The complexities of today’s global affairs require a new kind of leader. A leader that is concerned over the daunting statistics of extreme poverty. A leader that loses sleep over the injustices done unto a people group on the other side of the world. A leader who sees their duty as conquering the offenses of society and ultimately leading people down a path of reconciliation. The world is need of just leaders.
What then is just leadership? Just leadership focuses on issues revolving around societal justice. This can be defined as, “The fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, ect, and to be treated equally and without prejudice” ("Social Justice," 2010). Just leaders focus on values. Zigarmi (2008) explains that just leaders must not focus on any one value but, “the values must be the noblest needs and value of humankind. The needs and values that serve each individual by firmly and yet gently establishing and reminding everyone of the obvious responsibility each individual has to the welfare of the whole” (p. 35). Scripture states that just leaders focus on the ministry of reconciliation. “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18, New American Standard Bible). Just leadership can then be defined as leaders who concern themselves with societal issues, implementing values that lead to reconciliation with both God and His creation.
There is much more research, debate and conclusions to be drawn in the future regarding the topic of just leadership. However, this paper is a call for all leaders to begin to examine their work through the scope of God’s call to justice. It is time for a new kind of leader to emerge. In the words of the prophet Amos, “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (5:8).
