Critical Faith-based Leadership in Vulnerable Communities: Personal-professional reflections of a practitioner

Tamara S Pilgrim

The Christian Church has a long history of involvement in community development and aid work both locally and abroad. The Christian mandate to love others has driven many to create agencies, serve and donate in order to assist the least of these. These initiatives are influenced by competing forces (internally and externally) and good intentions are not always enough to create positive outcomes for those in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Leaders serving within this context are both influenced by and influencers of these forces, the cultures created and the resulting outcomes. This study used the methodology of critical reflective practice to explore and critically assess my experiences as a faith-based leader working with individuals and communities experiencing vulnerability. This gave insight into how community-based faith organisations engage with individuals and families living in circumstances of disadvantage and how the leaders within these organisations reconcile the rhetoric and reality of official policies and practices and the impact on social justice. The study reveals some key struggles that arise for the faith-based leader in working with vulnerable communities. These experiences informed the presentation of two key philosophies that can be used to guide faith-based leaders in their work environment: the Hope Cycle and the Power of Presence. Conclusions from the study suggest that faith-based leadership needs to come from a posture of love, use a discipline of critical reflection, and a practice of hopeful presence. The study leads to recommendations relating to leader posture, preparation and practice. By “opening the door” into the world of a faith-based leader and exploring and strengthening the concept of critical faith-based leadership, it is hoped that this study might ultimately influence a more socially just response to marginalised communities based on the values of inherent worth, relentless hope, persistent presence and radical love.

Critical Faith-based Leadership in Vulnerable Communities: Personal-professional reflections of a practitioner

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