TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

WhatdoesleadershiplooklikeintheKingdomofGod? Itmovesfollowersfrom"goanddo"to"learn, become,andinspire,"bychallengingfollowerstosetasidetheirowncomfortforasharedvision

As Jesus went about teaching and healing, Matthew 9:36 tells us He had compassion on the multitudes because they were as sheep without a shepherd. The scripture tells us they fainted and were scattered, in other words, they did not have what they needed to move forward. There was a lack of resources, motivation, and vision. Jesus saw the problem and pointed out their need for a leader, someone who would help them find purpose and a desire to move into a greater calling. After Jesus noticed the condition of the people, He turned to the disciples and said, "...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38).

This is the call of a leader. To not simply focus on the job at hand, but to love those who would help in the work. Jesus teaches us through His kingdom that it isn't just about what we accomplish, but it is also the community that is built in the process. Since community is built one individual at a time, the idea of transformational leadership is one that could change the culture and future of an organization (i.e. churches, associations, businesses, classrooms, etc.). Leaders tend to be goal-oriented and focused on outcomes, but Jesus is challenging us to define success in a new way. Will we be able to gather sheep, keep them engaged, help them develop and grow, while building foundations for future generations to to build on?

In his article, "Effective Leadership in a Changing World," Glenn Boseman discusses the differences between transactional leadership and transformational leadership, noting the limiting nature of seeing others as transactions and the endless potential of guiding people into transformation.