Like it or not, both the substance and style, personality and professional demeanor, of a religious leader influence both the public perception and actual institutional character of the organization led.
As a member of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1980 to 1984, I watched a dramatic change of leadership in that giant evangelical body. As individuals steeped in and committed to the historic Baptist tradition were pushed aside by political-theological fundamentalists using fear, innuendo, and personal attacks to pave their way to power, virtually everything about that historic convention changed.
A commitment to cooperation was replaced by a demand for conformity with the doctrines, social policies, and visions of the leaders. Theological education to equip ministers for ministry gave way to theological indoctrination to assure ideological orthodoxy among all graduates. Corporate compassion faded in the shadow of heavy-handed judgment. A political agenda was baptized as a criterion for determining authentic spirituality. Gone were the passion for freedom, respect for the priesthood of every believer, and an unwavering commitment to the separation of church and state that were non-negotiable convictions among historic Baptists. Leadership matters!
Rank and file members of a religious organization are somewhat at the mercy of the personalities and priorities of their national leaders. From the executive offices of religious organizations come decisions about financial priorities, theological emphases, strategies for missions and ministries, cooperative efforts or initiatives in isolation, and the substance of press releases on a variety of issues.
Every segment of a religious organization is impacted directly by the styles, personalities, priorities, and beliefs of the organization’s leaders.
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