There is much discussion around the issue of transformation today, as there should be. One thing that we often overlook is that ministries are often deeply in need of transformation and renewal as well and it is the job of leaders to see that happen. I call this transformational leadership.
Transformational leadership in the Christian ministry arena is the deliberate creation of healthy, empowered, Spirit led, collegial and effective ministries. It is the opposite of managing the status quo. Instead, the transformational leader sees his or her job as bringing transformation to all areas of the organization where malaise, bureaucracy, lack of Spiritual sensitivity, unempowement, lack of missional clarity or alignment and focused results has crept in. This is not a one time thing but an ongoing concern. Organizational renewal is always ongoing.
It is organizational change designed to breath life, spiritual vitality, missional clarity and focused results into it. The transformational leader applies the principles of spiritual transformation into an entire ministry organization. On the individual side they create a culture where spiritual transformation is encouraged and on the organizational side they create a culture where spiritual vitality and missional clarity can flourish.
All good leaders are change agents toward healthy organizational structures, cultures and ethos where individuals can flourish and be all that they were made to be. Because organizations slide toward institutionalism and comfortable, leaders are constantly ensuring that they stay missional and focused. When a leader ceases to be a transformational leader they cease to be effective.
Transformational leadership starts with leaders who make transformation in their own lives a priority. One cannot take others where one has not been themselves. They are then deliberate in creating the healthiest environment within the ministry or team that they lead.
Are you a leader or a transformational leader and what does that look like for you and your organization? Where is your organization in need of renewal?
2 comments:
Question...is a "transformational leader" mentioned primarily for organizational change? Or are they identified as individuals, men or women who actively proclaim Christ, sharing the good news and making disciples? I would think a transformational leader would be modeling the primary mission Christ called His children too. Is there more to the definition not mentioned?
In the definition you provided for a "transformational leader" it seems it is focused on organizational change, am I seeing this correct? If one is a transformational leader I would think there would be a Christ centered focused on Christ's mission to believers of making disciples and actively engaging lost people with the good news, i.e. the gospel.
History shows that Institutional change takes time, maybe many years, where a relational transformation focus can bring movement. Institutions have never brought movement, am I correct? Any examples?
Appreciate your writing.
Post a Comment