Leadership and the Christian Message

Leadership in Public Administration

Introduction

Leadership is a critical component of public service, whether in elected or appointed positions, or in community activism. The question of whether leaders are born or made has long been a topic of debate, with many arguing that both innate qualities and learned skills contribute to effective leadership (Organ, 1996). Additionally, there is often a distinction made between leadership and management roles, with each requiring a unique set of skills and responsibilities (Bush, 2008). In the context of Christian theology, leadership is often seen as a form of servanthood, where those in positions of authority are called to serve others and promote the common good. This paper will explore the nature of leadership in public service, considering the role of innate qualities versus learned skills, the differences and similarities between leadership and management roles, and the Christian calling to political involvement. Finally, it will apply one biblical passage to the concept of leadership, explaining its relevance and significance in this context.

The Types of Leaders and Whether Leaders are Born or Made

Leadership in public service can take many forms, from elected officials to appointed bureaucrats to community activists. Some leaders win the love of the public and placed into power by the people they serve. Other leaders are never known to the public: they are selected by people with the authority to do so and serve behind the scenes. Still other leaders rise up from the grassroots levels of the community and become leaders through relationships, experience, and example.

One question that often arises in discussions of leadership, no matter the type of leaders, is whether leaders are born or made. While there has been no conclusive opinion on this question over the decades and centuries, it is generally agreed that both innate qualities and learned skills contribute to effective leadership. Some argue that leadership is largely innate, that certain individuals are simply born with the traits and characteristics necessary to inspire and guide others. These traits may include charisma, vision, and the ability to make tough decisions. Others argue that leadership is learned through experience and education. Leaders can develop the skills necessary to inspire and guide others by studying leadership theory, practicing communication and conflict resolution skills, and cultivating emotional intelligence.

Leadership and Management

While leadership and management roles may overlap in some ways, they are generally seen as distinct. Management involves the practical tasks of organizing, planning, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals. Leaders, on the other hand, are responsible for setting a vision and inspiring others to work toward it. They may focus on motivating and empowering employees, building relationships with stakeholders, and making decisions that align with the organization's values and goals. Leaders are the ones who steer with the vision of the macro, while managers provide support with the vision of the micro. Leaders are, in other words, big picture—but they does not mean they cannot get involved in the day-to-day issues that affect an organization or the people therein. Managers, however, tend to be the ones who focus on the day to day operations, the scheduling, the grind, and so on. At the end of the day, though, it is often leaders who are held most accountable—they are the ones with the greatest responsibility (Bush, 2008).

The Christian Calling to Political Involvement

In Christian theology, the concept of leadership is often tied to the idea of servanthood. Jesus himself is often seen as the ultimate servant-leader, who modeled humility and selflessness in his interactions with others. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus tells his disciples that those who want to be great must first become servants, and that he himself came not to be served but to serve others. This passage highlights the idea that leadership is not about exerting power over others, but about serving and empowering them to achieve shared goals. This is why the idea of servant leadership is often associated with Christianity. Christ represents the ultimate in servant leadership, since He taught His disciples to serve one another.

The Christian calling to political involvement can be seen as an extension of this idea. Christians are called to use their gifts and talents to serve others and promote the common good (Sherman et al., 1987). This may involve running for political office, working in government agencies, or advocating for policies that promote justice and compassion. Romans 13:1-7 speaks to the Christian responsibility to submit to governing authorities, but also suggests that those in positions of authority are called to act justly and uphold the common good.