From: Ron & Lee Troup <>
Subject: Re: Leadership

Rowland--

Just read your post on leadership- a couple of observations.

I think we need to distinguish 'effective leadership' from 'good
leadership'.  Hitler and Stalin were highly effective leaders (they got
things done); but their leadership was not 'good', either in methods nor
lasting impact.  The same can be said for some church leaders that have
been in the headlines over the past decade and half; they have been
effective leaders, but not good leaders.

I also believe that leadership styles vary by tasks.  When your church
building's roof has just collapsed, the pastor needs a more directive
style of leadership for the crisis.  A good leader will function in
different styles.

You say-
> What about leadership style? In all cultures the leader must
> operate in ways acceptable to the group...
I think that this also varies by socio-economic groups within a culture.
I have noticed that Fundamentalist churches, driven by an authoritarian
pastor, do well among the blue-collar folk.  (I think that some of
problems in the Roman Catholic Church in USA is due to their folk moving
out of immigrant/blue-collar category and into educated middle class;
they will not be told what to believe any longer!)

Just wante to add a few more thoughts on this large topic.

<>< Ron Troup

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