Verbum et Ecclesia Volume 23 Issue 3 (2002)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/10485

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Now showing 1 - 14 of 14

The dynamics of leadership : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Vos, C.J.A. (Casparus Johannes Adam), 1945-
This article reflects on the need for dynamic leadership. An organisation's functionality is dependent on the intellectual, emotional and physical energy which the people involved in the organisation are willing to contribute. The process of energy release is determined mainly by two concepts: vision and mission. A vision is inextricably linked to a strategy. Leadership plays an essential part in the realisation of an organisation's vision and mission. In this article different leadership models are discussed. Autocratic leadership is critically analysed. Dynamic leadership, which encompasses inspirational and imaginative leadership is discussed. The community of faith and society both have a life-long need for inspirational leadership.
Leadership for development in a globalised environment : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Vil-Nkomo, Sibusiso
The advancement of Africa and NEPAD depends entirely on the emergence of an African leadership for development. Issues of leadership and operational citizenship are examined and analysed. The article uses Othello to dramatize and analyse the challenges of African leadership. The scramble to save Africa from within and external is presented. The consequences of globalisation are examined. The article demonstrates that NEPAD is not a given for this continent, because certain conditions must be met which are succinctly outlined in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey consensus, and the United Nations Development Programme. The article raises questions of shifting goal posts. In the final analysis, the research examines the importance of leadership if NEPAD is to succeed. Given the history of the African continent, is NEPAD a myth or a reality of development? Will future generations be able to account why NEPAD did take off or did not? Answers to these questions can be presented only if leadership for NEPAD is defined broadly and the exogenous factors are brought into the analysis.
Leadership in the world of the Bible : (De)institutionalisation as an ongoing process : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Dreyer, Yolanda
This article discusses the development of leadership in the biblical world in light of structuration theory. The use of the structuration theory is embedded in the theoretical work of Max Weber. Max Weber distinguishes three types of authority: legal, traditional and charismatic authority. In order to differentiate between the more nurturing and the more institutionalised aspects of authority (with the innate possibility of the abuse of power), Latin, rather than Western languages, provides the most useful terminology. The article traces the development from auctoritas (nurturing authority) to potestas (coercive power). It focuses on how authority manifested in the Near- and Middle-East, the Hellenistic Emperor Cult and early Christianity. The aim is to explain the ways in which power and authority function in society by reflecting on the development from charismatic to institutionalised leadership. The potential danger that the message of Jesus can be adapted to the power structures of the world, is highlighted. Deinstitutionalisation is a postmodern demystifying process, by means of which church and society can be restructured today.
The world after September 11, 2001 : Challenges to the churches, and their leaders : words from leaders
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Dandala, Mvume
Bishop Mvume Dandala, presiding bishop of the Methodist Church in South Africa and extra-ordinary professor in the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, was asked to lead an international delegation of Church leaders to the USA in the wake of September 11, 2001. In his article he tells about the experience of church leaders from a number of countries that suffered trauma and violence in the past, pastoring to leaders and congregant's in the USA, after the tragic events that shook the American nation. He reflects on the different challenges to Churches and their leaders, that await us in a time of trouble and tribulation: (i) to strive for universal peace; (ii) for churches to find a common voice in their struggle against injustices; and (iii) to communicate the imperatives of the gospel meaningfully to the people of the world.
Nelson Mandela on leadership and the role of the churches : an interview : words from leaders
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Mandela, Nelson R. 1918-
In October 2002 the editor of Die Kerkbode, official newspaper of the Dutch Reformed Church (N G Kerk) paid a visit to ex-president Nelson Mandela. He talked about his life, leadership, as well as the challenges to the churches in our day. His gracious remarks on the role of the Dutch Reformed Church is of special significance, in view of the fact that during many years the church not only supported the policy of Apartheid, but provided a theological argument for doing so. During the 1990s the church, on a number of occasions, confessed guilt in this regard. Dr Frits Gaum, editor, provided a transcript of the interview to Verbum et Ecclesia for this special edition on leadership.
On leadership : words from leaders
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) De Klerk, F.W.
No abstract available
Leadership through theological education : two case studies in South African history : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Hofmeyr, J.W. (Johannes Wynand), 1947-; Duncan, Graham A.
The quality of visionary leadership requires serious attention in current South Africa, both because of its importance but also sometimes because of the lack of leadership in church and theological contexts. In the first section of this article, focus is placed on leadership in the Faculty of Theology (NG Kerk) at the University of Pretoria, and in the second section, on the leadership at the Lovedale Missionary Institution in the Eastern Cape. Finally, some comparisons and conditions are drawn.
Attributes of leadership : words from leaders
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Tutu, Desmond M.
No abstract available
An ideal for leadership - Psalm 72 : the (wise)king - royal mediation of God's universal reign : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Human, Dirk J.
Psalm 72 propounds illuminating theological perspectives on leadership. The central figure in the psalm is the king. Throughout the Ancient Near East the king played a distinctive role, not only in contemporary politics, but also in religious life. Despite several differences from the other nations, kingship in Israel was rooted in the worldview of the ancient East. Yahweh, like other gods, commissioned the king for his tasks. The wise king in Israel, who alludes in Psalm 72 to the figure of Solomon, is obliged to rule with justice in order to maintain peace and prosperity in society. The psalm is a prayer to God on behalf of the king. A litany of wishes emphasises the close relationship between Yahweh and the king. Wise leadership of the king will lead to the well-being of society. Before this theological principle is applied to modern leadership, one has to discover aspects regarding the composition of the text, its date of origin and the text's growth. Similarities between the psalm and a Neo-Assyrian coronation hymn (7th BC) also reveal striking evidence.
Shifting styles of church leadership : Paul's pragmatic leadership style in 1 and 2 Corinthians during the organization of the collection for Jerusalem : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Joubert, Stephan Jacobus, 1958-
This essay focuses on Paul's shifting leadership styles in his relationship with the church in Corinth during the organization of an ecumenical collection for the believers in Jerusalem (cf 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 8-9). Paul's basic textual strategy in 2 Corinthians 8-9, which involves the assignment of new roles to the interlocutors, serves to anti-structurally bridge the hierarchical gap between him (as the mild patriarchal figure) and the Corinthians (as his spiritually mature children) within the intratextual discourse. This pragmatic adjustment of the apostle's autocratic leadership role in 1 Corinthians 16, in order to salvage the collection project in Corinth, serves as an example to modern church leaders to take cognizance of the impact of social and ideological contexts on their own styles of leadership.
Leadership towards a just economic society : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Lombard, J.A. (Johannes Anthonie); Schoeman, N.J. (Nicolaas Johannes)
This actuality article on leadership argues for the need to move towards a just economic society. The implications of different terms are considered within a conceptual framework. This framework is essential for a better understanding of economic justice in an institutional environment, where economic relationships and economic justice has come to dominate public debate. The relations between public opinion and material wealth are analysed before justice in a mixed economy receives attention. Related conditions are discussed in succession, firstly, individual Freedom and the Rule of Law, and secondly, distributive justice. The article then proceeds to discuss challenges for economic leadership in South Africa, indicating trends present in both the theoretical and political leadership current in the rest of the world. Perspective is thereby given on the situation in South African democracy, where the political focus has moved from the issue of justice as freedom, to justice in the distribution of wealth and income.
Leadership in the African context : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Masango, Maake J.S.
The Western world has always viewed the African continent as plagued by corruption; dictatorship; military coups; rebellious leaders; greediness; misuse of power; and incompetent, politically unstable leaders - in effect, suspicious leaders who undermine their own democracies. This paper analyzes African leadership and its impact by concentrating on three historical eras, namely; the African Religious era; the Christian era, and the era of Globalization. These affected African leadership. In addition, many brilliant minds left the continent in search of greener pastures. A review of these three eras will help us understand how leadership shifted from African values into Western concepts. The role of missionaries lead African people to live with both an African and a Western concept of life. In spite of the above problems, our past leaders did their best in addressing the difficulties they faced during the three eras. African concepts of leadership were often regarded as barbaric and uncultured. Structures were evaluated by Western standards. Due to globalisation, African leaders, through programmes like NEPAD, are going back to basics, drawing on African concepts of unity among its leadership. Effectiveness or life-giving leadership is emerging and empowering villagers / communities in the continent. This type of leadership is innovative and has brought new hope for the continent.
Leadership for reconciliation : a Truth and Reconciliation Commission perspective : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Meiring, Piet (Pieter Gerhard Jacobus), 1941-
As important as the need for authentic leadership in the fields of politics, economy and education in Africa may be, the continent is also in dire need of leadership for reconciliation. Against the backdrop of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the author - who served on the Commission - discusses five characteristics of leaders for reconciliation. Leaders need to be: leaders with a clear understanding of the issues at stake; leaders with respect for the truth; leaders with a sense of justice; leaders with a comprehension of the dynamics of forgiveness; and leaders with a firm commitment. The insights and experiences of both the chairperson of the TRC, Desmond Tutu, and the deputy chair, Alex Boraine, form the backbone of the article.
"Butterfly-leadership" - stories of hope for church leaders : words on leadership
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Muller, Julian C.
In a time of increasingly demanding pressures and expectations being experienced by Pastors, questions can be asked as to how do they as leaders keep their hopes alive. This article explores the stories of many of these pastors, listening for unique outcomes of hoping in often difficult and desperate circumstances. We conclude that the new styles of leadership, skills and organisational structures need to be developed so that leaders can become guardians of hope in a human and relaxed leadership style, which we call "butterfly-leadership".

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