Ethics and Christian Leadership: Forming Virtue
Ethical leadership has become somewhat of a hot topic in contemporary leadership literature. Unfortunately, much of the buzz about ethical leadership comes from the lack of ethical leadership we’ve seen through corporate scandals and the behaviors of politicians in contemporary times (Northouse, 2022, p. 422). Equally unfortunate, some of those unethical leaders were pastors and public figures otherwise claiming the name of Christ.
Ethics play a vital, formational role in Christian leadership. Although Christians have adopted various orientations to ethics, this blog argues that a Christian, biblical ethic is fundamentally based in virtue (Wright, 2010). Unlike rule-based or utilitarian ethics, which focus on specific actions or outcomes, virtue ethics centers on the character of the individual (Wright, 2010). A virtue-based approach defines morality based on the biblical portrayal of a spiritually mature Christian – one who authentically reflects the image of God in Jesus Christ (Wright, 2010).
This focus on character formation is what sets Christian ethics apart. Rather than simply dictating a set of do’s and don'ts, Christian virtue-based ethics articulate a vision of who we aspire to be and provides a roadmap for becoming virtuous. In other words, Christian ethics are about being and becoming a complete, healthy human being aligned with how God defines health.
God calls us to more than just making right choices — we're called to become the right kind of people in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ethical Christian leadership is a journey of transformation that impacts every aspect of our leadership and ministry.
Jesus: The Exemplar of Virtue-Based Ethics
The revolutionary nature of Jesus' teachings in His time partly stemmed from this virtue-based approach. While the religious leaders of His day adhered strictly to a rule-based ethic centered on the Mosaic Law, Jesus emphasized the paramount importance of heart transformation. He consistently argued that God desires the genuine expression of character being formed in the heart, not just robotic adherence to rules.
This shift in focus from external compliance to internal transformation was radical. It challenged the prevailing religious paradigm and set the stage for a new understanding of what it means to live a godly life. Consider the following biblical examples:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly used the phrase "You have heard that it was said... But I tell you," — emphasizing internal attitudes over external actions (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44).
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their focus on outward appearances while neglecting inner righteousness: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25-26).
He taught that true defilement comes from within, not from external factors: "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them" (Matthew 15:11).
Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and neighbor as the foundation of all commandments, shifting focus from rule-following to relational ethics (Matthew 22:36-40).
In His interaction with the rich young ruler, Jesus pointed out that mere rule-following was insufficient for spiritual maturity (Mark 10:17-22).
The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrated that true righteousness is about character and action, not just religious identity or rule-following (Luke 10:25-37).
These teachings demonstrate Jesus' emphasis on heart transformation and character development, aligning with a virtue-based ethical approach. He consistently taught that God is more concerned with the state of our hearts than with mere external compliance to rules.
Navigating the Complexity of Virtue-Based Ethics
It's important to acknowledge that a virtue-based ethic can appear more complex than its rule-based or utilitarian counterparts. “Virtue” doesn't always provide clear-cut answers, as ethical decisions in a virtue-based ethic can vary based on specific circumstances. This complexity is mirrored in biblical wisdom literature, particularly in the book of Proverbs, where apparent contradictions often appear side by side. Consider these examples from Proverbs:
On answering fools:
Proverbs 26:4 states, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him."
Yet, the very next verse, Proverbs 26:5, says, "Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
On confronting wrongdoing:
Proverbs 9:8 advises, "Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you."
But Proverbs 27:5 encourages, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love."
On planning:
Proverbs 21:5 states, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
However, Proverbs 27:1 warns, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."
Yet, this complexity of virtue-based ethics is not actually a weakness. It’s a strength. The complexity of virtue ethics reflects the nuanced nature of real-life ethical dilemmas and encourages leaders to develop discernment rather than relying on rigid rules. Christian leaders must develop God-honoring, Bible-based virtue that forms in the image of Christ in order to make wise, ethical decisions.
Embracing Virtue-Based Ethics in Leadership
The path of ethical Christian leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and transformation. It requires us to continually seek God's wisdom, engage in spiritual formation practices, and strive to embody the virtues exemplified by Christ. As Christian leaders, our ethical framework must be built on the foundation of how God defines health and wholeness. This requires more than just knowledge of the “right” morality; it demands a deep commitment to spiritual formation and a constant seeking of God's wisdom.
This approach to ethics is not just about making the right choices; it's about becoming the right kind of person. It's a journey of transformation that impacts every aspect of our leadership and ministry. Our goal as ethical Christian leaders is not just to make correct decisions, but to become leaders whose very character reflects the love, wisdom, and integrity of Christ. In doing so, we not only lead effectively but also inspire those around us to pursue a life of virtue and godliness.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (Ninth Edition). SAGE Publishing.
Wright, N. T. (2010). After you believe: Why Christian character matters. HarperOne.
