March 2020 Issue 9:2 Overview

‘Servant leadership as modelled by Jesus
Servant-leadership is a paradox, an oxymoron. It is the controversial fusion of opposites—a servant and a leader—that produces the leader par excellence’, writes Mary Ho (International Executive Leader of All Nations). In this global 21st century, mission leaders and workers are not simply addressing linear situations but complex dilemmas. Servant-leadership is the timeless, universal leadership model to address the issues of this complex century. Everyone can become a servant-leader. Moreover, servant-leaders are from every culture—and effective in reaching people of every culture and religion. While all cultures and religions may display aspects of servant-leadership, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of a servant-leader. Experts have identified seven polarized binaries of servant-leadership that address all cross-cultural dilemmas. While these dimensions are not overtly spiritual, nevertheless Jesus exemplifies each of them. Jesus made the greatest cultural leap in history, from heavenly divinity to earthly humanity. He seamlessly integrated the compound leadership styles of a servant-leader. At the Last Supper, Jesus established a new hyperculture that transcended all cultures by exhorting us, ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14). That evening, he commanded us to love one another, not simply as we love ourselves, but as he loves us. ‘It is unfathomable, but it is the transcendent dilemmatic culture of servant-leadership’, she concludes.
Mission of the church in the light of the Amazon fires
‘The 2019 dry-season Amazon fires drew attention from political leaders and church organizations worldwide’, writes Tim Carriker (lecturer in numerous Brazilian theological institutions). Yet, these still-burning Amazon fires are only a part of an extremely complex web of events related to an increasing planetary crisis. The environmental role that the Amazon plays is not only critical for regional climate patterns but also in the regulation of the earth’s climate. As such the fires raise important questions about an appropriate Christian response. The world reacted strongly to the fires. There were protests in many cities around the world as well as horror and dismay over Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro’s environmental policies. However, there are broadly two contrary reactions to the fires. On one side are those who defend a sustainable planet for the future survival of human civilization. On the other side are those who defend the right of exploration of natural resources. The clash is no less prevalent within the Christian community, deeply complicating the possibility of a united Christian response. Still, some biblical guidelines must be sought, regardless of one’s eschatological views; and some perspectives that need consideration are outlined. The single most strategic action to resolve the long-term effects of the Amazonian fires and deforestation is the mobilization of local churches and Christian organizations to plant trees. ‘Churches and Christian organizations can play their part in pilot programs and promote commercial and government initiatives at local and international levels to do the same’, he concludes.
Global terrorism from an African perspective
‘Terrorism is a monstrous global problem in our time’, writes Wanjiru Gitau (senior research scholar at St. Thomas University). The transmutation of groups, such as Al-Qaida and ISIS into regional groups, such as Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al-Shabab in East Africa, presents a challenge to governments and local communities—including churches, as Christians remain a core target. Christians need to be better prepared, particularly as church communities. In Nairobi for instance, nearly all churches in the city are guarded by armed security. Some churches have constructed adaptive soft barriers at entrances, while ushers and Sunday greeters are trained to be security aware. Christians are often targeted as easy targets, while Islamist terrorism is often actually directed against other perceived enemies. This is not to downplay situations of actual persecution against Christians. However, by and large, in the case of terror attacks, Christians are a proxy target. The real answer to terrorism lies in the power of sociability. In many parts of the world, people who are different in worldview, religion, and language, have lived side by side for a long time. This is an opportunity for Christians everywhere to get to know, and intentionally to build bridges with, Muslim neighbors in a rediscovery of incarnational ministry. Incarnation is not always about direct conversion. ‘It is that; but it also about discerning witness by life, example, friendship, and sheer human sociability, trusting that in his providence, God would enable these incarnational relationships to morph into redemptive influences in place of the coercive, terrorist influences forged in isolation’, she concludes.

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 07 October, 2024.

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