Writing.....

Superficial, Self-Centered, Shallow: 

Recognizing Poor Leadership in a Christian Environment & What To Do About It

At a Christian school, college and/or university, or other institution upheld and founded on the Biblical principles of Christ-like humiliation and compassion towards others, those in positions of leadership and authority should be held to the utmost standards of God himself. 

Because a Christian institution publicly proclaims to be an institution based on the example of Jesus himself, the employees of said institution, no matter how high or low they are on the ladder, should be held to a very high standard of excellence and should not be placed in a position of authority if their relationship with God and their interaction with others based on their claim to be a Christian is in question in any way, shape, or form. 

When an institution hires a leader who appears to be a religious person on the surface but is in reality far from it, the institution should be held accountable for their behavior, as should the person who was wrongly placed in a position of authority. 

Or at least, this is the Biblical way to handle such situations. 

Unfortunately, not all institutions claiming to base their every move on those of Jesus truly are. Many of them choose to shove issues that come up with their employees under the rug, even at the risk of hurting their students. If they wish to keep up a certain appearance, even that of a religious one, it doesn't matter to them if a student (or multiple students) are harmed or even begin to question their faith because of the poor examples they see in the leadership at their university. 

At a Christian university, anyone in a position of leadership, whether it be a professor or a member of the Residence Life Team, must above all value the qualities of a servant leader. Jesus Christ was the ultimate servant leader, and anyone who professes to follow Jesus's example at a Christian institution must not only put the qualities of a servant leader in a prominent position, but must have other people to hold him or her accountable. Without solid accountability, a person in leadership position can abuse their authority and will no doubt bring harm to those who look to them for guidance. 

Anyone--and I mean anyone--who disgraces the name of Jesus and tarnishes the purity of his Church with unacceptable actions and using his name to harm others--should be held accountable. Anyone who has experienced anything they believe to be against the Bible's direction for servant leadership should never, under any circumstances, be afraid to graciously and respectfully raise the issue to someone in higher authority. 

People who are in positions of authority should never be self-centered, desperate for power and control, arrogant, or degrading towards those they are in authority over. " A servant is one who, even when in positions of leadership seeks to lead and influence others through lives given in ministry for the blessing of others and their needs. As the following passages will demonstrate, the Lord Jesus came as a servant with a commitment to serve. Just think, if He had come to be served, our redemption could and would never have taken place. Likewise, our failure to live as servants throws up a huge barrier to effective ministry as representatives of the Lord Jesus." (Bible.org) https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-8-heart-servant

Those who are in a position of authority should NEVER, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, have the qualities of a narcissist. This goes against every standard that Jesus preached and actively lived by. Unfortunately, even in the instance of a "Christian" who struggles with narcissistic tendencies, a position of leadership is highly dangerous to those who are under that authority. 

As someone who has personally seen and been a target of narcissistic leadership at a Christian university, I know how destructive, painful, and confusing it can be. Being under the fire of a self-centered bully who has been erratically placed in a leadership position is a terrifying place to be, and it has led me to question my faith while dealing with paranoia, anxiety, doubt, and worry. I began the process of biblical confrontation in November. Unfortunately, I have yet to see improvement, and am praying about whether to pursue the confrontation process. 

If you are dealing with a situation that you believe goes against Jesus's personal example of what it means to be a servant leader, do not be afraid to say something. Biblical confrontation is important. Don't shy away from handling situations the way Jesus would; pray constantly for wisdom and insight. Doing nothing will result in further harm to you and possibly to others. Find out who you can go to about your struggle. Pray hard for gracious speech, a Jesus-centered heart and mind, and a courageous stance. Don't back down! If someone claims to follow Jesus and their actions contradict that, it's a red flag, especially at a Christian institution, and it needs to be dealt with.  

Standing up to authorities can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially as a young adult. Remember, though, what Paul told Timothy as he was learning how to become a servant leader: Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1Tim 4:12) 

I've included some links below with qualities of a servant leader, qualities of a narcissist, encouraging Bible verses, biblical confrontation standards, etc. 

9 Qualities of the Servant Leader

1: Values diverse opinions

2: Cultivates a culture of trust

3: Develops other leaders

4: Helps people with life issues

5: Encourages

6: Sells instead of tells

7: Thinks you, not me

8: Thinks long-term

9: Acts with humility 

sources: http://www.skipprichard.com/9-qualities-of-the-servant-leader/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Seven-Deadly-Sins-of-Narcissism.aspx

https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-8-heart-servant

https://www.openbible.info/topics/confrontation