Transfigurational Leadership: Christian Leadership in the 21st Century

Teacher: Gregg Marutzky

What was the leadership style of Jesus when he was on earth? Many describe Jesus as a Servant Leader or an Upside Down Leader. Jesus has also been described as a Transformational Leader, Inclusive Leader, or Collaborative Leader. Arguments can be made for all these labels. Unfortunately, when we use organizational terms to describe the leadership of Christ, the descriptions fail to capture the leader of leaders fully. Becoming a Jesus leader or Christian leader means transfiguration by the Holy Spirit to become an imitation of Jesus. Jesus' leadership embodies the Cross and becomes the servant of all. Leadership is not exercising authority over others but rather joining with others. Leadership is at the intersection of leaders and followers. Without followers, there are no leaders. Leadership in the 21st century has significant challenges and requires leaders in the church to understand transfiguration. Let's explore together going beyond transactional leadership and transformative leadership to transfigurational leadership.