A Theology of Leadership: from Social Justice for Transformation by Deborah Robertson DipTch (WAIT), BA (UWA), BEd (ECU), DipRE (Catholic Pastoral Institute, WA), BTheol (Hons)(Murdoch), MEd (Deakin), MEd (Policy) (UniMelb), EdD (Murdoch), GradCertHE (ACU). A thesis submitted to Murdoch University to fulfil the components for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the discipline of Theology Perth, WA, 2016 Author’s Declaration I declare that this thesis is my own account of my research and contains as its main content work which has not previously been submitted for a degree at any tertiary education institution. Deborah Robertson iii Abstract In response to leadership in contemporary workplaces being under pressure from a neoliberal agenda, in which workers are often seen as economic subjects rather than persons entitled to fulfilling work, the purpose of this thesis was to develop a theology of leadership for Christian leaders. The study is placed within the theological sub-discipline of practical theology understood as bringing together, rather than being separate from, other sub-disciplines of theology such as systematic and moral theology. The intent of this practical theology is to support Christian leaders in enacting a theology of leadership that deepens their understanding of the kingdom of God and "what it means to be a people of God". Existing theology of leadership literature is explored to establish the elements of a theology of leadership. A conceptual framework is developed comprised of the three core concepts of purpose, people and praxis, within which are contained twelve essences. The content of this framework led to an investigation of Christian social teaching, as well as secular social justice, leadership and organisational literature, to judge whether these areas can fulfil and expand the elements of a theology of leadership. A model of a "theology of leadership: from social justice for transformation" is then presented. It is argued that this theology has the potential to guide and support the work of Christian leaders, in both faith-based and secular workplaces, for the purpose of individual and social transformation and the common good. Four contemporary business organisations are analysed using the model and it is argued that it is possible for this theology of leadership to be enacted in many contemporary workplaces. A further chapter identifies and discusses resources which can support the Christian leader in both the professional and personal realms in the enactment of a "theology of leadership: from social justice for transformation". v Acknowledgements The author acknowledges the exceptional support provided by Murdoch University in the completion of this thesis. Firstly, I wish to acknowledge my supervisor Dr Nancy Ault and thank her for her patience and wisdom as she journeyed with me through a variety of incarnations of this work. Also, the staff of the theology department and research office who have been so helpful and supportive throughout the long and disrupted path of completion. vii Dedication To my sister Diane for her unfailing support, understanding and encouragement. ix Table of Contents Author’s Declaration .................................................................................................................... iii Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... vii Dedication .................................................................................................................................... ix Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... xi List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ xvii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ xix List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................. xxi Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 Setting the context ...................................................................................................................... 1 The Author ............................................................................................................................... 2 Christianity .............................................................................................................................. 3 Leadership .................................................................................................................................. 4 The Workplace ......................................................................................................................... 6 The Research Question ............................................................................................................. 17 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 22 Significance and Benefits of this Research .............................................................................. 25 Overview of the Thesis ............................................................................................................ 26 Chapter 2 Theology of Leadership -Review of Literature ...................................................... 29 Survey of Theology of Leadership Literature .......................................................................... 31 Peter Nott - "Towards a Theology of Leadership" ................................................................... 35 Patrick Miller - "Toward a Theology of Leadership: Clues from the Prophets" .................... 43 Greg A. Okesson - "The Image of God in Leadership: A Contextual Exploration in Theology of Leadership" ........................................................... 48 Michale Ayers - "Toward a Theology of Leadership" ............................................................. 51 Perry W. Shaw - "Vulnerable Authority: A Theological Approach to Leadership and Teamwork" ......................................................... 57 Jennifer Strawbridge - "The Word of the Cross: Mission, Power, and the Theology of Leadership" .................................................................. 61 Mark Branson and Juan Martinez - "A Practical Theology of Leadership with International Voices" ............................................ 66 Russell L. Huizing - "Bringing Christ to the Table of Leadership: Towards a Theology of Leadership" ........................................................................................ 70 Don N. Howell - Servant of the Servants: A Biblical Theology of Leadership ........................ 73 Andrew Clarke - A Pauline Theology of Church Leadership .................................................. 76 xi Burns, Shoup and Simmons - Organizational Leadership: Foundations and Practices for Christians ............................................................................... 79 Richard R. Osmer - Practical Theology: An Introduction ....................................................... 90 Online Material ........................................................................................................................ 93 Discussion ................................................................................................................................ 97 Sources and Foundations. .................................................................................................... 101 Developed within theological sub disciplines. .................................................................... 101 Aspects that need to be included in a theology of leadership: ............................................. 102 The purpose of leadership .................................................................................................... 105 Issues that need to be addressed in a theology of leadership ............................................... 106 Models and images .............................................................................................................. 111 Practice ................................................................................................................................ 112 Three core concepts ................................................................................................................ 113 Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 113 People .................................................................................................................................. 114 Praxis ................................................................................................................................... 114 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 117 Chapter 3 Social Justice - Christian Social Teaching ............................................................ 121 Meaning