Leadership in Acts through a social capital lens
Date
2009-12-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Social capital can be defined in various ways. In most of these definitions at least three dimensions
can be distinguished. First there is ‘bonding’ (the horizontal relationships between people
operating within different social networks and with specific norms and values). The second
dimension is ‘bridging’ (bonds that transcend differences in religion, ethnicity, culture and socioeconomic
status). This dimension prevents horizontal ties from becoming the basis for narrow
and even sectarian interests. Normally, a third dimension called ‘linking’ also forms part of social
capital, and ideological aspects come into focus here. This dimension includes aspects such as
justice, political power and the equitable distribution of income and property. When leadership
in Acts is analysed through the lenses of these multi-focal spectacles, interesting perspectives
are discovered that can enrich theories on leadership. These discoveries can also open up new
perspectives on aspects of being a missional church in our South African context from within the
context of Acts.
Description
CITATION: Nell, I. A. 2009. Leadership in Acts through a social capital lens. Verbum et Ecclesia, 30(2):61-67, doi:10.4102/ve.v30i2.87.
The original publication is available at http://verbumetecclesia.org.za
The original publication is available at http://verbumetecclesia.org.za
Keywords
Public Theology -- South Africa, Christian leadership -- South Africa
Citation
Nell, I. A. 2009. Leadership in Acts through a social capital lens. Verbum et Ecclesia, 30(2):61-67, doi:10.4102/ve.v30i2.87.