Dr. Saji Lukos, President of RIMI and Mission India.

Recently I was encouraged by reading the story of John O’ Leary, who lives in St Louis, MO. When John was nine, he was in a house fire that left him with burns on 100% of his body. John’s doctors told his parents that he was not expected to make it through the night. John told his mother, “Mom, I don’t want to die. I want to live.” This determination, bolstered by several extraordinary transformational leaders in his life, helped him through five months of healing in the hospital, and then through the years of excruciating rehabilitation that followed as he struggled to regain mobility and control of his body.

The insights he gained through this experience profoundly changed his life and he became a transformational leader. Today by inspiration, passion, courage, and faith in God, he is married to Beth, and has four wonderful children. He is the founder of Rising Above, often speaking to crowds of 50,000+ at live events. John did not give up but chose to transform people and societies as a transformational leader.

“Leadership is a process by which an individual or group influences another individual or group for the purpose of achieving a common vision….”(1) There are many styles of leadership but if the goal of leading others is change oriented, then transformational leadership is paramount. James Burns writes: “Transformational leadership is a process in which leaders and followers help each other to advance to high levels of morale and motivation. The transforming approach creates significant change in the life of people and organizations…redesigns perceptions and values, and changes expectations and aspirations of employees. [It] is based on the leader’s personality, traits, and ability to make a change through example and articulation of an energizing vision and challenging goals. Transforming leaders are moral exemplars of working towards the benefit of the team, organization and/or community.” (2)

It encompasses role modeling, handling of personal relationships with subordinates, duty orientation of the manager, and critical thinking.(3) Transformational leaders seek to raise the consciousness of followers by appealing to higher ideals and moral values such as liberty, justice, equality, peace, and humanitarianism, and not to baser emotions such as fear, greed, jealousy, or hatred. (4)

In the Christian context, transformational leadership is defined as a process in which leaders emulate Jesus Christ, by example and with integrity, in order to motivate, multiply, and mobilize others to achieve the common goal of spiritual, social, economic, and political transformation of the society with the ultimate goal of glorifying God.

After establishing many holistic programs and sending out over fifteen thousand graduates from our seminary, and Bible colleges across India and elsewhere, I can confidently assert that transformational leaders are change agents and risk takers. They see societal problems whether spiritual or physical as opportunities, passionately mobilize people and resources, and motivate and inspire them to transform lives and communities for the glory of God.

Hindrances to Transformational Leadership

It would be fitting to mention some hinderances of transformational leadership before addressing the benefits thereof. We cannot be a transformational leader without understanding these seven key reasons for lack of adequate transformational leadership in the church and missions. They are linked socially and culturally to whatever ministry model is used. Because they are so ingrained, they can become hindrances to developing a holistic vision for ministry. Therefore, they will be briefly explored to highlight the need in ministries today for transformation.

A. Following the Colonial Model

Western missionaries have contributed great things in world missions including Bible translation, changing societies through effective evangelism and church planting, establishing schools and health centers, and courageously campaigning for social justice. Most missionaries were good and faithful leaders, but not transformational leaders committed to balanced holistic ministry.

Today’s church in India is very young in terms of indigenous leadership compared to the history of the Western church. The Indian indigenous mission history is less than seventy-six years old. It received its independence and identity when Western missionaries entrusted the leadership to the nationals in 1947. Yet we are not developing adequate transformational leaders.

B. Lack of a Compelling Vision

The Bible says, “Where there is no revelation[vision], people cast off restraint” (Prov. 29:18). Most church members are not motivated and mobilized due to the lack of perennial vision. Warren Bennis describes vision as “the commodity of leaders.” (5) The next generation of godly transformational leaders will not engage in holistic transformation of society unless the church leadership believes and acts on the fact that vision is given by God as a gift to be passed on. Many leaders confine themselves to their routine Christian meetings and fellowships.

C. The Banyan Tree Syndrome

The banyan tree syndrome is a one-man leadership. It thrives and prospers like a huge tree, but nothing can grow underneath it. The Banyan tree leader has great vision, wide ministries, and influence. However, he does not mobilize, motivate, and multiply the next generation of leaders. The focus is always on making followers, but not training new transformational leaders. This leader will do everything to protect their position and power, except live with less influence. John Maxwell rightly said, “Leadership is influence: nothing more, nothing less.” (6)

D. Lack of Leadership Initiative

Most believers are not challenged to be involved in holistic transformation. There is a huge gap between clergy and laity. Leaders must empower the saints and take initiative for doing holistic transformational ministries to transform our society. Unfortunately, most of the lower castes and Dalits are unaware of their legal rights within their country. They are not taught to think differently and continue to serve as slaves. I am so passionate to raise up transformational leaders through various programs, including the Transformational Academy we recently inaugurated to strategically train 2000 leaders every year.

E. Lack of Role Models

David Bennett observes, “Many of the mainline churches have been sadly weakened by limited vision, political struggles, the drain of expensive institutions inherited from the missionaries, endless lawsuits involving church property, and theological pluralism.” (7) One of the major hindrances in training transformational leadership is the lack of role models willing to take risks to make societal transformations. There are a few such as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, William Carey, and Mother Theresa. However, many self-made leaders have emerged who do not have a clear call and vision, nor do they have proper training and leadership experience. Some of them are compromising with the world, preaching a prosperity gospel, aiming for popularity, working hard for power and position, and wanting to enjoy a successful life. Beware of them.

Leaders need to think and act differently; they need to think and act like Jesus! Non-Christians have a positive view of Jesus, but they do not like Christians because of our way of life. Swami Dayanand Bharati writes, “Prosperity theology and materialism, added along with casteism, power, position, division, and authority are against the practical spirituality of Christ and the New Testament.” (8) Leaders need a clear vision and a willingness to suffer for fulfilling that vision. The need today is for transformational leaders, like Jesus, who live humbly before God and have a passion for training a new generation of leaders. Role models are needed that are worth being emulated so that society can be transformed.

F. Lack of Contextual Communication

Most evangelical missions are engaged in some form of evangelism. However, in order to reach the opinion makers, Christian leaders must effectively contextualize the Gospel. The Gospel is simple, can be communicated with simple words, and is eternal wisdom and power for life transformation. But, as Bharati points out, “most of the Christians in India are largely cut off from the rest of the society, both culturally and socially, they cannot even understand how others view the gospel and Christianity.” (9)

In order to reach the upper castes and others, we need to contextualize the gospel without compromising its message. In every spiritual, social, political, and economic effort, the goal should be to bring back to the one true God all the things that Satan has tarnished. Therefore, we need transformational leaders who will demonstrate Christ through words and deeds which clearly communicate the gospel in all its profound simplicity.

G. Lack of Empowering Women

In many areas today Christians still treat women as lesser people or second-class citizens. But God has given women intrinsic value deserving the same respect, liberty and dignity as men. Women must be liberated to fulfill the call they have from God. The Church must empower women to fulfill their missional call in their family, church, and society. The body of Christ at all levels must support the empowerment of women so that they can influence society spiritually, socially, politically, and economically. We need millions of women as transformational leaders to transform our society and building God’s kingdom among children and women.

Significance of Transformation Leaders in Today’s Context

Looking at the transformational leadership impact of Jesus of Nazareth, Nehemiah, B.R. Ambedkar, and host of other leaders we can learn the importance of transformational leadership in today’s context. They have worked to bring transformation of society – spiritual, social, educational, political, and economic. A few of the benefits of transformational leadership are highlighted here.

1. Enhancing the Societal Impact

Jesus commands us to be the “salt of the earth” (Mathew 5:13). Jesus’ disciples are transformational leaders. They should be a preservative in a morally decaying world by keeping and demonstrating kingdom virtues and values before their neighbors. Transformational leaders promote justice for all, alleviate poverty and promote education at every level for improving societal impact.  According to Dr John Samuel, former Postmaster General of India, transformational leadership is transformational in a multi-faceted dimension –transforming individuals, institutions, societies, and nations.

2. Inspiring to Invest for Eternal Purposes

Transformational leaders inspire Christ’s followers to give their time, talents, and treasures radically and cheerfully for societal transformation as a gratitude to God. Giving must be done with the right motive (Matthew 6:1-4). We should give out of compassion and as a response to a righteous relationship with Christ.

3. Motivating to Achieve Greatness

Nehemiah and Jesus have challenged people to live for higher purposes. Transformational leaders help followers to find their God-given potentials and empower them to grow and work hard for common good. That is what Jesus did to his disciples. Nehemiah increased the morale of his people and united them to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem within 52 days. My heart is broken when I see that so much of our human talents in India are not recognized and utilized.

4. Promoting Good Business Ethics

Transformational leaders drive business performance and productivity based on godly principles. They create a culture where team members’ ideas are appreciated. There is a common purpose between leaders and employees. In this culture, there is inspiring communication and engagement for high growth and morale. This is the only way India can be transformed.

Over 50% of India is under thirty years old. India’s workforce is very young and smart. Unfortunately, most of them are not empowered as transformational leaders. We need Christ-centered ethics which will promote holistic transformation among the emerging leaders of India. Therefore, we need godly mentors in every area of society.

5. Inspiring for Servant Leadership

Transformational leaders must exercise servant leadership when managing our businesses. In Mark 10, some Apostles are trying to influence Jesus to favor them in leadership roles. After admonishing them, Jesus tells them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them…Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… (Mark 10:42-45).” We must lead by serving those around us and anyone who follows us. You cannot serve others and use them for your own vain purposes at the same time.

6. Witnessing the Uniqueness of the Triune God

In the context of our pluralistic society, we present a true and holy triune God of the Bible. Our God is transformational. In other words, transformational leadership is a hallmark of God Himself. Unlike other gods of this world, God of the Bible came down as a man to show mankind that we can be transformed just by a touch from Him. He taught us to care for the downtrodden, heal the sick, deliver the captives, and give sight to the blind. Transformational leadership is the act of turning us ordinary followers into radical disciples of Christ that live the true righteous and abundant life. By this, others will be attracted to the One true God.

Conclusion

Transformational leadership is extremely critical because it shapes the organization’s success. Therefore, we need godly, transformational leaders in every aspect of society who are willing to take risks and inspire and motivate others to achieve great things by the power of God which is strongly working in and through us (Eph. 3:20-21). We must courageously dismantle the deceitful lies of the devil against holistic transformation in our churches and societal engagement. We must raise up courageous leaders to stand up for truth and see that everyone is created in the image of God. They see greatness in others and are willing to risk their lives to inspire and motivate them. They do this with purity of heart and for the glory of God.

Everyone who came to Jesus was transformed like the apostle Paul. Saul made Paul and became a powerful transformational leader. Nehemiah was a powerful transformational leader. He used his influence when he heard the condition of the people and the city of Jerusalem. He was moved with compassion, and courage to act and mobilize others with the help of the eternal king and the earthly king.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was a Dalit/untouchable of India and became the architect of the Indian constitution. He sat on a mat and studied while upper castes students sat on benches. His background did not hinder his becoming a transformational leader. He made a difference in India and against all odds with determination, courage, and arduous work. The man who said, “Though, I was born a Hindu, I solemnly assure you that I will not die as a Hindu,” continues to inspire millions of young people across India. I believe he is the most influential person in India and his statue is seen in most of the villages today.

Let us reproduce Christ-like transformational leaders to transform individuals, societies, institutions, nations. As  followers of Christ, we must be courageously committed to developing next-generation transformational leaders for the betterment of our society, especially in building God’s kingdom. The world is waiting for you. Will you be a transformational leader?