Thoughts About “Leadership” and the Church Manual 

Leadership is an important concept for those engaged in running a country, a business, a sports team, a church or other non-profit organization, or any other group of people with a mission to accomplish.  How might the Church Manual enlighten us on this topic? 

What is it that Leads?

Some people think of great leaders as those who can fearlessly and eruditely inspire a large audience. Great foresight, depth of understanding, and technical expertise are all great qualities of a leader, or someone you would want running your organization.  Who wouldn’t want a leader that could move mountains?  However, what is the most important quality?  Paul shows us an interesting perspective.    

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” (I Corinthians 13:1, 2)

Perhaps the most striking statement about leadership to a Christian Scientist is Mrs. Eddy’s statement, “Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way.” (Science and Health 454:18–19) 

“Leader” and “leader”

In reading the Church Manual we find, “A member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., shall not be called Leader by members of this Church, when this term is used in connection with Christian Science” (Church Manual 65:3).  In this context it is important to note the capitalized “L” at the beginning of the word, which indicates that Mrs. Eddy is the only Leader of the Christian Science movement and its church. However, in our church there are many opportunities to express leadership (with a small “l”).  In Christian Science nursing organizations, boards, executive directors, directors of nursing and assistants all have a role in leading the activities of the organizations, people, and other resources entrusted to them.   

Leadership vs. Management

In the business world much has been studied, written, and taught about leadership in organizations, especially the difference between “management” and “leadership.” The concept of management has to do with the “nuts and bolts” of running an organization – regulatory compliance, organizational operating procedures, recruiting, training, planning, monitoring performance, administration, logistics, financial management, and a technical knowledge of the business being conducted by the organization.  The concept of leadership has more to do with the relationships between those working together – shared vision and values (a sense of mutual respect, honesty, trust, openness in communicating, caring, compassion, sincerity, and integrity).  These are issues that inspire and encourage the heart.  Both good leadership and good management are needed for an organization to be successful.  

Leadership and “Guidance of Members” 

Let’s look at the Church Manual, Article VIII, “Guidance of Members,” to see what relevant bylaws might give us insights on how good leadership is expressed. We’re going to look at three important aspects of leadership - values, vision, and being an example.  

Here are some examples of values, vision, and being an example from the Church Manual. “Guidance of Members” and Science and Health:

Values

Values are qualities of thought that guide our behavior and the decisions we make. They guide the quality of our relationship with others.  

• Brotherliness

• Charitableness

• Forgiveness

Vision

Vision indicates what we are striving for and the light, or inspiration, that guides our moving forward.  We are all following something in our lives.  When a shared vision unites all in the same direction it becomes the leader that all in the organization desire to follow.    

• “... Our duty to God, our Leader, and to mankind.”

• “In Science, divine Love alone governs man; …”

• “Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way.” (Science and Health 454:18–19)

• “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” (Science and Health 494:10–11)

Being an Example

Leading by example demonstrates a leader’s commitment to following the very values and vision that he or she professes.  It expresses honesty, faithfulness, and sincerity.  It is a great way to train and inform subordinates.  

• “... daily watch and pray to be delivered from all evil, from prophesying, judging, condemning, counseling, influencing or being influenced erroneously.”

• “The wise man saith, ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath.’”

• “... strive to promote the welfare of all mankind …”

• “... cherish no enmity toward others…” 

• “... defend the Cause of Christ with love and without fear.” 

“Leadership” as “Followership”

Mrs. Eddy is known as the Leader of the Christian Science movement. But, even she said,

“Finally, brethren, wait patiently on God; return blessing for cursing; be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good; be steadfast, abide and abound in faith, understanding, and good works; study the Bible and the textbook of our denomination; obey strictly the laws that be, and follow your Leader only so far as she follows Christ. (Mssg ‘01 34:20–26)

Our work as leaders in organizations having a Christian mission is to follow Christ Jesus in all the affairs of business for which we are responsible. To render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, to render unto God that which is God’s, and to always know the difference.  

We have a spiritual and moral mission. As members of The Mother Church, our spiritual mission is to continue to demonstrate our knowledge of Christian Science practice.  Our moral mission is to demonstrate practical wisdom in carrying out our managerial responsibilities and to take proper care of our employees and others with whom we conduct business.