Weakness and spiritual leadership : an empirical-theological examination of the effects of physically and psychologically handicapped spiritual leaders on church development

摘要

This empirical and theological project researches physical and emotionalweakness in the context of spiritual leadership, in order to discover whatconsequences these impediments have on church development. Selectedrepresentatives (national leaders - or at least regional leaders - of Swiss state andfree churches) have therefore been interviewed. It was possible to describe fourcontrasting typologies which describe the different effects of handicapped leadersand to deduce various consequences for the understanding of church leadershipand development.This research is an attempt to contribute to a differentiated practice of dealingwith physically and emotionally suffering leaders in the field of churchdevelopment. It can be seen as a first explorative study of the evaluation ofinstitutional practice.