Integrity3 the Importance of Integrity in Christian Leadership: Giftedness + Integrity3 = Leadership Productivity

By Rev. Dr. Jasmin O. Brown Dmin DSL

Integrity has been an essential component of leadership throughout the ages. The Church is facing an integrity crisis; consistently struggling with a plethora of ethical woes among several gifted leaders. Not only is the Churchs conduct in question, its very character and competence are being placed under intense scrutiny.

This book explores three dimensions of integrity. It proposes that the overall process of leadership development pivots on three dimensions of integrity: personal integrity (the character of the leader), vocational integrity (the competence of the leader) and organizational integrity, (the commitment and contribution of the leader). This book also proposes that while being gifted is an asset to leadership; giftedness is never enough for successful leadership. It is the combination of giftedness + integrity3 that will facilitate effective leadership.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jan 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512770391

Rev. Dr. Jasmin O. Brown Dmin DSL

Rev. Dr. Jasmin Brown is General Overseer for The New United Bible Way Church of God, and the Director and founder for Alpha & Omega School of Christian Leadership. She has a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies from Logos University, FL, a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, from Caribbean Graduate School of Theology, Kingston, Jamaica, a Doctorate in Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, and a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University, Virginia. Dr. Brown is an itinerant speaker who frequently speaks at conferences and seminars in numerous countries across the world; developing leaders and planting churches for the glory of God. She has a passion to empower leaders who will transform their organizations and ultimately the world. Her encouragement to leaders is to lead with integrity. The equation, Giftedness + Integrity3 = Leadership Productivity, is her formula for effective leadership. Her desire is to be an instrument for change that is perpetually used by God to transform lives across the world.

Book preview

Series Title Page

Also by Rev. Dr. Jasmin O. Brown

Bruised but Not Broken in Despair

Checked-in but Not On Board

Come Here My Crippled Child

Integrity³

The Importance

of Integrity in

Christian Leadership

Giftedness + Integrity³ = Leadership Productivity

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Rev. Dr. Jasmin O. Brown, Dmin, DSL

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Copyright © 2017 Rev. Dr. Jasmin O. Brown, Dmin, DSL.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-7040-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7041-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7039-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016921629

WestBow Press rev. date: 01/31/2017

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Integrity: Christian Leadership Model

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Integrity Crisis

Chapter 2 What Is Integrity³?

Personal integrity

Vocational integrity

Organizational Integrity

Chapter 3 Theological Foundation for the Three Dimensions of Integrity

Chapter 4 The Leadership Equation

What is Giftedness?

Spiritual Gifts

Theological Foundation for Giftedness

Chapter 5 Integrity³ in the Life of Jesus

Personal Integrity in the Life of Jesus

Vocational Integrity in the Life of Jesus

Organizational Integrity in the Life of Jesus

Chapter 6 Insights on Leadership from the Apostle Paul – 1 Timothy 3

Qualifications for Leadership

The Desire to Lead- 1 Timothy 3:1

Qualifications for Bishops- 1 Timothy 3:2-4

The Leader’s Personal Life (self- mastery) -— 1 Timothy 3:2, 3, 8, 11

The Leader’s Fidelity in Marriage

Temper and Temperance

The Leader’s Attitude towards Money

Drinking Habits

The Leader’s Responsibility to Family- 1 Timothy 3:4, 12

The Leader’s Responsibility to Outsiders—1 Timothy 3:7

The Leader’s Ability to Teach

Chapter 7 Personal Integrity in the Life of the Leader - Character

The Leader’s Character

The Leader’s Inner Self

The Leader’s Relationship with God

Spiritual Formation

The Spiritual Disciplines

Prayer

Barriers to Intimacy

The Leader’s Relationship to Others

Trust

Sincerity

Values and Personal Ethics

Personal Morality

A Balanced Life

Rest and Relaxation

Personal Health

Financial Integrity

Time Management

Family Life

Accountability

Chapter 8 Vocational Integrity in the Life of the Leader - Competence

The Call

Competence

Service

Responsibilities of a Leader

Ministry of the Word – Sermon preparation

Teaching

Church Administration

Pastoral Care & Counseling

Continuous Learning

Chapter 9 Organizational Integrity in the Life of the Leader - Contribution

Leading Organizational Change

Vision and Mission

Benefits of Vision

Core Values

Strategic Planning

Goal Setting

Leadership Development

Discipleship and Mentoring

The Role of Mentoring and Discipling

Mission Evangelism

Succession Planning

Chapter 10 Giftedness + Integrity³ versus Giftedness - Integrity³

Leadership Success or Leadership Failure

King David – A Leader After God’s Heart

Solomon the Wisest Leader

Samson the Mighty Leader

Saul the First King

Samuel – the Seer, Prophet, Priest, Judge

Conclusion

APPENDICES

Integrity Christian Leadership Model (ICLM) Seminar outline

Eight-week Seminar Outline

Alpha & Omega School of Christian Leadership

Endnotes

An insightful and comprehensive discourse and guidebook on the concept of integrity in specific relation to Christian leaders, Integrity3: The Importance of Integrity to Christian Leadership presents to readers, a compelling articulation of a diversity of ways to comprehend integrity. Quite efficiently, the author implores leaders to become embodiments of integrity, which will allow them to be committed to God and their organizations in the truest sense of purity and fulfillment. (Georgina Scott)

Preface

The Integrity³ Leadership Model takes an integrated approach to the importance of integrity in Christian leadership. This book is based on the assumption that God is still in the business of raising up leaders and developing them to lead effectively. It proposes that as God shapes leaders for the advancement of His kingdom, integrity is critical in the developmental process. However effectiveness in ministry will require taking a holistic approach to leadership development.

Usually, when one thinks about integrity, the leader’s morality immediately comes to mind. The moral and ethical aspects of integrity are commonly emphasized over other types of integrity; however, it is evident that along with moral integrity, leaders are also faced with many other issues of integrity. Hence, this book explores three dimensions of integrity that are essential for Christian leadership: personal integrity, vocational integrity, and organizational integrity. It proposes that the overall process of leadership development pivots on these three kinds of integrity formation: personal integrity, which focuses on the personhood of the leader (character); vocational integrity, which focuses on the leader’s competence and organizational integrity which focuses on the leader’s commitment and responsibility to make a tangible contribution to his or her organization by advancing the organization’s vision and mission.

The subtitle, Giftedness + Integrity³ = Leadership Productivity, focuses on the importance of the combination of giftedness and integrity in order to experience effectiveness in leadership. This book postulates that even though a leader may be gifted and the call of God may be strongly upon his or her life, the call does not erase the need for maintaining integrity at all levels, which also includes the development of the various skills needed for effective ministry.

My interest for the overall subject of integrity in Christian leadership emerged from my observation of the many ethical scandals surrounding church leaders. These ethical scandals were marked by sexual misconduct, abuse of power, mismanagement of financial resources, infidelity, molestation and numerous other issues of integrity. My interest for the three dimensions of integrity developed at different times and under varying circumstances. The issue of personal integrity became of great concern to me after becoming personally acquainted with numerous individuals who were victims of clergy misconduct. Many of these cases involved lay-persons who had been abused and/or betrayed by spiritual leaders. As I listened carefully to the bemoaning of these individuals, I could not disregard their cries as they expressed their anger and disappointment in these leaders. It became clear to me that there was a need for spiritual leaders who would lead with integrity and high moral standards in leadership.

My interest for vocational and organizational integrity in Christian leadership developed out of my childhood experiences in a local independent church. Growing up within this local church I was associated with many spiritual leaders. I admired these leaders because of their earnest commitment to the ministry and to prayer and fasting. Their morality and spirituality were commendable. However, they failed to place sufficient emphasis on the other important areas of leadership. Areas such as, sermon preparation, pastoral care and counseling, church administration, leadership development for both existing and emerging leaders, strategic planning, and the overall structure of the organization.

Within this local church good leaders were defined by the ‘anointing upon their lives’. The emphasis was placed on charisma rather than the combination of divine anointing and the development of human skills for effective ministry. Many leaders refused to invest their time in being developed. Quite commonly, the majority of these leaders lacked the adequate training related to the leadership position and/or leadership responsibilities assigned to them. The few leaders that were trained often made little or no effort to upgrade or improve their learning. These issues have resulted in ineffective leadership and fruitlessness. As such, over time the organization experienced tremendous struggles and grew ineffective and irrelevant in many areas. Although many leaders may be a part of a more structured and established organization than the one described above, the fact remains that a significant number of leaders still lack integrity in various areas of their lives and ministries. In order for leaders to be totally effective in their leadership role, they need to address all dimensions of integrity. Hence, an integrated approach to integrity in leadership development is imperative.

The prevalence of this integrity crisis within the church, led to my decision to research the topic of integrity for my dissertation project at Asbury Theological Seminary. The purpose of the research was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral changes among pastors and lay leaders of the Alpha and Omega School of Christian Leadership, located in Jamaica, West Indies. These leaders participated in an eight-week leadership seminar and two follow-up seminars; focusing on the importance of personal, vocational, and organizational integrity in Christian leadership with an emphasis on the theme: Giftedness + Integrity³= Leadership Productivity.

Leaders completed both the pre and post tests of the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI). Four major findings in relation to the importance of integrity in Christian leadership were discovered in this research. These findings were identified in three categories: the leader’s Character (personal integrity), Competence (vocational integrity), commitment and Contribution (organizational integrity). In the category of character (personal integrity) leaders were assessed in the areas of spiritual authenticity, wholeness, morals and self-awareness. The leaders and lay leaders who engaged in this study scored lowest in the area of wholeness. This result reflects the leader’s struggle to create a sense of balance for the demands of self, ministry and the family. The leaders who participated in this research expressed some of the challenges they are faced with in ministry which has resulted in their inability to balance their time appropriately: Some have explained that due to the busyness of their ministry schedules and other commitments they struggle to faithfully practice the spiritual disciplines and daily devotions. Nevertheless, most of the leaders reported that since attending the seminar, they have made the decision to pay more careful attention to practicing the spiritual disciplines and living a more balanced lifestyle.

The second finding in this research was discovered in the category of vocational integrity (competence). Within this category leaders were assessed in the areas of knowledge and teaching, strategic discernment, administrative and pastoral skills. Most leaders who participated in this research scored highest in the areas of knowledge and teaching and lowest in the areas of administrative skills and pastoral care. This is an indication that most of these leaders possessed limited skills in handling the administrative matters of the church efficiently, and were limited in their knowledge and practice of administrative skills and pastoral care.

The third and fourth findings were identified in the category that assessed the leader’s contribution to the organization (organizational integrity). This category evaluated the leader’s ability to discern and implement a vision, build teams, reach new people, expand mission and foster faith development. The study showed that leaders and lay leaders who participated in this research scored moderate to low in most areas in this category. Many of these leaders practiced minimum to no strategic planning and had no specific vision or mission guiding their organizations forward. The fourth finding revealed that over the years, most leaders who participated in this research did little or no succession planning, they placed limited emphasis on developing emerging leaders or empowering the existing ones. Certainly there were limitations to this study, and all of its findings may not be relevant to all leaders or every organization. However, it is evident that it is an accurate description of numerous leaders and organizations. The results and findings garnered through this research have led to the development of The Integrity³ Leadership Model and the writing of this book. The numerous ethical scandals in recent years involving gifted and anointed television preachers, and the many scandals surrounding church leaders, are undeniable proofs that the church is no exception to the integrity crisis faced by the rest of the world. It is evident that giftedness, although necessary, is not enough for effective leadership. Success in leadership will require giftedness + integrity³ in order to produce effective leadership. It is my belief that taking an integrated approach to integrity in leadership development will certainly be a step in the right direction to minimize the number of leadership failures generated by the lack of integrity within churches and other organizations.

Acknowledgments

My special appreciation goes first to God for his uncommon favor in having allowed me to be a participant of this great Doctor of Ministry Program at Asbury Theological Seminary. I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire family of the Beeson Center and the Doctor of Ministry program at Asbury Theological Seminary, to Dr. Timothy Tenant, Dr. Tom Tumblin, Dr. Milton Lowe, Dr. Russell West, and the entire body of the Beeson International team for such an opportunity to be a recipient of this life transforming program.

Very special thanks go to my dissertation mentor Dr. Milton Lowe, for his support and patience; also my dissertation committee to Drs. Tom Tumblin and Richard Gray. Their patience and assistance have made all the difference. Thanks to Kasey and Lacey for the wonderful service and the great hospitality they have given. I would also like to say thanks to Dr. Verna Lowe for encouraging and supporting my decision to write on this topic - Integrity. Thanks To Joseph Arnold of Lewis Center for Church Leadership, for allowing me to utilize the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI) for this research.

My wonderful family; my mom, Evelyn Brown, brothers Terrence and Alan, my sister Cislyn, along with my wonderful nieces and nephews have offered encouragement and support throughout my studies and for this I am very grateful. To my church family, The New United Bibleway Church of God, both in the USA and Jamaica, who has provided invaluable prayer and support in this project in spite of its demands on their pastor’s time and energy; you have been extremely understanding and I am grateful. To the family of Alpha & Omega School of Christian Leadership, staff and students, I am grateful for your tremendous support and involvement in this project. Many friends have helped me on this great journey but I would like to express special thanks to my personal mentor Dr. Emannuel Obasare, who, has offered much guidance and encouragement throughout my studies. Thanks to all my spiritual children, I am very grateful for all your love and support. I am deeply indebted to Miss Georgina Scott not only for her tremendous support and steadfast encouragement, but also for the sacrifice she has made to edit this book over and over again as well as assisting in several other ways, you are greatly appreciated. Thanks to Miss Jenny Byfield for being my second editor. Your support and contribution to this project is greatly appreciated: and again thanks to my brother Alan Brown, my graphic designer and photographer. Your support to this project is