Over the past decades, we have witnessed toxic leadership in unholy abundance, both in the church and the wider world, including in our academic institutions. Whether it is because of modernity and post-modernity or simply sin, truth and integrity hardly matter for many today. Despite all the hype about leadership, great and courageous leaders are a rare species today!
On Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 1400 UTC, Dr Yung Hwa, Bishop Emeritus of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, will discuss how many in the church have followed the world’s leadership patterns. Our Lord Jesus repeatedly reminded his disciples, who were jostling for leadership among themselves, that the call to discipleship is first and foremost a call to servanthood: ‘For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life for many’ (Mark 10:45). This is the gospel’s answer to the crying need for leadership today. But is the church modelling it? How can Christian academics serving in university leadership positions embrace and embody Jesus’ understanding of leadership that begins first with servanthood?
Among his many roles, Dr Hwa has served as a pastor and bishop within the Methodist Church, and as principal of Malaysia Theological Seminary. He has also been involved with various international ministries, including as chair for the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies’ council of trustees and a member of the International Board of the Lausanne Movement.
