Transformational Leadership Approach for Sustainable Christian Mission Engagement in the Community
Abolade, Gabriel Oluwaseyi
Doctoral Candidate, The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Abstract
The transformational leadership approach emphasizes the leader`s ability to inspire and persuade individuals towards a shared vision, fostering a sense of commitment and empowerment within the organization. In the context of Christian missions, this leadership style is particularly relevant as it aligns with the principles of servant leadership and the mission to bring about positive change in communities. Transformational Leadership in Christian Mission Engagement involves four crucial components: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. By inspiring and empowering individuals, leaders can foster a sense of ownership and commitment among team members, leading to increased motivation and dedication to the mission. Moreover, sustaining a transformational leadership approach requires ongoing effort and vigilance to ensure that the values and vision remain central to the mission`s activities. Therefore, the transformational leadership approach is instrumental in driving sustainable Christian mission engagement. By embodying fundamental principles such as inspiration, empowerment, and individualized support, leaders can cultivate a culture of commitment and resilience within their organizations. While challenges exist, the potential for a positive impact on mission outcomes makes transformational leadership an essential consideration for those involved in Christian missions.
Keywords: Transformation, Leadership, Sustainable, Christian Mission, Community, Engagement.
Impact Statement
When transformational leadership is applied to sustainable Christian mission engagement in the community, this approach can have a reflective impact on the effectiveness and longevity of mission activities. By fostering a sense of shared purpose and vision, transformational leaders can create a strong sense of community involvement and commitment to the mission`s goals. One of the critical aspects of transformational leadership is its focus on empowering and developing followers. This empowerment not only enhances the capabilities of individual workers but also contributes to the overall sustainability of mission engagement in the community. Cultivation of a values-driven culture transformational leaders are known for their ability to instil a sense of shared values and ethics within their organizations or communities. By cultivating a values-driven culture within the community, transformational leaders can ensure that mission activities are carried out with a strong ethical foundation. Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of applying a transformational leadership approach to Christian missions engagement in the community is its contribution to long-term sustainability. By inspiring commitment, empowering workers, and fostering a values-driven culture, transformational leaders lay the groundwork for sustainable mission activities that can endure beyond short-term initiatives.
About Author
The writer, Gabriel Oluwaseyi Abolade, is a Christian, an ordained pastor and a missionary in the Nigerian Baptist Convention who has travelled to seven missions’ fields both home and foreign. He earned a B.Th. Missiology in the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria and is presently a PhD candidate in the same institution. He earned a Master of Art in Missiology from the Redeemed College of Missions, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. He also got a Master of Science Degree in Intercultural Church Leadership and Administration from the Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He has published two books, The Weapons of Christian Warfare and When Shepherds Slumber, and one article, Humanism In Education Philosophy and Its Implication to Christian Education and Practice. He is married with kids.
Bibliography
Aaron Kauppi, A. B. et al. TransformationalLeadership. chromeextension://efaidnbmnnn.
ibpcajpcglclefindmkaj. https://www.langston.edu/sites/default/files/basic-contentfiles/TransformationalLeadership.pdf
Towler, A. The qualities of transformational leaders and what distinguishes them from transactional leaders. https://www.ckju.net/en/dossier/qualities-transformational-leaders-and-what-distinguishes-them-transactional-leaders p. 2019.
Bakker, A. B., Hetland, J., Kjellevold Olsen, O. K., & Espevik, R. (2023). Daily transformational leadership: A source of inspiration for follower performance? European Management Journal, 41(5, October), 700–708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2022.04.004
Bass, B. M. (1985). Transformational leadership theory. https://www.leadership-central.com/bass-transformational-leadership-theory.html
Boorse, D. (August 27, 2022). A Biblical basis for Christian engagement an excerpt from ‘Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment’. https://www.nae.org/biblical-basis-christian-engagement
Wild-Wood, E., & Rajkumar, P. (Eds.). (2013). Foundations for mission. https://missionexus.org/foundations-for-mission/January1, 2014. Regnum Books International, St. Philip and St James Church, Woodstock Road, webmaster.
Martinez, F., Peattie, K., & Vazquez-Brust, D.. (2020). Faith in the future: On a mission to integrate sustainability into management theory and practice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016328720301440. Elsevier.
firstfruitspapers DOI: 10.7252/Paper.0000322.
Gilbert, J. Six ways to follow Jesus’ example and become a transformational leader. OCF Communications. https://www.ocfusa.org/2016/03/six-ways-transformational-leader/2018
Indeed Editorial Team. (2023). The 4 key components of transformational leadership. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/key-components-of-transformational-leadership
Sánchez-Cardona, I., Salanova Soria, M. S., & Llorens-Gumbau, S. (2018). Leadership intellectual stimulation and team learning: The mediating role of team positive effect. Universitas Psychologica, 17(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.upsy17-1.list
James, M.. (1978). Burns leadership. https://www.langston.edu › basic-content-files. http://lausanne.org/wpcontent/uploads/2007/06/. Harper & Row. Langston University.
LOP42_IG13.pdf.
Breaux, P. (08/17/2010). EMS leadership Part 3: Intellectual stimulation transformational leadership in EMS. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/article/. https://doi.org/10.319364/ems-leadership-part-3-intellectual-stimulation-transformational-leadership-ems
Yee, P., & Hazra, A. Christian mission and development: Perspectives in community transformation from world vision Sri Lanka and Thailand Organised by Asia Research institute, National University of Singapore the mission of development: Religion and techno-politics in Asia. (December 3–4, 2015).
Piper, J. (2023). Biblical basis for missions/God’s heart for the nations. https://www. http://globalfrontiermissions.org/missions-101/biblical-basis-of-missions
Prayer as the Foundation by Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization (LOP) No. 42. (2004). https://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/. Pattaya, Thailand.
Preaching.com. (2023). Staff. Strategies for Engaging with Unreached People Groups. https://www.preaching.com/articles/strategies-for-engaging-with-unreached-people-groups/
Jetty, S. K. Historical models of engagement to teach mission in the complex public arena. https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1159&context
Song, X. (2016). chrome-extension://efaidnbm. Zhang “A study of followers under transformational leadership.” [Unpublished dissertation] Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management, Walden University May.
nnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3493&context=dissertations
Sproul, R. C. (August 31, 2015). The Biblical basis for mission. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/biblical-basis-missionss
Theresa, H. N. (2017). The impacts of transformational leadership on A religious congregation of women A [Unpublished thesis] submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master in the School of Communication at Bellarmine University. Louisville, KY.
Nitschke, U., & Bennet, G. (2018). Partnership in religion and sustainable development (PaRD): A global and inclusive partnership to harness the positive impact of religion in development and humanitarian assistance. In Z. Xinping et al. (Eds.), Toward a shared, sustainable future: The role of religion, values and ethics. Amity Foundation.
Zdaniuk, Agnes, & Bobocel, D. (2015). Ramona, The role of idealised influence leadership in promoting workplace forgiveness Elsevier Science. Leadership Quarterly, 5, 26.