BEYOND TYRANNY & NARCISSISM: Jesus incarnates leadership; why do we fail to follow

Benjamin Williams; Michael Mckibben

Apr 2010 · Xlibris Corporation

About this ebook

History is strewn with examples of failed leadership. The book ends for these stories, we contend, are abusive power and control (tyranny) on one hand and "me" (narcissism) on the other. Tyranny gives us such notables as Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Nero and Ivan the Terrible. Narcissism gives us Bernard Maddoff, Enron, Jim Bakker, Henry the 8th ,and Louis the 14th.

With so many examples of failed leadership, why have we not learned our lesson? Why do we keep repeating our mistakes? The answer lies in human nature. Some people lust for power and control over others, and if the truth be told, others prefer being "told what to do" because then they don't have to think or take responsibility for their actions: being controlled gives them someone to blame. Others crave attention and seek the adulation of those around them and, like the victims of tyranny, those ruled by narcissists prefer a hero figure to adore in good times, and blame in bad times.

Christianity is both belief and practice. Therefore it is both critical, and the authors argue, necessary, that the leadership practices of Christians be consistent with the faith. What do you do when you've tried the theories and they aren't working? You move beyond tyranny and narcissism. Where do you go? You go to historic Christianity. At the heart of the Christian revelation you will discover a timeless organizational model that is founded upon the Holy Trinity, and a leadership model incarnated in Jesus Christ both of which are relevant for daily living and decision making, no matter what your organization. It's time to stop acquiescing to tyranny and narcissism as if things cannot be better. It's time to claim the higher ground. This takes leadership born of courage, strength, character, discipline and faith. It also takes knowing where you want to go. The authors provide a well-grounded blueprint.

Beginning with a Trinitarian vision of a communion of persons, McKibben and Williams outline in many practical ways how it is possible to make hierarchy and conciliarity complementary aspects of a leadership based on mutual service and accountability. If you are disillusioned with organizational church life, or simply frustrated at the gap between theology and administration, then this book will be a source of hope

If you are disillusioned with organizational church life, or simply frustraed at the gap between theology and administration, then this book will be a source of hope....this is a pioneering work.

Fr. John A. Jillions

Associate Professor, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada; Vice-President of the Canadian Council of Churches

Beyond Tryanny and Narcissism addresses organizational realities that all churches and businesses struggle with, and does so from the perspective of the historic Christian faith by drawing on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and Christ ́s leadership style. It is the best single practical treatment on the Holy Trinity I have read.

Dr Richared J. Mouw

President, Fuller Theological Seminary

About the author

Michael T. McKibben is chairman of Leader Technologies, a company he founded in Columbus, Ohio to develop and market web-based collaboration platforms that merge voice, streaming media and data (http://www.leader.com). Mike led the redevelopment of AT&T's email system during the emergence of the commercial internet in the early to mid-1990's. After graduating from The Ohio State University in civil engineering and with a strong musical background, he became European director of Living Sound, a Christian music organization specializing in musical missions. His involvement in international Christian missions over several decades has allowed him to work with business, education, political and religious leaders in some 27 countries and across the theological spectrum including Pope John Paul II in Poland and later Rome, the Church of England in Canterbury, the Underground Church in the former Soviet Union, Pat Robertson's 700 Club, Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth with a Mission, London's New Christian Music and Keston College, the Korean Presbyterian Church, and Russian Patriarch Aleksy in Moscow among them. Mike has authored several planning and management books, and he is also the author of Orthodox Christian Meetings, a practical guide to an Orthodox understanding of communications and administration, with an emphasis on how we work together and conduct meetings. Beyond Tyranny and Narcissim is the second editing of Oriented Leadership - Why Every Christian Needs It, originally written for the Orthodox Church in America's bicentennial celebration in 1994. Benjamin D. Williams is Director of Strategic Accounts for Welch Allyn, Inc, a manufacturer of medical equipment. He holds an undergraduate degree in Zoology from Southern Utah State University, and a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary (1979). Since then he has served in various facets of Christian ministry, including pastor, cantor, prison chaplain, and parish council chairman. He has been actively involved in the founding of three mission parishes. Since graduating from seminary, he has been employed in the health care industry, serving in various sales management leadership positions for the past twenty years. He has conducted leadership development programs for churches and businesses, as well as serving on the boards of a number of non-profit organizations. Ben also co-authored Orthodox Worship, an introduction to the origins and development of the worship practices of the Orthodox Church.