Biblical leadership with special interest in the New Testament and application to the Ethiopian Evangelical Church

Abstract

Chapter one is basically a general introduction. It covers the introduction of the topic; the issues involved; the significance of the problem; research questions; objectives; limitation and delimitation; definitions of terms; and approach or methodology. Chapter two contains some of the models of Christian leadership from both the O.T. and N.T. The key O.T. models of leadership are Moses and Nehemiah. From both characters I have tried to amplify the qualities, challenges, and problems of leadership; the team leadership they developed and the principles of leadership we learn from them. Then I moved on to the N.T. models of leadership. First,I Focused on the religious leaders in the book of Luke to help us See the negative side of leadership. Second, I have discussed about leadership as exemplified by Jesus and Paul. The excellence of His leadership was building a small group of disciples (team Leadership), shaping and developing their character. I have also argued from Paul's leadership example. I have tried to show the significance of Paul's conversion in his theology and leadership. When the itinerant founder or his delegate was not present, leadership on the local scene seems to have been left in the hands of "elders", all expressions of which in the New Testament are plural. Chapter three includes the discussion on the emerging Church and the problem of authority in Acts. There are significant transitions in Acts which will help us to understand the emerging church and the need of functional and not absolute leadership styles. And these transitions are geographical, ethnic, cultic, and institutional. These transitions have a counterpart in changes in the exercise of authority within the church. In the second half of chapter three, I have brought an argument of Jesus' and Paul's idea of 'team leadership' by discussing specific examples. Chapter four comprises suggestions and recommendations to the Ethiopian evangelical church. I have suggested that there is a need for leadership development and a quality leadership with High integrity. We need to develop and train Godly leaders, Create an atmosphere of accountability, and help them to develop an attitude of a servant leadership and a team spirit. In my conclusion, I have emphasized those leaders who are Spiritually authentic, blameless, mature, congenial, and compassionate with a servant heart must be recruited, trained, appointed, and invested with proper authority. Certainly, there is a need of developing a team leadership. This is New Testament leadership at its best.