Cultivation of Christian leadership in a Confucian context : a study of the preparation of pastors for ministry in Taiwan Lutheran Church 1948-1987

Abstract

Leadership and leadership development are key issues in any enterprise or organization. This doctoral thesis deals with the challenges of leadership development and its cultural setting. By focusing on the education of pastors in Taiwan Lutheran Church during the years 1948 to 1987 it is shown how this kind of leadership development deals with a fundamental element in Chinese culture, namely the Confucian tradition. This thesis argues that the heritage after master teacher Confucius has deeply influenced leadership philosophy and leadership development among the Chinese. It becomes, therefore, a central task for cultivation of leaders in churches for the Chinese to relate Christian values to those of Confucianism. The current thesis has gathered and analyzed a wealth of source material regarding teachers, textbooks, and students with special emphasis on their reflection of specific aspects of Confucianism. Among the teachers and authors of textbooks are Chinese, American, and Norwegian contributors, some of whom were ordained pastors and missionaries. The thesis lays out their background and how it has influenced their role in the preparation of pastors for a small Lutheran church surrounded by an influential cultural heritage. The research has shown that only a minority of the teachers and textbooks conveyed a conscious discussion and interpretation of the challenges from the Confucian context. It remains to be studied how their training influenced the pastors and their understanding and exercise of leadership in local congregations and governing bodies of the church. This thesis has emerged in the crossroads of theology of missions and practical theology. A major aim has been to facilitate reflection on leadership development in churches and Christian missions. The lessons learned from the cross-cultural challenges in a Chinese setting will hopefully be valuable for similar efforts in other environments, not only in churches but also for other parts of society.