In the classic tale of Moby Dick Captain Ahab provides an example of what transformational leadership is not. A power mongering man who is driven by vengeance on a dumb animal to attain his own imagined glory. His demonic pursuit of self-fulfilment eventually leads him and his crew to death. He is opposed by his first mate, the Quaker Starbuck when he states:
“You seem to forget that you are not the only man on this boat. God made us to live to aspire for the best in ourselves and in each other.”[1]
God is interested in himself. God is interested in his creation. God is intensely interested in people. The Bible is personal, constantly meddling in people’s lives; the stories are about the people in the events rather than the events themselves. After reading the story of Joseph, Moses, David and even minor characters such as the Prophet Nathan, Mephibosheth there is a sense of knowing the person. Psalm 139 and others portray a God who is intimately involved in the creation, sustaining and directing of someone’s life.
Jesus’ teaching portrays a God as a Father who is caring, knowledgeable of every detail and wanting to know his children.
Jesus calls each of his disciples by name. Nathanial was known even before he was called.[2] Jesus himself displays an interest of the character of each disciple. Jesus knows Peter’s need of redemption after his denial of him and so provides an opportunity for this to happen. He understands Thomas’ doubt and raises his belief. He knows the anger and pride of James and John, the sons of thunder and confronts them and rebukes them for their conceit. He knew Nathaniel’s love of righteousness. He even knew the deceit that had taken control of the heart of Judas and dealt with it directly.
Jesus takes a special interest in Peter, John and James giving them extra discipleship lessons. They all had a significant role in leading the early Church.
Jesus loves children and gives attention to them. He cares personally for the demonized, prostitutes, tax collectors and criminals. His story is one of a personal loving interest in those who surround him. He stops and ministers to those others would have him bypass.
Concern for the spiritual growth of others is Paul’s central hope. His discipleship methods already indicate an altruistic leadership. Paul’s prayers betray his deep sincere love for the believers[3]. Paul is often seen as the tough leader but he is deeply concerned for the spiritual welfare of all who have received his ministry.
“One facet of leadership is the ability to recognise the special abilities and limitations of others, combined with the capacity to fit each one into the job where he or she will do best” [4] This is true of Paul’s interest in Timothy whom he sees as his son in the faith.[5]
The shepherd image illustrates the deep caring, strong and sacrificing nature of the Christian leader. Christ portrays this as the good shepherd.[6] Jesus knows his sheep by name[7] and the parable of the lost sheep emphasises the pursuing nature of the shepherd. Jesus instructs Peter to also model this ministry of caring[8].
The Old Testament did not deal with a multiplying movement of transformed people to be led by transformed leaders. Leaders dealt in reform and in management. Leaders were held accountable in caring for their flocks as Ezekiel emphasises that God’s heart is to shepherd his flock in comparison to the wicked shepherds who cared for themselves.
‘I myself will search for my sheep and look after them’[9]
[1] Melville, Herman. Moby Dick, 1851.
[2] John 1:48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
[3] Ephesians 1:15-19
[4] Sanders, J.Oswald. Spiritual Leadership Moody Press Chicago 1994 Second Revision page 137
[5] Philippians 2:19-23
[6] John 10
[7] John 10:14
[8] John 21:15-16
[9] Ezekiel 34:11
