A Deconstructionist Critique of Christian Transformational Leadership

Abstract

Christian Transformational Leadership is a popular leadership model whereby the Christian leader, most simply, seeks to influence (or transform) followers on the basis of his or her character and vision. This mini-thesis uses the deconstructionist method to critique this model. That is, it seeks to highlight “absence” and “difference” in Christian Transformational Leadership texts, to determine whether the model reveals significant omissions, or is “at variance with itself”.

First the exegesis in the texts is deconstructed, then the concepts which lie at the heart of the model are deconstructed. This reveals a diminished role for God, and exaggerated human responsibility, which together lead to the expe- rience of extraordinary strain by the Christian transformational leader. Finally, a synthesis is sought between the deconstructionist critique and the “conscious intentions” of the authors. This proposes a more rounded understanding of Christian Transformational Leadership.