On The Cutting Edge

By John Ramasamy

In this enlightening book, Dr John Ramasamy imparts some illuminating insights into the principles and practices of leadership needful in our times. He is aware of the need to realign our thinking and approach in the light of the exponential advances in a progressive world. He emphasises the need for integrity in a world wallowing in rampant, pervasive corruption socially, politically and economically. We are all too familiar with the examples of self-serving arrogant leaders who wield enormous power to subjugate their people in an agenda of profligacy and self-aggrandisement.

The chapter on vision and goalsetting in different spheres is most revealing. It calls for clear visionary leadership that seeks to ensure the wellbeing of followers, as well as enabling them to fulfil worthy goals and objectives. For this to succeed leaders need to dispense with outdated approaches and methods which could fossilise us into irrelevance. The author draws attention to the need to be at the cutting edge in a world in the throes of rapid change.

But in all this one must not lose sight of the moral component. Leaders are called upon to make decisions that comply with the highest ethical norms and values. Attention is drawn to the works of eminent theologians and philosophers such as St Augustine, Karl Barth and J.S. Mill, all of whom call for practical expressions of Christian ethical principles. It is what German sociologist Max Weber refers to as an ethic of responsibility.

The last section acknowledges the life and work of great Christian leaders in the church and society. These revolutionaries were inspired with a vision to transform whole societies and nations, from the reformer Martin Luther to Nelson Mandela, they all ensured the indelible rewriting of the history of humankind.

For us to succeed antiquated, obsolete forms must be jettisoned and give way to leadership on the cutting edge of progress, but without sacrificing the ethical and moral principles which must undergird our actions.

His previous books are:
African Dawn – The African Renaissance and Christian Values
In His Footprints – Principles of Christian Discipleship

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Ramasamy
• Release date: Mar 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463951958

Book preview

On the

Cutting Edge

Revolutionary Leadership

John Ramasamy

Copyright © 2019 John Ramasamy

Published by John Ramasamy Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2019

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by John Ramasamy using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Colleen Figg for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.co.za

E-mail: [e-mail]

John Ramasamy

[e-mail]

Foreword

In this enlightening book, Dr John Ramasamy imparts some illuminating insights into the principles and practices of leadership for our times. He is aware of the need to realign our thinking and approach in the light of the exponential advances in a progressive world, regardless of whatever sphere of leadership one may be engaged in.

From a Christian perspective, he emphasises the need for godly attributes in a world mired in rampant, pervasive corruption socially, politically and economically. The need for integrity among Christian leaders is critical against the backdrop of dishonest, exploitative, oppressive rule that has plunged countries into the abyss of abject ruin. The history of the African continent reveals the examples of self-serving, arrogant presidents and ministers who wield enormous power to subjugate their people in an agenda of profligacy and self-aggrandisement. Hence, the section on the attributes expected of Christian leaders in church and community, in business and politics.

The chapter on vision and goal-setting is most insightful. There is a call for clear visionary leadership that seeks to ensure the wellbeing of followers as well as pointing them in a direction that will enable them to fulfil worthy goals and objectives. For this to happen, leaders need to dispense with outdated approaches and methods which could only fossilise us into irrelevance. One needs to be at the cutting edge in a world in the throes of rapid change.

Another vital aspect of leadership is that of ethical decision-making. Christian leaders must make decisions that comply with ethical norms and values. The thoughts of such eminent theologians as St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth are discussed. All of them call for practical expressions of Christian ethical principles. The reader’s attention will also be drawn to western philosophical ethics. John Stuart Mill advocates the Principle of Justice (or Equality). The pursuit of pleasure may only be undertaken under a moral normative framework. German sociologist Max Weber advocates an ethic of responsibility which also acknowledges values and obligations. Christian leadership must embrace both the ethic of conviction and the ethic of responsibility.

The last section of the book acknowledges the life and work of great Christian leaders in church and society. These revolutionary leaders were inspired with a vision to transform whole societies and nations. With unswerving devotion and commitment to their cause they confronted their detractors in the face of threats to their lives. The epoch-making contributions of reformers Martin Luther and John Wesley, the civil rights activism of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, and the dynamism of political leaders from Albert Luthuli to Nelson Mandela, all ensured the indelible rewriting of the history of humankind.

Leadership is pioneering in thought and action to address the challenges around us and using wisdom to change society for the better wherever we find ourselves (p.135). Antiquated forms must give way to leadership on the cutting edge of progress, but without sacrificing the ethical and moral principles which must undergird our actions.

PROFESSOR VERUSIA CHETTY

Academic Leader |Teaching and Learning | School of Health Sciences UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL

About the Author

Dr John Ramasamy is a senior pastor of Peniel Missions International (Assemblies of God) for the last 35 years. His pastorate is located in Phoenix and Verulam on the KZN north coast. He is committed to spiritual, moral and social transformation, particularly in developing nations. He has travelled widely and spoken at local and international conferences and seminars, as well as on Christian radio. He holds the position of Honorary Emeritus of the Haggai Institute for Advanced Leadership Skills (International), under whose auspices he is a member of the faculty and a facilitator at its dynamic, transformative seminars.

Dr Ramasamy is the founder and principal of the Word Theological College, equipping students for the work of the ministry, fit for the Master’s use (2 Tim. 2:21). He obtained the following degrees: Dip. Th. at the Theological College of SA; B.Th., Hon. B.Th (cum laude) and M.Th. (all at UNISA). He acquired his Doctor of Divinity degree at the International Institute of Church Management, Florida, USA.

Dr Ramasamy is also a versatile musician, songwriter and singer. He is a recording artist and has produced albums of original gospel music.  He is committed to the teaching and developing of aspirant musicians.

Preface

Of recent times, numerous books and publications have been written on the subject of leadership, each with its own specific emphasis. This work draws some ideas from these issues. The usual themes are attributes of leaders, communicating skills and goal setting. The need for paradigm shifts in a world that is rapidly changing, scientifically and technologically, is brought home to us. Many of these ideas are drawn from the marketplace where most of us spend our lives.

In this book I have included a new trajectory by dealing with Christian leadership in the socio-economic and political context. We as leaders are to direct the church to participate in this arena with the vision of a just society. This requires a revolutionary approach and the courage of one’s convictions as it often entails confrontation with the powers that be. Here I begin with the Protestant Reformation spearheaded by Martin Luther and the role played by John Wesley in England.

Hereafter I draw attention to Africa, South Africa in particular. Some of the giants of the Christian faith were (and are) Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr Beyers Naude. These leaders found themselves in constant opposition to the apartheid policies of the South African government but paved the way for the ultimate transition to a non-racial democracy. Other critics from the evangelical and Pentecostal churches are also mentioned. Prominent among them are Rev Frank Chikane of the Apostolic Faith Mission, and Rev Colin la Foy of the Assemblies of God.

Where do we go from here? The exhortation in Eph. 4:11,12 requires a broader interpretation. Saints must be equipped to minister more holistically including social, economic and political focus, if one must strive to attain the full measure of Christ and His mission in this world. This would contribute immensely to the well-being of society.

John Ramasamy

Table of Contents

Foreword

About the Author

Preface

Section 1. Attributes to Attainment

Introduction

1. Attributes of Leaders

2. Power and Authority

3. Biblical Models of Leadership

4. Leadership – Changes and Challenges

5. The Leader and Rest

6. Attitude Not Aptitude

7. Leadership and Influence

8. The Cost of Leadership

9. Leadership and Delegation

10. Accountability

11. Theocratic or Democratic

12. Leadership and Vision

13. Communication

14. Leadership and Goalsetting

Section 2. Equipping the Saints – A Revolutionary Approach

15. Equipping the Saints – A Revolutionary Approach

Section 3. Ethical Decision-making

16. Ethical Decision-Making

Section 4. Frailty of Leaders in Biblical Times

17. The Rise and Fall of Leaders

Section 5. Revolutionary Leaders

18. Great Revolutionary Leaders in the Post-Biblical Era

19. Contemporary Christian Leaders (20th and 21st centuries)

Bibliography

Section One

Attributes to Attainment

Introduction

Leadership is not a new phenomenon. It has existed since time immemorial. Leaders are those who inspire, guide and influence others, for better or for worse. They enable others to envision and achieve what they may not even have dreamed of, if left to their own devices. It is a well-known fact that on many occasions leaders have had a massive impact on human history, positively or negatively.

Leaders inspire, guide and influence others

The Bible, too, is replete with fascinating examples of men and women, some of whom excelled while others were a dismal failure. In human history there were some outstanding leaders in various fields, and there have been those who were simply pathetic. Some were humane and looked to the wellbeing of the people under their leadership while others were despotic and autocratic and held onto power for their own personal enrichment. In short, the world is in the midst of a leadership crisis. There is a paucity of good leadership and governance in most parts of the world. Eventually there is an uprising, a revolt to dismantle the status quo and replace it with new leadership.

Africa has had more than its fair share of problems in this regard. The fight for independence from colonialism was backed by a promise that the new indigenous leaders would bring about the peace, joy and prosperity they appeared to have been deprived of by their colonial masters. Political freedom, they anticipated, would lead to economic development and progress.

Unfortunately, many populations were sadly disillusioned as the new presidents and governments were oppressive and avaricious and exploited them further while they enriched themselves. They took all the money and deposited it into personal bank accounts in Europe. Quite ironic when one considers that it is Europe that they sent packing from Africa. The people became more impoverished than before. Their last state was worse than the first.

Some examples will suffice. Felix Houphouet-Boigny, president of Ivory Coast (d. 1993) amassed a vast fortune. He lived a profligate lifestyle while the rest of the nation wallowed in abject poverty. In Nigeria, former dictator Sani Abacha and his cronies siphoned out 618 million US dollars between 1993 and 1998.

The most recent revolution saw the end of Robert Mugabe’s corrupt and brutal reign in Zimbabwe. It must be said, though, that there were a few redeeming features; leaders who enjoyed credibility for their stand against corruption and injustice such as Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Nelson Mandela of South Africa.

In a very illuminating article in the Sunday Tribune 22 April 2012, the vice-chancellor of Rhodes University, Saleem Badat, wrote:

Too many in positions of