Abstract
Background: Christian leadership is distinctively different from other major leadership conceptions such as instructional, transactional, and transformational leadership conceptions. With few studies found, the author had to consult the Bible and also non-school Christian literature instead, focusing on Hong Kong principal leadership in Protestant Christian secondary schools. Subsequently three aspects are described.
Focus of discussion and comments: (1) Christian leadership conception can be traced to have an origin from the Bible. It was centred on leadership modelled by Jesus Christ who had sacrificed his life to save his followers, leading them continually by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Yu, 1991). (2) Contemporary Christian leaders described their theories and principles on how they have succeeded through faith in God and application of biblical principles (e.g. Schuller, 1983, 1988, 1993), which may be applicable to school leaders. (3) With emergent theories on spiritual leadership noted, Christian leadership is differentiated to be subsumed under spiritual leadership along with compassionate, and servant leadership (McCormick, 1994: 5–7).
Conclusion: Christian leaders are constantly seeking God’s will, putting emphasis on prayer in order to connect with God, for spiritual growth and the well being of fellowmen. They transform themselves, others and their organizations by following biblical principles and seeking God’s guidance. Christian leadership conception encompasses the essence of compassion and servant leadership, which show characteristics similar to what was modelled by Jesus, and therefore have the potential to inform Christian leaders on how to improve their leadership practices. In the process of leading a Christian school, a Christian principal would presumably enact leadership based on personal knowledge and faith, experiences, and biblical principles; and simultaneously s/he is empowered significantly by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
| Keywords: | Christian; spiritual; leadership |
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