field of dreams part iii

The problem with such forms of CEO-type leadership is that it tends to be disempowering to others, and when, for various reasons, that leader should leave the group; it tends to leave the organization weak and under-developed. This is the very thing that apostolic influence is at pains not to do—rather apostolic ministry calls forth and develops the gifts and callings of all of God’s people. It does not create reliance, but develops the capacities of the whole people of God based on the dynamics of the gospel. In a word it involves empowerment. Jim Collins, in his study of outstanding organizations actually says that dominant charismatic leaders are one of the greatest hindrances to an organization moving from being good to becoming great.

Paul doesn’t seem to be a charismatic leader in Collin’s sense at all. He does not dominate, he is perhaps more parental (he uses images of both father and mother) in the way he works (1Thess.1-2, Col 1:24Open Link in New Windowff,). In fact in 2Cor.10:1 and elsewhere it seems that he so lacks charismatic ‘presence’ and that he constantly has to affirm his leadership by other means. In their observations about leadership dynamics, Pascale et.al. also note that the impact of adaptive catalytic leadership seems to have little to do with personality, charisma, or style. They point to some leaders in large organizations that could hardly have been called charismatic but who managed to move the organization into higher levels of learning and effectiveness in terms of the stated mission. Rather, they suggest that the adaptive leader works with an organization’s latent appetites which are already present in the organization but await articulation. The leader senses the dormant energy and then catalyzes it. Like seeding clouds with iodine crystals. An adaptive shift comes into existence, not because the leader has all the answers and subsequently rolls them out through the organization. Rather movement and adaptation takes place because of the interplay of sympathetic chords in the environment, the issues of the times, the organization’s members, and “…a leader who can express the challenge in a way that invites others into a dance that is being choreographed as it is performed.” It might be useful to recall the impact that a John Wesley had on his followers, the church, and the broader society around about him. He was a classic adaptive leader. Things just seemed to ‘happen’ because he awakened dreams and impulses that were already latent in the people he led and impacted.

Likewise, all the elements of Apostolic Genius are already there, latent in the very mDNA coding of the church, all that leadership needs to do it awaken under the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostolic leader calls this forth, he/she does not create it. Don’t get me wrong, there is real power and leadership in this, but it is of a different sort than that which the kings of the earth lord it over others (Matt.20:25-28. )

June 16, 2008 | Filed Under apostolic environment, leadership, the forgotten ways |  

Comments

3 Responses to “field of dreams part iii”

  1. Lucy J on June 17th, 2008 4:01 pm

    Oh, how amazing! I could just about cry!… Thank you, thank you, Alan for stepping out in this in- depth exploration of “the Apostolic”! Your scholarship and articulation, I believe, not only provide a credible resource for future inquirers, but for current ‘walkers of the talk’ you are voicing up to the minute realisations that resonate with the mDNA deep in the core of our body of Christ identity. Yes, it is like inviting “others into a dance that is being choreographed as it is performed”. From reading the other blog-threads, I recognise that there are many in this ‘merry dance’, and perhaps they, too feel ‘in step with the Spirit’ with you as process and post your thoughts.

    Learning it while doing it is the essence of experiential learning, and in certain cases, it’s experimental and existential at the same time… a lot of my improvisational dance (whether it be during worship or for later choreographic purposes) is like that! A lot of my teaching opportunities are like that, too …A perfect example of ‘adaptive shift’, so to speak. Currently on an intercessory assignment, I am finding myself in exactly the position of what you describe as sensing the dormant energy and catalysing it. And therefore have come to a realisation the there is such a thing as “Apostolic Intercession”. I’ve had a great time on occasion lately explaining to relevant sympathetic/empathetic people that I’ve realised my calling in life… I’m APEST… (they always knew that LOL), but now I’m APEST Intercessor! I’m certainly not an expert, or meaning to sound like one, and I certainly could not be described as charismatic (and from what you’ve said, maybe that could be a good thing since it can, in some cases, be a blockage to future development!), but I can’t help it if what you are writing is describing so nearly what I am experiencing. It sure is a different sort of leadership, and it’s wonderful to know more about what Jesus meant when he taught his followers on such matters!

    Perhaps others might comment similarly?

    By the way, Andrew (my husband) had a day off work yesterday and has written a few scholarly pages on what I call the “CEO infection” in some sectors of ‘the church body’, and he was SO not happy with his musings, but I think it’s pretty brilliant really… so after he reads your latest post, he might feel a better about it!
    Lucy J

  2. Brian Hofmeister on June 17th, 2008 10:47 pm

    Knowing big things can be done without charisma is both very reassuring, and challenging at the same time.

  3. Randy on June 18th, 2008 1:59 am

    Alan,
    This is Randy in Louisiana. I met you at the Journey gathering, I was the black guy. Saturday was a blessing.

    I just took the APEST and I was 32:Shepherding and
    Evangelistic: 30. Any advice on that ministry mix?

    Randy

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