Next-Wave Ezine > church & culture

Leading a Culturally Diverse Church
By Daryl D. Green

What kind of leader are you? What type of leadership does your organization need during this period of uncertainty? Are your leaders able to inspire a culturally diverse group of followers for a common cause? Sadly enough, an effective leader is hard to find. Numerous organizations are spinning their wheels to discover the newest management fad. Many organizations can benefit from a well-grounded leader like Apostle Paul. If one closely examines the Apostle Paul’s Writings, a person can gain insight on the characteristics of a strategic leader.

Being an orthodox Jew by birth, Paul was placed in a difficult predicament due to his calling to the Gentile community. Obviously, the Apostle Paul was not an ordinary man. His strict Jewish background, his immersion in Greek culture, his Roman citizenship, and his earth shattering conversion to Christianity provided Paul with a unique perspective in dealing with the challenges of the early Christian church. Clearly, character counted in his leadership role. There are several leadership definitions. In this context, leadership is defined as the ability to influence people to support a specific goal. Leadership is not about fancy titles or manipulating people for personal gain. Paul’s life is a testimony to leaders acting strategically on behalf of their followers. The Apostle Paul’s Epistles represent a good case study of Christian leadership. With this thought in mind, I will focus on Paul’s strategic thinking related to church matters, his leadership characteristics, and his keen focus on the common good.

Strategic Thinking

The Apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, exercised strategic thinking when dealing with the early church. The key elements for strategic leaders include knowledge about the present and foresight about the future. Some characteristics of effective strategic thinking are focusing on important issues, maintaining a long-term view, appreciating consequences, and remaining flexible. Strategic planning and vision work are cohesive ideas that come together for clearer direction. Paul understood the challenges of apostleship. He found himself in a virtual capacity, using every communication technique to stay connected with these distant churches. In reviewing Paul’s approach, there are several strategic methods implemented. First, Paul kept the churches focused on a shared vision. Paul maintained clarity of vision for his followers. 2 Corinthians 1: 14 reads, “Just as you already partly understands us. Then when our Lord Jesus returns, you can be as proud of us as we were of you.”

Second, Paul focused the followers on common problems, solutions, and objectives; these commonalities helped unite the Christian church in Paul’s time. He focuses on human shortcomings and the prescribed solutions. All of these things point to Jesus Christ. In Paul’s Writings in Romans, Paul focused bringing to distinct groups, Jews and Gentiles, together. Paul critically analyzed the consequences of accepting the Mosaic Law as prerequisites for Christians. He masterfully attacked this faulty logic. Galatians 5 reads, “Christ has set us free…I, Paul, promise that Christ won’t do you any good if you get circumcised.” Clearly, Paul argued that obeying the whole law was impossible for anyone to do. However, God would accept all believers who are faithful in Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul encouraged the Christians in Rome to be ruled by the Holy Spirit instead of their personal desires. Effective organizations go beyond detailed planning into a mode of strategic thinking. Today’s followers want to feel comfortable that their leaders are looking beyond today’s problem. Likewise, today’s church leaders should use a strategic approach when dealing with issues in their churches.

Christian Character

Effective leaders exemplify good character, such as integrity, courage, and patience. Moral judgment is critical to leadership application. Exemplary leaders provide a model for their followers. Caring leaders treat their followers as though they possess intelligence and creativity. Miller, author of The Empowered Leader, argues when conflict must be resolved, when justice must be defined and carried out, these are the times when leaders act with ruthless honesty and live up to their covenant with the people they lead. Without doubt, Paul found himself in the midst of conflict on several fronts. There were a variety social issues including (a) merging of orthodox Jews and newly converted Gentiles in the early church, (b) issues associated with metropolitan versus rural church settings, and (c) problems related to slave-master relationships in a Christian environment. Paul was true to his purpose. As a past Jewish zealot, Paul persecuted the church and understood the dangers. Nevertheless, Paul boldly proclaimed the gospel of Christ. Romans 1:16, reads, “I am proud of the good news! It is God’s powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles…”

In the book of Philemon, Paul interceded on behalf of Onesimus to Philemon. Clearly, Paul’s writing to Philemon demonstrated a close relationship between the two individuals. Paul put his friendship on the line. Philemon 1:17 reads, “If you consider me a friend because of Christ, then welcome Onesimus as you welcome me.” He also put his integrity on the line. He vowed to pay back any money that Onesimus may have owed Philemon (Philemon 1:18). Paul was therefore, backing up his words with actions. Through it all, the Apostle Paul demonstrated these virtues by living a life consistent with his calling. Therefore, a good leader demonstrates high moral character.

Common Good

Effective leaders exercise leadership in the interest of the common good. Joyner, author of Leadership, Management, notes there are basically two types of leaders: those who sacrifice the people for themselves, and those who sacrifice themselves for the people. Obviously, the Apostle Paul sincerely cared about the Christian churches. Because Paul had a deep understanding of each church, he was a great advocate for the early churches. Paul realized that Christianity would cost the believers. Paul encouraged the church that they would not be alone. 2 Corinthians 1:5 reads, “We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.” Paul in his letter to the Galatians was establishing that this gospel wasn’t about him. It was about Jesus Christ. Paul has a sincere interest of the common good of this church. Galatians 4:19 reads, “My children, I am in terrible pain until Christ may be seen living in you. I wish I were with you now. Then I would not have to talk this way. You really have me puzzled.” Paul did not force the followers to give up their uniqueness. Romans 12: 6 reads, “God has also given each of us different gifts to use.” The Apostle Paul found himself shepherding young churches while being attacked by the religious establishment. Paul was focused on the Heavenly Kingdom. On the contrary, bad leaders are selfish and do not focus on others. Paul quickly got the Corinthians to focus on the common good. Clearly, Paul’s focus was to share the gospel of the risen Savior to anyone regardless of nationality, culture, gender, or social economic status. Therefore, leaders should value the uniqueness of each individual, but must always pursue the common good.

Conclusion

In a world of dealing with surface issues instead of dealing with root causes, the Apostle Paul is a fresh reminder of the genuine characteristics of a true leader. The Apostle Paul’s Writings provide a blueprint on addressing cultural differences in a spiritual and caring manner that stimulates church growth. By carefully evaluating how Paul addressed the church conflict, it is apparent that he looked for ways to unify the church, not divide it. In analyzing Paul’s leadership, we can observe Paul applying strategic thinking to church matters, exemplifying good leadership character, and possessing a keen focus on the common good of the church body. Clearly, the Apostle Paul maintained the early church with all of its social and cultural issues in a strategic manner. Likewise, today’s Christian leader can benefit operating in a similar manner with the Holy Spirit as his companion.

Daryl D. Green, who is a doctoral student at Regent University, is an ordained deacon, bible instructor, and youth leader at his church. He has over 10 years of leadership experience in a religious environment as well in a professional setting. Mr. Green has written over 100 professional and commercial articles. For more information, you can reach him at darygre@regent.edu.