Original Research - Special Collection: Festschrift Nelus Niemandt
Refining a paradigm of missional leadership
Submitted: 25 February 2025 | Published: 04 July 2025
About the author(s)
Kirk J. Franklin, Melbourne School of Theology, Wantirna, AustraliaAbstract
This article explores how the author’s empirical research of ‘leadership clusters’ can be integrated with Nelus Niemandt’s trialogue of church, culture and biblical narrative to produce a concise paradigm of missional leadership. Franklin’s (a student of Niemandt) development of leadership clusters was derived from global missional leaders’ philosophies. To strengthen the biblical foundation, the study explores shepherd-servant-steward metaphors of leadership. Together, these enrich the understanding of (global) missional leadership by highlighting characteristics such as participatory engagement, adaptive responsiveness, relational integrity and transformative action. The integration of biblical models with (global) missional leadership paradigms ensures an integrated approach that aligns with God’s mission while addressing the complexities of globalised contexts.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This study contributes to missiology, theology and leadership studies by integrating biblical leadership models with contemporary missional leadership paradigms. This intradisciplinary research bridges missiology with global leadership studies and organisational leadership. By engaging with theological and leadership frameworks, the article offers a comprehensive model that is contextually relevant with a biblical basis and missiological direction, equipping leaders for effective participation in the missio Dei across diverse contexts.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
Total abstract views: 8Total article views: 0