Learners in Eclectic Communities: Leadership Principles for the Postmodern Church

Abstract

<p>Many of the foundational suppositions of modernism are being challenged by emerging postmodern ideologies. The shift is creating a challenge for the Canadian church: many of the methods used to lead and communicate in the modernist world are no longer effective postmodern strategies.</p> <p>The principles that governed modernism-reason, natural law, autonomy, harmony, and progress-are being challenged by the postmodern emphases of experience, mystery, community, diversity, and skepticism. By examining both alternatives using the ancient lens of Scripture we can discover new opportunities for congregational leadership in a changing cultural situation.</p> <p>This thesis examines leadership characteristics that will be critical for postmodern church leaders, who are called to emphasize experiential spirituality, collaboration, a missional perspective, and personal vulnerability. Their purpose in so doing is to articulate and embody a biblical model of discipleship, while at the same time serving as effective leaders and communicators within twenty-first century Canadian culture.</p>