Abstract
The focus of this article is on Christian Leadership as a theological and academic field of study, rather than on the praxis of Christian leadership. We define Christian Leadership and note the varying ecclesial, theological and social contexts within which research in the field of Christian Leadership is conducted. We discuss some trends and areas of interest that emerge from within African and European contexts, especially those of South Africa and Germany. In the article, we show how research in Christian Leadership is linked to other disciplines, both theological and non-theological. Finally, we identify key areas of research and methodological issues relevant to the field of Christian Leadership, particularly in relation to the disciplines of Practical Theology and Theological Ethics. We give special credit to Schleiermacher who defined Practical Theology as the �theory of church leadership�.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Christian leadership is understood as a trans-disciplinary field of study that draws on both theological and other disciplines (such as Management Sciences, Psychology and Sociology). Christian leadership can be pursued as a distinct discipline or a trans-disciplinary field of study, but it cannot be pursued in isolation.
Highlights
Contrary to common practice, this discussion begins with two negative statements
The article is not about the praxis of Christian leaders, nor will it discuss how Christians ought to lead. It provides a reflection about Christian Leadership as a theological, trans-disciplinary field of study. It attempts to answer the following questions: Can one speak of ‘Christian’ leadership? To which theological and non-theological disciplines is Christian leadership linked? How can research in the field of Christian Leadership be undertaken, especially research related to Christian Leadership as a subfield within Practical Theology and Theological Ethics? The final question is: Should Christian Leadership be offered as a new theological specialisation?
We emphasise the relationship between Christian Leadership and both Practical Theology and Theological Ethics
Summary
The article is not about the praxis of Christian leaders, nor will it discuss how Christians ought to lead Rather, it provides a reflection about Christian Leadership as a theological, trans-disciplinary field of study. The purpose of this article is to clarify the nature and range of Christian Leadership as a field of study and discuss its interrelationship with other academic disciplines. It is a trans-disciplinary field of study, closely linked to and drawing on other theological and non-theological disciplines. We emphasise the relationship between Christian Leadership and both Practical Theology and Theological Ethics This is because a great deal of our own research is conducted from within these two disciplines. Our discussion seeks to counterbalance the preponderance of the US influence in leadership and management literature by focusing on research in this field from other contexts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
