Abstract

The dissertation is a study of Bishops' leadership in four church bodies: United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic. The study describes ecclesiastical models for leadership which these churches consider normative. They share a common biblical foundation for leadership which is herein described. ;The study also illustrates two other models for leadership, the Executive Leadership Model and the Reconstructive Leadership Model . The ELM is based on the thought of Prof. Philip Selznick and Prof. Charles McCoy and their work in institutional leadership. The RLM is based on the thought of educators John Dewey and Paulo Freire expressed in their educational and social philosophies. ;The above models were presented to the 22 Bishops participating in the research, asking for their evaluation of the models in light of their personal leadership experience. The study examined whether or not the ecclesiastical models were helpful and realistic for the Bishops. Would the Bishops recommend any modifications in their churches' models? Also included in the research was an inquiry concerning how the churches had helped the Bishops prepare for their leadership roles, and how the churches could better assist Bishops in fulfilling them. ;The executive and reconstructive models come from non-ecclesiastical milieux. The study examined whether or not these models and their values were tools useful to the Bishops in examining their own church leadership. Could these models effectively engage the Bishops in a reflective dialogue on their own praxis? ;The interview process with the 22 Bishops showed the power of the models to elicit in-depth analysis and critique of the paradigms as conceptual constructs, as well as analysis and critique of the Bishops' own experiences as leaders. Areas of challenge, need and support for Bishops in their leadership role clearly emerge. Bishops need greater support for and understanding of their positions within their own churches. Their tasks are many and complex. This study calls the churches themselves to consider restructuring the dimensions of Bishops' roles for more effective episcopal leadership