leaders engaging in suffering and moving beyond their comfort zones to better address the needs of the people. The essay contrasts this approach with the existing authoritarian model, highlighting its potential benefits in the Myanmar context.
What specific authors are referenced in the essay?
The essay draws upon the works of prominent authors such as Donald Dorr, James Plueddemann, Leonard Sweet, and James Lawrence to support its arguments and explore different perspectives on leadership.
What is the overall significance of this essay?
The essay contributes to the understanding of effective Christian leadership by applying theoretical frameworks to a specific cultural context (Myanmar) and proposing a practical, alternative model for leadership that fosters positive change and community development.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Christian leadership, effective leadership, incarnational leadership, authoritarian leadership, Myanmar, community development, organizational leadership, cultural context, theological perspectives, leadership definitions.
Where can I find more information about incarnational leadership?
Further research into incarnational leadership can be conducted by searching academic databases and theological literature using the keywords mentioned above. The essay itself provides a starting point for exploring this concept.
- Quote paper
- Van Lal Thuam Lian (Author), 2016, What is an Effective Christian leadership?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/336884
