RT Article
T1 Pastoral leadership as dance: how embodiment, practice and identity shape communities and their leadership
JF Practical theology
VO 12
IS 3
SP 312
OP 322
A1 Barentsen, Jack
LA English
PB Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group
YR 2019
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1670499936
AB 'Dance' aptly describes the complex nature of spiritual leadership within faith communities, although it is rarely used. Three scenarios describe the embodied leadership of a priest, a preacher and a pastor as they literally stand in front of their congregations. The scenarios demonstrate the importance of bodily position, how bodily performance accords with the community's beliefs and embodies the community's authority; and how virtuosity generates a sense of belonging as leader and followers participate in their common vision of God's presence. A mutuality arises in the congregation's complex interactions, so that leaders and followers shape and are shaped by the religious identity of the congregation as they seek to remain faithful and relevant amidst many competing influences. The practice of pastoral leadership is a dance as leaders navigate a complex landscape of various constituencies (dance partners), cultural values, civic priorities, and, most supremely, various visions of divine transformation.
K1 Church Leadership
K1 embodied leadership
K1 leadership as social construction
K1 RELIGIOUS leadership
K1 theology of leadership
DO 10.1080/1756073X.2019.1591796